On Thursday, 15th August 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas presided over Matins and celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Wood Green. He was joined by His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos of Ireland and His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Claudiopolis. Among those concelebrating were the V. Revd Archimandrite Nephon Tsimallis, Protosyngellus, the Revd Protopresbyter Panayiotis Dik, the Revd Oeconomos Nikolaos Kokkinos and the Revd Presbyter Petros Georgiou. Archdeacon Dr George Tsourous, Deacon Gregory Florides and Deacon Georgios Ntallas also served.

Distinguished guests in attendance included H.E the Hon. Mrs Iphigenia Kanara, Deputy Head of Mission and H.E. the Hon. Mr Christos Gkoulas, Head of the Consular Section, from the Embassy of the Hellenic Republic, Ms Melivia Demetriou, Political Counsellor of the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus, and Pambos Charalambou, MP for Enfield, alongside Counsellor Eddie Griffith, former Mayor of Haringey and Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate The Archbishop delivered a sermon emphasising the importance of the Dormition of the Mother of God, who embraced God through her unwavering obedience, urging the great number of faithful in attendance to follow the example of the Theotokos in their lives.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, His Eminence bestowed the Offikion of Oeconomos upon the Revd Presbyter Petros Georgiou, in recognition of his dedicated service, unwavering commitment to the Church, and pastoral care within the community.

Following the end of the Liturgy, His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Claudiopolis extended a warm welcome to His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas and also His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos of the newly-established Metropolis of Ireland who visited London and expressed gratitude to all who labour for the good of the Church and the community in Wood Green.

The Community at Wood Green celebrated its annual Greek festival, introducing and celebrating with the local residents Hellenic culture, food, and music. Various stands were set up, offering traditional Greek Cypriot delicacies and products from Greece, Cyprus, and other Orthodox countries, providing an opportunity for attendees to interact and enjoy fellowship.

Photo courtesy: Alexios Gennaris

On Saturday, 10th August 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain made his inaugural pastoral visit to the Church of the Holy Transfiguration in Great Walsingham. The Revd Presbyter Christopher Knight, Priest-in-Charge, and the congregation warmly welcomed His Eminence, who was accompanied by Archdeacon George Tsourous.

Before Vespers that evening, Fr Christopher took the Archbishop on a memorable tour of Walsingham’s sacred sites. Their journey included a visit to the revered Anglican Shrine of Our Lady, which also includes the Orthodox Chapel of the Theotokos the Life-giving Spring, a symbol of the village’s rich spiritual heritage. They also stopped at the Slipper Chapel, where, in medieval times, pilgrims would remove their shoes before continuing barefoot to the Holy House. Their pilgrimage through history continued with a visit to the Orthodox Chapel of St Seraphim, culminating in a tour of the Icon Heritage Museum.

The following day, Sunday 11th August, His Eminence celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Holy Transfiguration. Celebrating with His Eminence were the Revd Protopresbyter Patrick Hodson, the Revd Presbyter Christopher Knight, the Revd Presbyter Constantine Litvinenko and Archdeacon George. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence tonsured Mr Stephen Riley-Elliott as a Reader.

As is the tradition of the Feast of the Transfiguration, His Eminence blessed the grapes and other fruits, as the congregation thanked God for the abundance of His mercy.

The community hosted a hospitable reception for His Eminence, the clergy, and the faithful who gathered that day. During this time, His Eminence engaged with attendees, offering the opportunity to ask questions about the Faith and the ministries of the Archdiocese and Orthodoxy in the UK.

On Tuesday, 6th August 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain presided over Matins and celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Transfiguration of Christ the Saviour in Woolwich. Concelebrating with him were the Revd Protopresbyter Konstantinos Garibaldinos, Vicar General, and the Revd Presbyter Thomas Koutroukis, Priest-in-Charge. The V. Revd Archimandrite Michail Pazinas and the Revd Presbyter David Gilchrist also joined prayerfully in the altar, while the Revd Archdeacon George Tsourous and the Revd Deacon Charalambos Clark served.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas tonsured Leon Silver, Dimitrios Gatsos, and Xenofon Koromplias as Readers. His Eminence also awarded the Medal Cross of the Holy Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain to Mr. Kyriacos Kokkinos, in recognition of his dedicated service and generous support to the Woolwich parish over many years.

The festive day concluded with a warm and hospitable reception in a restaurant nearby. At the luncheon, Deacon Charalambos, who is deeply involved in arts and crafts through his business, presented a specially crafted gift to the Archbishop as a gesture of appreciation. The gift featured a bronzed carving on a gold sea and skyscape, based on the ancient carvings on St.Brendan’s Stone (The Kilnaruane Stone) which sits at Bantry Bay in County Cork, where St.Brendan’s monastery would have stood. The carving depicts St.Brendan the Navigator as the Helmsman in his curragh alongside his faithful oarsmen when he travelled to America and back, in the 6th century.

On 4th August 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain had the honour of visiting H.S. PROMETHEUS a General Support Ship of the Greek Navy on its summer training cruise supporting Frigate H.S. KANARIS. Also present were His Excellency Yannis Tsaousis, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic in the UK, Commander representatives of the Royal Navy, Chris Hannides, Chairman of the Greek Orthodox Community of St Nicholas Southampton, along with parishioners and other community members. The Archbishop received the ships’ crests and presented icons of Christ to the Captains. The visit concluded with a reception featuring traditional Greek dances performed by the Greek Cultural Club of Bristol and sailors from the ships.

On Thursday, 27th July 2024, commemorating the Great Healer and Martyr St Panteleimon and celebrating the Five-Year Anniversary of His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas’ Enthronement as the Archpastor of this Biblical and historical eparchy of the Ecumenical Throne, His Eminence Nikitas presided over Matins and celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of St Panteleimon in Harrow, North West London. Additionally, the Rev. Deacon Dimitrios Mamouchas was ordained to the Holy Priesthood.

His Grace Bishop Raphael of Ilion and His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Claudioupolis, followed by the V. Rev. Nephon Tsimalis, Protocyngellus, the V. Rev. Antonios Kakalis, Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne, the V. Rev. Archimandrite Theophanis Petrou, the Rev. Protopresbyter Joseph Paliouras, Rev. Protopresbyter Constantinos Papageorgiou, Priest in Charge, Rev. Oeconomos Ieorotheos Georghiou and the Rev. Presbyter Gerald Hopkins, concelebrated the Liturgy on this memorable and joyous occasion for the Archdiocese. The Rev. Archdeacon Dr George Tsourous and Rev. Deacons Gregorios Florides and Charalambos Clarke also served.

Archons, lay leaders, and faithful Christians filled the church in Harrow. His Grace Bishop Raphael of Ilion, on behalf of the clergy of the Archdiocese, addressed the Archbishop, expressing everyone’s joy and gratitude for a fruitful and successful archpastoral service over the last five years and reaffirming their support for the Archbishop’s vision.

Following the festive eucharistic assembly, the community generously provided a meal. During the meal, His Excellency Christos Goulas, Consul of the Hellenic Republic in the UK, and His Excellency Spyros Miltiades, Deputy High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus, both addressed the Archbishop and conveyed greetings on this auspicious occasion.

On Sunday, 7th July, 2024, His Grace Iakovos, Bishop of Claudiopolis, presided over Matins and celebrated the Divine Liturgy. He was joined by the Very Rev. Archimandrite Dr. Nikodemos Anagnostopoulos, Priest-in-Charge, Rev. Oeconomos John Hookway, Rev. Oeconomos Nikolaos Kokkinos, Rev. Presbyter Evangelos Liassi, and Archdeacon George Tsourous.

Despite the bad weather, people still attended and celebrated the annual Festival of the Community indoors. Following the service, the community engaged in several joyful activities. The end-of-year School Celebration featured performances and dances by the children, and awards were presented to recognise their achievements throughout the school year.

A band performed traditional Greek music, inspiring some community members to join in with spontaneous dancing.

As the festivities drew to a close, everyone gathered for a communal buffet meal, highlighting the unity of the community. A raffle added an element of excitement, bringing the day to a delightful conclusion.