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.

His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Claudiopolis presided at matins and celebrated the Divine Liturgy on the patronal feast of the Twelve Apostles Greek Orthodox Church in Hertfordshire. His Excellency, Dr Kyriakos Kouros, High Commissioner of Cyprus, as well as the local Mayor, Cllr Frank Marsh, graciously attended the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. His Grace Bishop Iakovos conveyed His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas’ paternal and prayerful wishes for the occasion of the church’s feast. In his sermon he highlighted the significance of the Church’s continuation of the Twelve Apostles’ work:

‘Although they faced persecution, the Apostles’ work became the very foundation of our Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church of Christ. We, both clergy and laity, are called to continue to preach the Risen Christ and the forever relevant message of His Holy Gospel. May the Holy Spirit continue to blow throughout our own ministries and within the work of our Holy Archdiocese, for we are called to continue the teaching of the apostles, implement their virtuous and prayerful way of life, allow God’s spirit to guide our paths and journeys, always sharing God’s love and truth to all people for His glory.’

Following the Divine Liturgy the plaques containing the names of the generous donators of the community’s new building were unveiled, by His Grace Bishop Iakovos, His Excellency Dr Kyriakos Kouros and Archon Louis Loizou, president of the community. A lunch was then hospitably hosted by the community for the esteemed guests and clergy.

On Monday, June 24th, the Cambridge Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Following the Solemn Evensong service held at the Abbey, the esteemed guests proceeded to the Chapel, where they participated in an Orthodox Doxology Service to thank God for the lives and achievements of the benefactors and professors of the Institute. The service was led by Rev. Dragos, the Dean, in the presence of the Right Reverend Rowan Williams, the baron of Oystermouth, and His Eminence Bishop Angaelos of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

The esteemed guests then proceeded to the Jerusalem Room, where they were addressed by the patrons of the institute. After the opening remarks by Fr. Dragos, the guests listened to a speech by Dr. Rowan Williams, who reflected on the challenging past of the Orthodox Church and the gradual opening of society in this country to understanding its essence. Bishop Angaelos advocated for greater involvement from the Coptic Church and Oriental Christians in the work of the institute.

His Eminence, Archbishop Nikitas, a patron of the Institute, was represented by Rev. Presbyter Andreas Minic, the Ecumenical Officer of the Archdiocese. He conveyed an honorary message written by His Eminence for the occasion, addressing some of the issues regarding theological education in the UK and promising to remain involved and deepen the links between the Archdiocese and the Institute.

Photo Credits:
© Razvan Porumb
© Regina Ray Photography

On June 18, 2024, the Global Sustainability Network (GSN) held its annual conference in London and brought together religious leaders, academics, activists, and experts to address the pervasive issue of modern slavery and human trafficking. The Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain was represented by His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas and Dr Petre Breazu from the University of Cambridge, who is a member of the Patriarchal Taskforce on Modern Slavery.

Archbishop Nikitas was a distinguished speaker on the panel Developing the Contribution of Faith Leaders and Faith Communities, where he emphasized the critical role of religious leadership in combating these grave injustices. The panel, featuring Archbishop Nikitas and Bishop Marcelo Sánchez Sorondo, marked a significant moment as it coincided with the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration against Modern Slavery at the Vatican—a foundational event for the GSN. Archbishop Nikitas brought a wealth of experience and spiritual leadership to the discussion as he emphasized the moral imperative and transformative power that faith communities can wield in the fight against exploitation.

In his address, Archbishop Nikitas stressed the importance of unity among different faiths in addressing modern slavery, and advocated for a holistic approach that combines spiritual guidance with practical action. This involves not only supporting victims but also educating communities to recognize and prevent trafficking and exploitation. The session concluded with a call to action, encouraging faith communities to deepen their engagement and collaborate more effectively with other sectors, including government, business, and civil society. Archbishop Nikitas’ insights provided a powerful reminder of the potential for faith leaders to be catalysts for change, inspiring hope and mobilizing efforts towards a world free from slavery and human trafficking.