On Sunday, 16th June 2024, Sunday of the 318 Fathers of the 1st Oecumenical Council, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Parish of the Holy Trinity in Guilford, Surrey. The Revd Presbyter Dr Constantine Litvinenko, Priest-in-Charge, co-celebrated with the Archbishop, and the Revd Archdeacon Dr George Tsourous also served.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, The Archbishop elevated Fr Constantine to the rank of Oeconomos, recognising his dedicated pastoral work and effective management of the parish. The Archbishop also honoured Dr Sophia Litvinenko, the Choir Director, for her dedicated service to the community, including leading the choir and Bible Study group, and assisting parishioners, by awarding her the Cross Medal of the Archdiocese.

Fr Constantine, on behalf of the Parish Council, extended warm greetings to the Archbishop and thanked Him for His continuous paternal love and support. Following the liturgy, there was a presentation of artworks by children from Sunday School, led by Anna Taranchenko. The children presented paintings as gifts to Archbishop Nikitas.

The close-knit community in Guilford orchestrated a splendid reception in honour of the Archbishop, providing an opportunity for parishioners to come together and engage with him.

On Saturday 15th June 2024, Charalambos Clark was ordained to the Holy Diaconate at the Church of Christ the Saviour, Woolwich. His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Claudiopolis celebrated the Divine Liturgy joined by the Revd Protopresbyter Constantinos Garibaldinos, Vicar General, and the Revd Presbyter Thomas Koutroukis, Priest-in-charge of the Parish. The Revd Archdeacon George Tsourous and Revd Deacon Gregory-Palamas Florides also served. The V. Revd Archimandrite Michael Pazinas also joined prayerfully in the altar.

In his heartfelt address, Deacon Charalambos expressed profound gratitude, doxology, and thanksgiving to Almighty God. Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledged the great blessing and burden of his ordination to the Holy Diaconate, comparing it to Saint John the Baptiser’s humility before Christ. He spoke of his spiritual journey and the role of Saint Augustine, seeing himself as a prodigal son returning to God. Charalambos highlighted the significance of his wife Anna’s reconnection to the Faith, the influence of Saint Charalambos, and the Divine providence that brought a Bishop from Larnaca to ordain him.

Charalambos called upon the community to support him in his ministry, noting the ripe harvest in need of labourers. He thanked Archbishop Nikitas, Bishop Iakovos, and Fathers Michael and Thomas for their paternal love, guidance, and exemplary service. He expressed deep gratitude to his wife Anna, his children, and all those who supported him, recognising their sacrifices and love. He also thanked his fellow clergymen, godchildren, and the community for their prayers and support. Deacon Charalambos concluded with a prayer for strength and a commitment to his diakonia, giving glory to God for all blessings.

In his address to the new Deacon, Bishop Iakovos highlighted the essence of the diaconate as the embodiment of the Church’s servanthood. He emphasised that all Church functions and sacraments serve Christ’s Holy Body, aiming for the salvation and transformation of believers. Bishop Iakovos commended Charalambos for his fervent faith and service, noting his growth since being tonsured as a reader. As an ordained deacon, Charalambos is called to serve with patience, humility, and love, guided by Archbishop Nikitas and Fr Thomas. Bishop Iakovos encouraged Charalambos to uphold the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience, supported by his family and the Christian community, affirming him as a worthy servant of the Holy Church of Christ.

The day’s events culminated in a heart-warming reception marking a memorable occasion for the Greek Orthodox Community in Woolwich.

On Sunday, 2nd June 2024, Sunday of the Samaritan Woman, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Parish of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Holborn, London. Among those concelebrating were the Revd Archpriest Stéphane Maikovsky, Priest-in-Charge, the Revd Presbyter Ian Page, and the Revd Presbyter Stefan Strekopytov, who is the current, interim Priest-in-Charge during Fr Maikovsky’s sabbatical year. The Revd Archdeacon George Tsourous, along with Revd Deacons Eugene Gafton and the newly ordained Deacon John Brydges, also served.

At the end of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, the Archbishop honoured Anne-Marie de Visser, the previous Choirmistress, for her dedicated service to the community and the choir by awarding her the Cross Medal of the Archdiocese.

Following the Liturgy, the community hosted a warm reception in honour of the Archbishop. The event featured homemade dishes provided by members of the community from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

The Archbishop greatly appreciated this visit and took the opportunity to solemnly engage with and extend his blessings to the parishioners of Holborn.

On 23rd May 2024, the Buddhist Society marked its 100th anniversary at the Guildhall of the City of London Corporation. The Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain was represented by Revd Presbyter Andreas Minic, Ecumenical and Inter-religious Officer of the Archdiocese. In attendance were the Ambassador of Nepal and representatives of the Lord Mayor of London. Guests enjoyed live performances of Japanese and Tibetan music and listened to a reflection on the Buddhist Society’s centennial by its president, Dr. Desmond Biddulph. The Archdiocese reaffirmed its deep commitment to dialogue and broader engagement within UK society.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Office of Thibet

On Sunday 26th May 2024, His Grace Bishop Maximos of Melitene celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of St Andrew the Apostle in Egham. The V. Revd Archimandrite Grigorios Laurenzano concelebrated with His Grace and the Revd Archdeacon George Tsourous also served.

At the end of Matins, His Grace tonsured Georgios Sarafidis, Charalampos Sarafidis and Neophytos Ferekkides as Readers.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Bishop Maximos bestowed the Office of Confessor to the V. Revd Archimandrite Grigorios Laurenzano, recognising his dedicated pastoral work and authorising him to offer spiritual guidance as a confessor.

Afterwards, the community warmly welcomed Bishop Maximos at a reception outside the Church, where the faithful had the opportunity to meet and interact with him.

His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos of Ireland was enthroned by His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, representative of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, on Saturday, 18th May 2024. The ceremony took place at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation of the Mother of God in Dublin, Ireland. Among the attendees were His Eminence Metropolitan Athanasios of Colognia and His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Claudiopolis. The event also welcomed distinguished guests including His Eminence Dermot Farrell, Catholic Archbishop of Dublin; H. E. Mrs. Magdalini Nicolaou, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic in Ireland; H.E. Mrs. Vanya Andreeva-Malakova, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Ireland; and H.E. Mrs. Larisa Miculet, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to Ireland. Other notable dignitaries and numerous Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate from Canada, Greece, and the UK were also present.

On Sunday 19th May 2024, John Brydges was ordained to the Holy Diaconate at the Church of Ss Constantine and Helen in Croydon, South London. His Grace Bishop Maximos of Melitene presided over Matins and celebrated the Divine Liturgy joined by Revd Oeconomos Georgios Christidis, Priest-in-charge of the Parish. The Revd Deacon Georgios Ntallas also served. In a heartfelt ordination speech, the newly ordained deacon expressed profound gratitude towards God, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas, His Grace Bishop Maximos, his spiritual Fr Georgios Christidis, and numerous mentors and community members who have guided his spiritual journey. Deacon John reflected on the unexpected paths that led him to the diaconate, celebrating the support and instruction received from church leaders, fellow clergy, and his parish community.

He acknowledged the crucial role of his family, particularly his wife, whose support and partnership have been essential in his spiritual and personal life. The deacon reminisced about the influence of his and his wife’s parents, who instilled in him values of selflessness and faith.

Deacon John’s commitment to serving God was evident as he spoke about his eagerness to learn and uphold the divine services, under the guidance of His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas. He closed his speech with a prayer, hoping his ministry would be pleasing to Christ and beneficial to all, driven by faith, hope, and love.

In his heartfelt response to the newly ordained deacon, Bishop Maximos emphasised that service to the Church is a profound sacrifice made for the people of God. He offered paternal advice, encouraging the deacon to trust in God and maintain faith through any challenges that may arise. Bishop Maximos urged the deacon to always pray, retain his strength, and approach his new ministry with joy and happiness. He highlighted the importance of loving and ministering to the people of God with kindness, politeness, and discretion. Bishop Maximos also reminded the deacon to embrace his role wholeheartedly, serving wherever the Church may need him, embodying the spirit of true servanthood in his every action.