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.
