On Friday, July 25, 2025, Archbishop George of Cyprus arrived in London upon the invitation of Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain and the parish of Saints Panteleimon and Paraskevi in Harrow, Northwest London. Accompanied by his deacon, Fr. Michael Nicolaou, the Archbishop came to participate in the festive events marking the 50th anniversary of the parish.
Archbishop George was warmly welcomed by the Greek Cypriot community of Harrow, where he had previously served as the senior Archimandrite from 1989 to 1993.
On Saturday, July 26, the Archbishop presided over the Festive Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the parish church, co-celebrated by Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira. In his sermon, inspired by the feast of Saint Paraskevi, a female saint and martyr, Archbishop George spoke about the role of women in Christianity and the equality of the sexes. He emphasized the special honor women hold in Christianity, in stark contrast to their undervalued position in pre-Christian times and in some non-Christian societies today.
That same evening, Archbishop George led the Festive Vespers for the feast of Saint Panteleimon, patron and protector of the Harrow Greek community. The service included the traditional procession of the holy icon and the blessing of bread.
In his address, the Archbishop highlighted the spiritual messages from the life and works of Saint Panteleimon, a highly educated physician. He challenged those who claim that the Church is only for the uneducated or the elderly, affirming, “The Church is for everyone, young, educated, and scientists alike.” He further spoke about the harmony between science and theology, noting that the saint himself saw no conflict between his faith and his scientific knowledge.
On Sunday morning, July 27, an Archieratic concelebrated Divine Liturgy took place at the parish church, with Archbishop George of Cyprus presiding, alongside Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, Metropolitan Athanasios of Colognia and Bishop Iakovos of Claudiopolis.
Addressing the Greek Cypriot diaspora in London, Archbishop George expressed deep concern about the ongoing national tragedy affecting his occupied homeland of Cyprus. With a strong sense of patriotism and determination, he spoke about the 51-year-long suffering and threats faced by Cyprus, informing the community of the current dangers.
At the conclusion of the visit, Archbishop Nikitas warmly welcomed Archbishop George and presented him with symbolic gifts, including an epigonation, wishing for a united and free Cyprus, free of occupying forces during the tenure of the current Archbishop of Cyprus.
Archbishop George thanked everyone, especially Archbishop Nikitas, for the honorable invitation, love, and hospitality. He expressed heartfelt emotion recalling his earlier ministry in the Harrow community and gifted Archbishop Nikitas a silver icon of Panagia Kykkotissa.
Source: Church of Cyprus / by Deacon Michael Nicolaou / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
