On Sunday, March 1, 2026 – the Sunday of Orthodoxy – Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain presided at Matins and celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Church of SS Cosmas and Damian in Ipswich.
Those concelebrating with the Archbishop were: the Revd Protopresbyter John Garnett, Priest-in-Charge, the Revd Presbyter Kenneth Parker, and the Revd Archdeacon George Tsourous.
In his homily, the Archbishop spoke movingly on the place of holy icons in the life of the Church – not as decoration, but as witness: proclaiming the Incarnation and teaching us to see the world transfigured in Christ. He also reminded the faithful that the ultimate icon of God is the human person, created in the image and likeness, and restored through the saving work of our Lord.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the faithful took part in the customary procession with icons, carried with reverence as they processed outside and around the church, joyfully affirming the triumph of Orthodoxy and the confession of the true faith.
The day concluded with a festal meal in the Community Hall, where clergy and faithful continued in fellowship and thanksgiving, sharing in the joy and blessings of the feast.
Photo credit: Chrysostomos Dimitriou
