Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, representing the Ecumenical Patriarchate, recently visited Bulgaria to participate in the centennial celebration of the consecration of the Patriarchal Cathedral of Saint Alexander Nevsky. In an interview with the official website of the Holy Synod and Tsŭrkoven vestnik newspaper (Църковен вестник), the Archbishop discussed his mission in Southeast Asia, his leadership in Great Britain, and the Church’s role in addressing contemporary challenges such as human trafficking, forgotten saints, and modern spiritual guidance.
Mission in Southeast Asia
Reflecting on his 11 years in Hong Kong as part of his mission in Southeast Asia, Archbishop Nikitas emphasized the challenges of spreading Orthodox Christianity across diverse cultures and languages in 23 countries, including India, Pakistan, China, and Indonesia.
“People everywhere seek the Truth, and for us, that Truth is Christ,” he shared. Despite difficult conditions, the Archbishop organized the local Church’s presence and adapted to the region’s unique cultural contexts, even incorporating local materials, such as batik and silk, into liturgical garments and icons to connect with the people.
Leadership in Great Britain
As Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain for the past five years, he has overseen a diverse and growing flock of over half a million faithful. Notably, nearly 7,000 individuals from non-Orthodox backgrounds have embraced Orthodoxy, including British, Scottish, Irish, and Welsh believers.
The Archdiocese offers catechism classes led by Archimandrite Niphon, with around 500 participants. Archbishop Nikitas stressed that Orthodoxy offers the tradition and truth that many in the UK are seeking as the Anglican Church faces declining membership.
“Our Archdiocese is not national; we embrace all nationalities. Services are conducted in various languages, with some parishes using English exclusively,” he explained, highlighting the Archdiocese’s inclusivity.
Tackling Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery
Since 2017, Archbishop Nikitas has chaired the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Committee on Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery. He described these issues as critical concerns for Orthodoxy, extending beyond prostitution to forced labor and exploitation.
“Many are unaware of the true scope of modern slavery,” he said, sharing a poignant story from Laos about a mother selling her daughter into servitude for a meager sum. The Archbishop emphasized the importance of education and awareness, with the Committee publishing an English-language book to guide communities on addressing this issue, which he hopes to have translated into Bulgarian.
Reviving Forgotten Saints
Archbishop Nikitas also spoke about the revival of devotion to forgotten saints in Britain and Ireland.
“Recently, we published a book on saints in Scotland. We’ve included British saints like Saint Alban and Saint Cuthbert in our chapel iconography, alongside traditional Orthodox saints,” he said. He noted that children baptized in the Archdiocese often receive names of local saints to preserve their legacy within the Church.
Guidance for Modern Challenges
The Archbishop offered practical advice for navigating life’s difficulties, emphasizing obedience to the Church and finding a good spiritual guide.
“Challenges often arise from ego. Living a Christ-centered life brings harmony,” he noted. Parents, he stressed, have a key role in teaching forgiveness and love, serving as examples for their children.
“Orthodoxy does not conflict with science or medicine; instead, it builds bridges. The Church must find the royal path—the Christ-centered path—to address modern issues,” he added.
Reflections on Bulgaria and the New Patriarch
This visit marked Archbishop Nikitas’ first trip to Bulgaria. He praised the faith and humility of the Bulgarian people and expressed admiration for the newly elected Patriarch Daniel.
“I see spiritual simplicity, humility, love, and wisdom in your Patriarch. He has the ascetic character and gentle spirit to guide the Church,” the Archbishop remarked, emphasizing the Holy Spirit’s role in the Patriarch’s election.
He concluded with blessings for the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, praying for it to bear good spiritual fruit and for its faithful to remain steadfast in their devotion to Christ’s mission.
Interview by Angel Karadakov / Source: bg-patriarshia.bg
