On Sunday, 16th November 2025, Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain presided during Matins and celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Wood Green, North London.
Concelebrating with the Archbishop were Metropolitan Athanasios of Koloneia, Bishop Iakovos of Claudiopolis, Archimandrite Theophanis Petrou, Presbyter Petros Georgiou, and Presbyter Gregory-Palamas Florides. Archdeacon Dr George Tsourous and Deacon Georgios Ntallas also served.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a memorial service was offered for the late Archbishop Gregorios of blessed memory. Clergy and faithful prayed for the repose of his soul, recalling with deep gratitude his many years of pastoral care, his unwavering dedication to the Greek Orthodox flock in Great Britain, and the lasting legacy he left within the Archdiocese.
The service was attended by Dr Kyriakos Kouros, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to the United Kingdom, together with Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and a number of community leaders from London’s Greek and Greek-Cypriot organisations.
A Brief Biographical Note on Archbishop Gregorios of Blessed Memory
Archbishop Gregorios (Gregorios Theocharous Hadjittofi) was born in Marathovounos, Famagusta, on 28 October 1928. Orphaned of his father at a young age, he worked diligently from childhood before pursuing secondary studies with determination.
He was tonsured a monk and ordained a deacon in 1953 by Archbishop Makarios III, and he completed his theological studies in Athens before arriving in London in 1959 to serve the Greek Orthodox community.
He was ordained presbyter the same year and was appointed Chancellor of the Archdiocese in 1964. In 1970, he was consecrated Bishop of Tropaiou, taking up the organisation and pastoral care of the community in Wood Green.
On 16 April 1988, he was unanimously elected Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, serving faithfully until his retirement.
Archbishop Gregorios reposed in the Lord on 20 November 2019, at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of pastoral gentleness, missionary zeal, and deep love for the people entrusted to his care.
May his memory be eternal.
Photo credit: Alexios Gennaris
