On Sunday, 27th July 2025, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain held a formal dinner, hosted by Archbishop Nikitas, in honour of Archbishop Georgios of New Justiniana and All Cyprus.
The dinner, which took place in central London, followed the visit of Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus to the Church of St Panteleimon and St Paraskevi, Harrow and the serving of Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. It formed part of the Archdiocese’s celebrations to mark both the 50th anniversary of the Harrow parish and the sixth anniversary of Archbishop Nikitas’ enthronement as Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain.
Among those present were Metropolitan Athanasios of Koloneia and Archbishop Atanasie of the Romanian Archdiocese, Bishop Iakovos of Claudiopolis and many of the clergy of the Archdiocese.
Also in attendance were representatives of the Hellenic Republic, including HE Ioanna Kriembardi, Deputy Head of Mission, and of the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus, parliamentarians such as Mr Bambos Charalambous MP, a number of Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, philanthropic associations who work closely with the Archdiocese, such as Alkionides UK, the Greek Women’s Philanthropic Association, and Arachne.
In his welcome address, the Protosyncellus of the Archdiocese, Archimandrite Nephon Tsimalis, spoke movingly of the long-standing spiritual ties between the Church of Cyprus and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, recalling both the apostolic roots of Cyprus and the island’s significant contribution to Orthodox witness in the United Kingdom. He also expressed the deep solidarity of the Greek Orthodox community in Britain with the Church and people of Cyprus as they endure the wildfires that have swept the island over the past weeks.
This sentiment was echoed in Archbishop Nikitas’ own remarks, as he warmly emphasised the deep bonds between the Church of Cyprus and the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, noting that many of the faithful who comprise his flock in the United Kingdom are themselves of Cypriot heritage.
This unity was also expressed through tangible support: in response to the recent devastating fires in Cyprus, parishes across the UK held collections for two consecutive Sundays in aid of those affected – an act of solidarity underscoring that, in Christ, we are one family.
In his response, Archbishop Georgios expressed heartfelt thanks to Archbishop Nikitas and the Archdiocese for their warm hospitality, saying that, from the moment of their arrival, he and his delegation felt embraced by the love and care of the local Church. He encouraged all present to continue supporting the just cause of the reunification of Cyprus, and invited everyone not to be strangers but to visit Cyprus – to experience its monasteries, its natural beauty, and to even pass by the Archdiocesan headquarters to greet him in person.
The evening concluded in an atmosphere of gratitude, unity, and mutual respect, highlighting the close fraternal bonds between the Church of Cyprus and the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain.
