On the evening of Sunday, 23rd February 2025, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, under the leadership of Archbishop Nikitas, hosted a formal dinner in honour of Patriarch Daniel of All Bulgaria at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.
The gathering, held following the historic consecration of St. John of Rila Bulgarian Orthodox Church, was a moment of celebration, gratitude, and fraternal exchange. The evening brought together clergy and faithful from across Orthodox traditions, including the Bulgarian clergy of the Archdiocese, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, as well as newly illumined Orthodox Christians and members of the local community who wished to pay tribute to the Patriarch.
In his address, Archbishop Nikitas expressed his deep respect for Patriarch Daniel , highlighting the shared spiritual mission of Orthodox communities in the United Kingdom and reaffirming the strong ties between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Archbishop Nikitas stressed the importance of unity in faith and the collective responsibility of Orthodox leaders in ministering to their flocks with love and dedication.
Patriarch Daniel, in turn, expressed his gratitude to the Archdiocese and Archbishop Nikitas for the warm welcome and hospitality, reflecting on the historic significance of the first Bulgarian Orthodox church in the UK and the role of Orthodox communities in strengthening the faith of their people.
The evening concluded with the exchange of gifts between the hierarchs. This special occasion further demonstrated the commitment of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain to fostering inter-Orthodox unity, collaboration, and pastoral care for all Orthodox faithful in the United Kingdom.
Photo credit: Alexios Gennaris
