On Monday 21st January 2024, Bishop Iakovos of Claudiopolis presided over the Matins and the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saint Panteleimon in Harrow, North London. Bishop Iakovos conveyed Archbishop Nikitas’ paternal love and greetings to the congregation, while highlighting and sharing the Archbishop’s encouraging vision which has brought a truly hopeful and bright future for our Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain. In his sermon, Bishop Iakovos stressed the notion of appreciation and gratitude in the life of a Christian, contemplating on the one Samaritan leper who remained faithful and grateful to Christ, for His miraculous healing and presence in his life.
Bishop Iakovos underlined the following:
‘… As a result of this healing, gratitude sprung forth from his heart, because he did not believe he deserved such a miracle to take place in his own life. He felt unworthy of God’s mercy and presence in his life, and so when our Lord gave him this gift of healing and of health, he was filled with the love of God and the desire to remain with Him all the days of his life…We are thus called in a similar way, as we attend the Liturgy and participate in the sacraments of the Church, to rejoice in God’s presence, in His healing and transforming power, so we may truly offer the rest of our lives to Him ‘in peace and repentance,’ with praise and gratitude.’
The Hierarchical Liturgy was followed by the traditional cutting of the Vasilopita and a lunch provided by the community, with the gracious presence of Cllr Ramji Kanji Chauhan, honourable Mayor of Harrow.
