On Sunday, May 24, 2026, the Sunday of the 318 Holy and God-bearing Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council, Bishop Maximos of Melitene presided over Orthros and the Divine Liturgy at the festal Church dedicated to the Holy Fathers in the city of Shrewsbury, central England.
Concelebrating with the Bishop around the holy altar were Protopresbyter Fr. Stephen Maxfield and Rev. Fr. Panteleimon Maxfield, while a large number of faithful filled the church from early in the morning in order to participate in the Eucharistic gathering. The parish, founded forty years ago through the initiative of Fr. Stephen, was the first Orthodox community established in the wider region.
During his homily, Bishop Maximos offered an in-depth reflection on the High Priestly Prayer of Christ, conveying the spiritual message of the day to the congregation. Referring to the historic parish, he noted: “Around the holy altar, the grace of the Holy Spirit gathers us together on this blessed day as we honor the memory of the 318 Holy and God-bearing Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council.”
The Bishop went on to speak about the sacrificial love of Christ, emphasizing the consoling and salvific dimension of the Lord’s prayer for His disciples and the world. Reflecting on the words of Christ, “Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You” (John 17:1), he explained that true and incorruptible glory is revealed through the voluntary sacrifice of the Cross.
Highlighting the witness of the Fathers of Nicaea, Bishop Maximos praised their synodal struggle against the heresy of Arius and connected their witness to the preservation of the truth of the Church. He also encouraged the faithful to cultivate genuine ecclesial unity through mutual forgiveness and reconciliation.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Maximos conveyed the paternal blessings and love of Archbishop Nikitas to Fr. Stephen, Fr. Panteleimon, and the entire congregation.
Before the dismissal, the Bishop tonsured two new readers who faithfully serve at the parish chanter’s stand. A special tribute was also held in honor of Fr. Stephen Maxfield on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Orthodox community in Shrewsbury. Bishop Maximos warmly congratulated him for his many years of ministry and also commended Fr. Panteleimon, his son, who continues the priestly tradition in the city’s second parish dedicated to Saint Juliana.
Expressing joy over the fruits of these pastoral efforts, the Bishop noted the steadily growing congregation, including many new faithful from the wider local population who have embraced the Orthodox faith and actively participate in the liturgical life of the Church.
The festive celebration concluded with a communal meal served to all those gathered in the courtyard of the parish.
