On Sunday, December 21, the annual Christmas Open House event of the Holy Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain was held at the Archbishop’s Residence in London. The gathering once again offered people of all ages the opportunity to come together with their Shepherd and experience the warmth of the Church community in the days leading up to Christmas.
Clergy, Archons of the Ecumenical Throne, members of parish councils, and numerous families with children were in attendance. Participation was wide-ranging, as members of the Orthodox community and friends of the Church traveled from Birmingham, Ipswich, Southampton, Exeter, and other parts of the United Kingdom to receive the blessing of Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain.
The program was enriched with hymns and traditional Christmas carols performed by various musical ensembles. Choirs from the Archdiocesan schools and the Greek Embassy participated, while a central role was held by the Byzantine Choir of the Holy Archdiocese, conducted by Protopresbyter Joseph Paliouras.
Also taking part were the Romanian Choir of the Parish of St. Lazarus in East London, the Choir of the Ukrainian Parish of the Holy Protection, directed by Presbyter Myroslav Pushkaruk, as well as the choir group of the Parish of Christ the Savior in Woolwich, accompanied by the clergy Fr. Thomas Koutroukis and Fr. Charalambos Clark.
Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity for personal interaction with the Archbishop and for fellowship with one another. The newly renovated Chapel of the Transfiguration of the Savior within the residence was also open for veneration, allowing the faithful to enter for private prayer.
The event concluded with the offering of food and refreshments in the reception areas, where guests remained for an extended time in a warm and festive atmosphere. The Holy Archdiocese expressed its heartfelt gratitude to all participants and extended wishes for a blessed Christmas.
Photos: Alexios Gennaris
