On Saturday, 16th December 2023, Dimitrios Mamouchas was ordained to the Holy Diaconate at the Church of St Panteleimon and St Theodore in Eastbourne. Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain presided during Matins and celebrated the Divine Liturgy.
Amongst those concelebrating were Archimandrite Germanos Kourkounis, Protopresbyter Ioannis Pantelidis, Oeconomos Ierotheos Georghiou, Presbyter Gerald-Theodore Hopkin, Archdeacon Dr. George Tsourous and Deacon Alexander Gaman. The congregation was composed of people from the nearby parishes of St Mary Magdalene in Hastings and Holy Trinity in Brighton, as well as visiting guests and relatives of Deacon Dimitrios from London, Greece, the Netherlands, and the US, all gathered to witness this blessed occasion.
In his ordination address, Deacon Dimitrios Mamouchas reflected on his spiritual journey and the blessings he has received throughout his life. His path was marked by a harmonious blend of his professional career as a dentist and his spiritual development, enriched by his deep connection to Byzantine music. Having served the church since childhood, first in Evia and later in Eastbourne, Dimitrios spoke of the church as his refuge and solace in difficult times. His spiritual life, he noted, had gradually taken precedence over worldly concerns.
Deacon Dimitrios expressed his deep gratitude to God and several individuals who played pivotal roles in his journey. He thanked his spiritual fathers, Father Nikolai from the Holy Monastery of St. John the Baptist in Essex and Father Ierotheos Georghiou from the parish of St. Mary Magdalene in Hastings, for their guidance and support. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of his wife, Maria, and the contributions of his parents, Antonios and Despina, in shaping his personality and spiritual growth. Additionally, he expressed his appreciation for his late brothers and his teacher of Byzantine music, Mr. Panagiotis Stavrinidis who chanted at the ordination. Fr. Dcn. Dimitrios concluded his heartfelt speech with a prayerful hope to live up to the expectations of his role and a thanksgiving to the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Nikitas for their trust.
The event culminated with a rich luncheon in the community hall, generously offered by the Eastbourne community. The gathering was an extension of the joy and fellowship that marked the ordination; Archbishop Nikitas, clergy, and parishioners engaged in lively conversations, enjoyed delicious food, and exchanged presents.