Τhe new Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain, Nikitas, appeared today before Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Holy Synod, for the celebration of the Small Message.
“Blithely, your Ecumenical Patriarch, in the midst of the members of the Holy Synod who honoured you with their vote, officially announces your election as the chief priest of the great province of the Ecumenical Throne in Great Britain and Ireland,” Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew said to new Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, addressing the new Archbishop, stressed that the Holy Synod honoured him with this position “because we regard you worthy of this position and responsibility, because you have morals, education and culture, perfect dedication and reverence to the Mother Church.”
Bartholomew, in his speech, referred to the rich pastoral ministry of the new Archbishop in Asia and America, and pointed out that many believers are now waiting for him in Albion, and especially those from Greece and Cyprus.
“It is up to you now to write new bright pages of glory and honour for your province and the Mother Church, to make us, who have honoured you, feel proud of you.
Brother and partner in Lord! Proceed and work, multiply the works of faith and love, and all of us will be at your side praying together to God. Axios!”
For his part, the new Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain expressed to the Ecumenical Patriarch and the members of the Holy Synod his heartfelt gratitude for his election.
Then, in the Patriarchal Church of St. George in the presence of the Synodic Archpriests, the Patriarchal Court, the new Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain held the Service of the Great Message, during which his election was announced to him. He then replied through the Eucharist, accepting the fact with affection and gratitude.