The Community of St Demetrios Edmonton in North London celebrated the Feast of the Great-Martyr Demetrios, its Patron Saint and protector, with fervour and grandeur.
Hundreds of faithful attended the celebrations. Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain presided during the panegyric Great Vespers, Matins, and the Divine Liturgy joined by Bishop Iakovos of Claudioupolis.
Among those concelebrating were Archimandrite Nephon Tsimalis, Chancellor, Archimandrite Nikodemos Anagnostopoulos, Priest-in-Charge, the Rev. Protopresbyter John Hookway and numerous area clergy.
During Great Vespers, Archbishop Nikitas honoured Oeconomos John Hookway’s longstanding service to the Community by elevating him to the rank of Protopresbyter. Additionally, Nicholas Menikou, Demetrios Iordanou, and Alexandros Georgiou were elevated by Archbishop Nikitas to the order of Readers. Distinguished guests in attendance included Christos Goulas, Consul of the Hellenic Republic in London, esteemed Heads of Education from the Greek and Cypriot Mission – Irene Veroni and Maria Loi, as well as the Archons of the Great Church of Christ, Menelaos Ourris and Panayiotis Demetriou.
After the conclusion of Great Vespers, the Community hosted a generous festal meal for the entire congregation. On the feast day itself, attendees were treated to a delightful array of traditional savoury and sweet dishes in the church hall.
