On Saturday, 12th April 2025, nearly 200 individuals were received into the Orthodox Church during a very moving service led by Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain. The ceremony took place at The Twelve Apostles Greek Orthodox Church on the Saturday of Lazarus, marking a moment of profound joy and spiritual renewal.
Assisted by clergy from across the Archdiocese, Archbishop Nikitas welcomed the new faithful following their participation in the eighth session of the Archdiocesan Discover Orthodoxy course. Led by the Very Reverend Archimandrite Nephon Tsimalis, Protosyncellus of the Archdiocese and Dean of the historic Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Divine Wisdom in London,the class has been meeting weekly on Zoom since September 2024 and will continue through May 2025.
The newly illumined Orthodox Christians, primarily adults with several children among them, were received by Holy Baptism and Holy Chrismation. Nearly twenty adults entered the Church through Chrismation alone. Participants represent a broad range of backgrounds—hailing from the United Kingdom, Cyprus, Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, Africa, Latin America, Asia, and across the Commonwealth and Europe.
Following the Sacred Service, the neophytes entered the church carrying candles, joining the faithful in the Divine Liturgy where they received the Holy Eucharist for the first time.
As the service concluded, Archbishop Nikitas expressed heartfelt gratitude to the parish clergy—the Rev. Protopresbyter Joseph Paliouras and the Rev. Father Demetrianos Melekis—as well as to the many volunteers whose efforts made the day possible. A generous Lenten reception, hosted by Archon Louis Loizou, Community Chairman, honored the neophytes, their families, and all gathered to witness this extraordinary occasion.
The day will be remembered not simply for the number of new faithful, but for the sense of unity, reverence, and hope that filled the church.
Photo Credit: Jessy Papasavva Photography
