Over the course of Friday 20th, Saturday 21st, and Sunday 22nd March, Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain visited two communities in Scotland.
The visit began on Friday in Glasgow, where Archbishop Nikitas presided at the Salutations to the Most Holy Theotokos at the Church of St Luke, together with Archimandrite Mark Mitchell, in a prayerful and well-attended service. Bishop Raphael joined prayerfully in the altar.
On Saturday, a Clergy Synaxis took place in Edinburgh, bringing together priests serving in Scotland and the north of England. During the gathering, Archbishop Nikitas had the opportunity to discuss with the clergy the life of the parishes, current challenges, and matters concerning the pastoral care of the region, together with Bishop Raphael, who oversees the area. Later that day, the service of Vespers was celebrated at the chapel of St Andrew in Meadow lane in Edinburgh.
Archbishop Nikitas also attended the Divine Liturgy in the Slavonic language, which takes place monthly at the Chapel of St Andrew on Meadow Lane, as well as the Vespers service on Saturday evening, supporting the liturgical life of the wider community.
On Sunday, the Sunday of St John Climacus Archbishop Nikitas presided over Matins and celebrated the Divine Liturgy, Following the Divine Liturgy Daniel Nicholls was ordained to the rank of Reader. At the same service, Presbyter Caius Gurgu was elevated to the rank of Oeconomos and the Very Revd Archimandrite Antonios Kakalis was appointed as a confessor.
The church was filled to capacity, with faithful of all ages and from many different backgrounds, reflecting the living and growing character of the community. Indeed, such has been the growth that the community has recently acquired a new church building, currently undergoing renovation, which will soon serve its expanding needs.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a Doxology was offered for the Feast of the Annunciation and the anniversary of Greek Independence. The festal address of the day was delivered by the Honorary Consul of Greece in Edinburgh, Mrs Melpomeni Papaioannou Plevri.
Later that afternoon, Archbishop Nikitas also presided at the Lenten Vespers, gathering the faithful once again in prayer.
A joyful community meal followed, generously offered by the parish, giving His Eminence the opportunity to spend time with the faithful and to share in the life of the community.
