In the town of Torquay, in south-west England, the consecration of the Church of Saint Andrew the First-Called Apostle was celebrated with great ecclesiastical splendour on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
Bishop Maximos of Melitene presided over the service of Orthros (Matins), the Rite of Consecration, and the Divine Liturgy that followed. Concelebrating at the holy altar were Protopresbyter Ignatios Kalogerakis of the Holy Metropolis of Goumenissa, Fr Trayan Goranov, the parish priest of the church, and Fr Brandon Gallaher. Assisting in the services were Archdeacon Georgios Tsourous and Deacon Phillip Scorer. From the early hours of the morning, large numbers of faithful filled both the interior of the church and its forecourt.
Joining in prayer at this historic liturgical gathering were pilgrims from parishes of the Antiochian, Serbian, Romanian, and Russian Orthodox Churches. The sacred building, situated in the ancient district of Tor Mohun, has a history of Christian worship dating back to the sixth century under the patronage of St Petroc and later passed through the historical phase of Torre Abbey in 1196. It was ultimately preserved in 1984. Four immigrants from Greece and Cyprus, Panayiotis Skrivanos, Ioakeim Pamboris, Georgios Loizides, and Andreas Lemonidis, laid the firm foundations of the present parish by contributing the sum of five thousand pounds.
Before the dismissal of the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Maximos of Melitene addressed the congregation, expounding the rich theology of the mystery of consecration. Interpreting the various rites of the ceremony, the Hierarch emphasised the ontological transformation of created matter, which is sanctified and dedicated permanently to God. In this context, Bishop Maximos also conveyed the warm greetings and blessings of Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain to the faithful people.
Continuing his address, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to the clergy present, as well as to all those who had laboured diligently to ensure the successful preparation of the consecration celebrations. He warmly thanked the benefactors, the choir, the volunteers, and all members who actively participate in the life of the community. He then made special reference to the efforts of the first Greek and Cypriot families who established the parish many years ago. He also paid tribute to the long-standing ministry of Protopresbyter Gregory Palamas, parish priest of the Greek Orthodox Community of Plymouth, who frequently travelled to Torquay to celebrate the Divine Eucharist. Concluding his remarks, he offered particular thanks to Fr Ignatios Kalogerakis for undertaking the journey from Greece and expressed profound gratitude to Metropolitan Dimitrios of Goumenissa, Axioupolis, and Polykastro for granting permission for the priest’s participation.
On the evening of the previous day, Saturday, 20 June, the Vespers of the Consecration were celebrated, together with the blessing of the loaves (Artoklasia) and a homily delivered by Fr Ignatios Kalogerakis.
Before the conclusion of the liturgical gathering, the Bishop conferred the office of Spiritual Father (Confessor) upon Fr Brandon Gallaher. He also ordained two new Readers through the rite of cheirothesia. Following the Divine Liturgy, a festive meal was offered to all pilgrims in the church courtyard.
Photographs: Alexios Gennaris
