The Greek Orthodox Community of St. Nicholas Cardiff welcomed on Sunday, May 15, Bishop Iakovos of Claudiopolis.
The Bishop served the historic community for 22 consecutive years.
In a packed Church, he presided over the Divine Liturgy during which he also preached the Divine Word.
The Bishop served the Church from March 2000 until March 2022 when he took up pastoral duties in North London.
He was assisted at the Divine Liturgy by the Priestly Superior of the Holy Church, Archimandrite Nicholas Price, and the Priestly Superior of the Holy Church of the Apostles Peter and Paul in Bristol, Protopresbyter Anastasios Salapatas.
In his moving farewell address, the Bishop expressed his heartfelt thanks to his colleagues who had worked with him for two decades. As he stressed, together they worked hard, methodically, and unceasingly, which is why they accomplished great work.
After the end of the Divine Liturgy, a lunch followed in a historic hotel in the city where a century ago it was the center of world shipping and through which great Greek shipping families emerged.
During the event, the expatriates expressed their gratitude, respect, and appreciation to the Bishop for the multifaceted work he leaves behind as a legacy for future generations. Furthermore, the Bishop wished the Priest, the President, and the members of the Church Councils that the Holy God and the Protector of the Community, St. Nicholas, would grant them health and strength to continue their ministry with faith, love, harmony, and unity.