Celebrations for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos commenced on Friday, 14 August 2026, with Vespers at the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Wood Green. Bishop Isidoros of Andida presided over the service, while Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain and Bishop Iakovos of Claudiopolis joined prayerfully at the Holy Altar. Several clergy from across the Archdiocese and neighbouring parishes attended.
On Saturday, 15 August, Bishop Isidoros presided at Matins, while Archbishop Nikitas celebrated the Divine Liturgy. Bishop Iakovos joined the hierarchs at the Holy Altar.
Among the concelebrating clergy were the Revd Protopresbyter Athanasios Gkikas, Dean of the Theological School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; the Revd Protopresbyter Konstantinos Garivaldinos, Vicar General; the Revd Protopresbyter Panayiotis Dik; the Revd Oeconomos Nikolaos Kokkinos; the Revd Presbyter Yurii Kadynskyi the Revd Presbyter Petros Georgiou; and the Revd Presbyter Gregory-Palamas Florides.
The Revd Archdeacon George Tsourous and the Revd Deacon Konstantinos Mpanias also served at the Holy Altar.
Distinguished guests included Councillor Dawn Barnes, Mayor of Haringey; Dr Kyriacos Kouros, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to the United Kingdom; Ms Dimitra Papatriantafillou, Chargée d’Affaires at the Embassy of the Hellenic Republic in London; Mr Pieros Pieris, Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus in London; Captain Alexandros Xanthouleas, Defence Attaché at the Embassy of the Hellenic Republic in London; Mr Bambos Charalambous MP, Member of Parliament for Southgate and Wood Green; Mr Christos Karaolis, President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the United Kingdom; and Archon Kastrinsios Peter Demetriou.
In the homily, Archbishop Nikitas reflected upon the Dormition of the Mother of God, highlighting the perfect obedience of the Theotokos to the divine will and the complete embrace of the call from God. Archbishop Nikitas encouraged the large congregation to draw inspiration from the example of the Theotokos and to seek the same spirit of obedience in daily life.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the Community of Wood Green held the annual Greek Festival, welcoming local residents to a celebration of Hellenic culture, food and music. Stalls offered traditional Greek and Cypriot delicacies, together with products from Greece, Cyprus and other Orthodox countries. The festival provided an opportunity for parishioners, visitors and members of the wider community to meet and enjoy fellowship.
The Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain welcomed Bishop Isidoros of Andida as a guest following the recent election and episcopal ordination.
Photo credit: Alexios Gennaris
