On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, Bishop Maximos of Melitene presided over the Matins service and the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the feast-day Church of the Holy Twelve Apostles in Hatfield, Greater London.
Concelebrating with the Bishop were the head priest of the parish, Protopresbyter Fr. Joseph Paliouras, Oikonomos Fr. Dimitrianos Melekis, Priest Fr. Nikodimos Angelis, as well as Archdeacon Fr. Georgios Tsouros.
Addressing the Christ-bearing faithful, Bishop Maximos of Melitene focused particularly on the ministry of the Holy Apostles, expounding on the messages of the Holy Gospel. Reflecting on the foundations of apostolic witness, the presiding hierarch emphasized that this spiritual legacy springs above all from sincere and selfless love for the person of Christ and for one’s fellow human being, constituting the driving force of every missionary endeavour. He urged the faithful to imitate the radiant apostolic example by embracing a life of selfless offering, so that divine grace may be continually transmitted to society as a whole.
Continuing his reflection, Bishop Maximos stressed the need to confess the faith through concrete acts of compassion, generosity, and unity. The continual support of the suffering brother, as the hierarch further explained, is a duty of every Christian as a direct and natural extension of their sacramental incorporation into the Body of the Church.
Before the dismissal of the Divine Liturgy, the Bishop conveyed to all the paternal blessings and heartfelt wishes of Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain. He then prayed that the Triune God would grant the clergy and the gathered faithful health, peace, unwavering spiritual strength, and many blessed years.
The celebration of the feast of the Holy Apostles was honoured by the presence of Ms. Maria Kriari, Head of the Consular Office of the Embassy of Greece, and the Hon. Mr. Odysseas Odysseos, Consul General of the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus. Also present were the Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, the Hon. Mr. Michal Siewniak, as well as representatives of the local police and civil authorities of the area. The celebrations concluded with a reception generously hosted by the parish community.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
Photographs: Alexios Gennaris
