In a festive atmosphere, Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain presided during Matins and celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of St Andrew, Kentish Town in London.
Archbishop Nikitas was joined by Archimandrite Chrysostomos Michaelides, Oeconomos Kristian Akselberg, Priest-in-Charge, Archdeacon George Tsourous, and Deacon Georgios Ntallas.
In his sermon on the fest of the Nativity of the Lord, Archbishop Nikitas talked about Christmas; the miracle of life, and God’s deep love, as shown by sending His Son to save humanity. He reminded the congregation that all prophecies had been fulfilled with the birth of Christ by the Theotokos, marking the fullness of time. Even though Britain may no longer be a predominantly Christian country, the Archbishop stressed the importance of maintaining faith in Jesus Christ, the God-Man. He greeted all those named Emmanuel, meaning “God is with us,” and urged the congregation to spread the joy and message of the day, particularly with those who could not attend the Church. Concluding his sermon, Archbishop Nikitas imparted a heartfelt invocation for the abiding presence of God’s grace in the lives of all the faithful, encouraging people to have hope in Jesus Christ on this most hallowed of days.
Photo credit: Alexios Gennaris
