As per the statement, the Ecumenical Patriarch will preside over the Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Church on Saturday, January 6. During this service, he will perform the ordination of Deacon Andrew as a presbyter and Monk Ephraim as a deacon. Both individuals come from the brotherhood of the Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of Saint John the Baptist and Forerunner Essex of Great Britain. Following the Doxology, the Ecumenical Patriarch will conduct the Great Blessing of the Waters ceremony. Subsequently, upon the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, he will perform the “Diving for the Cross” ceremony at the Phanar dock.

“The Ecumenical Patriarchate and we personally dedicate ourselves to the pursuit of peace and reconciliation, firm in our belief that ‘peace from above,’ the spiritual and inner peace bestowed by Christ, is fundamental to external peace—the harmony of the whole world and the universe. Our endeavors in 2024 will persist through interfaith dialogues, which play a pivotal role in eradicating prejudices and fostering mutual trust. When religions manifest their deepest essence, they become agents of peace and solidarity,” added the Ecumenical Patriarch.

As part of the occasion, the Ecumenical Patriarch blessed the Holy Vasilopita of the Galata School Foundation, while a concert featuring the renowned artist Manolis Mitsias, accompanied by the Women’s Choir “Saint Kassiani the Hymnographer” of the Holy Metropolis of Neapolis and Stavroupolis, directed by Maria Charalambidou, unfolded.

Warm appreciation was extended by the Ecumenical Patriarch to Metropolitan Barnabas of Neapolis and Stavroupolis for organizing the event and orchestrating the concert, as well as to the esteemed artist Manolis Mitsias for delivering an outstanding performance.

In his address, among other reflections, he articulated, “Believers do not seek to escape time, for in time and history, the Word of God was made flesh. The Church, as the vessel and means of Christ’s redemptive presence in the world, sanctifies our lives through doctrinal teachings, liturgical practices, spirituality, love, and service, ushering us into the approaching Kingdom of God.

The Mother Church of Constantinople bears witness to creation, proclaiming and elucidating the Christian Gospel, endeavoring faithfully, per Christ’s heavenly commands, toward the divine transformation of the world. Gratefully acknowledging that Christ bestows upon humanity supreme value, ‘true freedom,’ unyielding sanctity, and an eternal destiny,” he concluded.

The event drew the presence of hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne, clergy, numerous Greek expatriates, and visitors from around the globe.

Article translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas

The upcoming visit of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America to the Athonite Community has sparked considerable agitation among its members.

According to information from orthodoxtimes.gr, the article that leaked from a specific media outlet in the USA has caused significant discontent within several monasteries of Mount Athos. The article claims that Archbishop Elpidophoros is deemed an “undesirable person” (persona non grata) in the Garden of the Virgin Mary, stirring unrest among the Athonite monks.

According to the letter that orthodoxtimes.gr brings to light today, the Athonite Community does not mention at any point its intention to rebel and, therefore, not to welcome Archbishop Elpidophoros.

The letter to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was sent on December 15/28 of the previous year.

The tone and substance of the letter, for anyone who knows to read, are unequivocal. It is short, simple and clear. The photos published after the now well-known baptism of the child of a same-sex couple give the wrong impression about the stance of the Church on same-sex marriage.

This was the “objection” of the Athonites, which can in no way be considered as a refusal to welcome a Hierarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, no matter how much some seek to “read behind the lines”.

This letter, according to credible sources within the Athonite Community, does not pertain to Archbishop Elpidophoros. Rather, it voices concerns about the confusion of a same-sex couple’s baptism photos amid ongoing societal debates in Greece on same-sex marriage and adoption.

The same sources, that spoke to Orthodox Times, suggest that the letter’s genesis lies within a specific monastery, seeking to express its concerns after Archbishop Elpidophoros’s visit and deliberately orchestrating its leak to a chosen media outlet.

It would be followed by its reproduction – as it was – by the well-known blogs that are used to republishing “church news”.

Contrary to the insinuations of the letter, several circles from the Archdiocese, invited to comment on the fact the Archbishop was deemed as “undesirable”, highlight widespread enthusiasm surrounding Archbishop Elpidophoros’s visit. They underline the excitement on both sides of the Atlantic due to the visit’s program and the large accompanying delegation.

Regarding the article disseminated by a Greek diaspora media outlet in New York, which was also reproduced by some Greek websites, circles within the Archdiocese dismiss it as an expected attempt at disinformation. They perceive this as a systematic effort of the same author who serves the plans of those who fiercely seek to undermine relations between the Greek diaspora, the Greek state, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, specifically targeting Archbishop Elpidophoros.

Initially, Metropolitan Cleopas guided his visitor to the St. George Cathedral in Stockholm, where he informed him about the history and works of the restoration of the church, and then received him at the Museum of Greek-Christian Heritage, where they had an hour-long discussion on issues of mutual interest.

The Archbishop conveyed to Fr. Antonios the paternal wishes of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and Fr. Antonios conveyed the greeting of Patriarch John X of Antioch.

The Archbishop invited Fr. Antonios to celebrate the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral on the last Sunday of January, and offered him the commemorative volume of his Patriarchal Visit to Stockholm and the publication of the Holy Metropolis with the Divine Liturgy in three languages (Greek, Swedish and English). They also exchanged wishes for the feasts of the Epiphany and the New Year.

The atmosphere was notably friendly as they engaged in discussions touching upon various crucial matters.

During their meeting, the Ecumenical Patriarch expressed his gratitude to Nikos Androulakis for his upcoming presence in Constantinople for the imminent feast of the Holy Epiphany. Additionally, he extended his appreciation for Androulakis’s enduring interest in the affairs of the Mother Church and in the significance of the Greek Diaspora in Constantinople, Imbros, and Tenedos.

Article translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas

Following the eucharistic synaxis, Bishop Iakovos cut the traditional Vasilopita (cake in memory of St Basil) while sharing words of encouragement and paternal love on the occasion of the commencement of a new year. The Archim Lazarus Georgiou, a visiting clergyman from the Metropolis of Limassol in Cyprus, preached the sermon, at the well attended Hierarchical liturgy of St Basil.

After the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the service of the Great Blessing of the Waters will take place, and the throwing of the Holy Cross (around 11:30 am), at the adjacent jetty in the Modi area.

Bishop Raphael presided during Matins and celebrated the Divine Liturgy. Amongst those concelebrating were the V. Revd Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne Dr. Antonios Kakalis, the V. Revd Archimandrite Meletiy Spassov, vice-dean of Sofia Theological Seminary (Bulgarian Orthodox Church), the Revd Protopresbyter Christos Stephanou, the Revd Protopresbyter John Nankivell, the Revd Protopresbyter John Jookway, the Revd Protopresbyter Dr. Dobromir Dimitrov, the Revd Oeconomos Nicholas Karafillides, the Revd Oeconomos Michael Petrakis, Priest-in-charge and the Revd Presbyter Dionisios-James Higgs. Archdeacon Dr. George Tsourous as well as Deacons Symeon Menne, and Gregorios Craveiro served. Prior to the ordination, Ioannis Petrakis was elevated by His Grace Raphael to the order of Readers.
Also present were the Rev. Oeconomos Andreas Amirhom (Newcastle), Revd Archpriest Stephen Platt (Oxford) and Revd Archpriest Prof Andrew Louth (Durham) from the Russian Orthodox Church (Diocese of Sourozh), Revd Dr. Justin Mihoc (Durham) from the Romanian Orthodox Church, the Revd Paul Kronbergs (Middlesbrough) and the Revd Canon Dr. Alan Bartlett (Durham) from the Anglican Church, as well as Revd Presbyter Beshoy Karam from the Coptic Cathedral of St. George and St. Athanasios (Newcastle), along with Prof. Jane Heath (Durham University).

In his ordination speech, Fr Nikita reflected on his spiritual journey throughout his life and expressed profound gratitude to God for the divine call to the ordained ministry of Priesthood. He extended heartfelt thanks to Archbishop Nikitas, for guiding him in discerning the right time to take the first step toward the Holy Altar. Father Nikita also conveyed his appreciation to His Grace Bishop Raphael, recalling their initial meeting at the Monastery of St. John the Baptist in Essex during 1999-2000 when he was still a student.

Father Nikita also expressed his deep gratitude to Fr. John and Georgina Nankivell, whom he first met during the same period and who have remained close friends. He extended a sincere thank you to Fr. Meletiy, who represented his home country and Bulgarian family. Father Nikita also thanked the Community in Leeds for their warm welcome, noting that it was at this very church that he was initially ordained as a reader by the late Archbishop Gregorios in January 2007. He also expressed his profound appreciation to his dear wife, Esther, and their children, Liliana-Maria, Anastasia, and Symeon, for wholeheartedly embracing their new life as a clergy family.

In closing, Father Nikita acknowledged his role as a Priest is to lead the people of God in the greatest act of thanksgiving, the Eucharist, where the Church gathers to give thanks and noted the importance of giving thanks, even in challenging times.

In his address to Deacon Nikita, Bishop Raphael noted that Nikita’s life was about to undergo a transformative change, taking on new meaning and beauty as he prepared to be ordained as a Priest. Bishop Raphael highlighted Nikita’s well-rounded preparation, growing up in a devout Orthodox Christian environment, living a pious life, and receiving guidance from dedicated clergymen. He also acknowledged Nikita’s family, his worthy wife, and good children who would provide support and inspiration on his journey. Bishop Raphael emphasised that, through the Archbishop’s call, Fr. Nikita was not a foreigner in the Church but an integral part of the Archdiocese’s family, working together to welcome more people to the faith. In conclusion, Bishop Raphael wished for Nikita’s priestly service to be so impactful that people encountering him would affirm the truth of the Gospel and conveyed his blessings for Nikita’s journey in the priesthood, praying for a path filled with grace, devotion, and inspiration for all those Nikita would encounter in his ministry.

The close-knit community in Leeds, under the guidance of Fr. Michael Petrakis,Priest-in-charge, President Kostas Karakoussis and the Parish Council, as well as the co-ordinator Mr Irineos Livadiotes, orchestrated a truly splendid reception in celebration of the ordination. This event seamlessly accommodated nearly 200 guests. The delicious meal prepared by the talented cook, Mr. Nikolaos Tagkatidis and volunteers, added an extra layer of warmth and flavour to the gathering. It provided an extraordinary opportunity for guest from across the UK and members of the Leeds community to come together and witness the ordination of Fr. Nikita. Against the backdrop of the ordination, attendees relished the chance to also exchange warm greetings for the New Year.

Fr Nikita will be serving at the Church of the Annunciation of the Mother of God in Middlesbrough.

In a heartfelt address, the Metropolitan of Sweden invokes unity and spiritual peace among us all, envisioning a calm spirit akin to a calm sea where heartfelt connections transcend the trivialities of our world.

Despite personal imperfections, he extends this wish not just for the audience but for all brethren partaking in this divine gift. With fervent entreaty, he beseeches the Risen Lord Jesus Christ to bestow abundant blessings in prayer and thought upon each individual, their dear ones, and all fellow believers in Christ.

Expressing deep gratitude, joy, and affectionate sentiments, the message concludes with a hopeful vow of shared growth in the coming year.

Read the full address of Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden:

The year 2023 ended on a very nice note, with the forty-day churching of little Athanasios, the son of Konstantinos and Maria, distinguished members of our Cathedral in Stockholm.

Little Athanasios was adorable as he participated in the service full of laughter and tranquility!

As I held him in my arms, a song by the acclaimed singer Haroula Alexiou came to mind, written by Makis Seviloglou and entitled “We’re Getting Older Together.”

“Two pearly eyes

That look a little like yours and a little like mine…

I sing you a lullaby

And you close your eyes like an angel

Even though I’m getting older

We’re getting older together

Even though I’m getting older

I’ll melt every time I hear you laugh and cry”

Here in the Greek Community of Scandinavia and our local Church, we, too, grow older together, because – to put it simply – “we are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”

We share in the joys and sorrows of our brothers and sisters, along with their dreams and successes, because they are our family!

The words of St. Paul the Apostle are wise and timeless: “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body.” (1st Corinth. 12,12-13)

It is within the Church that we learn how to walk together, to build dreams together, to work together, to create things together, and to have an ecclesiological conscience!

The journey to Emmaus, together with Luke and Cleopas, is a common journey of spiritual progress and recognition, interembracing, searching, processing and interpreting spiritual “data” and empirical knowledge that turns away from jealousy, envy, disparagement, unfair competition, and slander!

We learn to walk together in unity, each one of us looking out for the other and for the best interests of the group, we share in one another’s joys and sorrows, in love and a spirit of obedience, joined indivisibly to the Head of the Church – Jesus Christ.

I was very happy to have read the statistics from the Holy Sacraments celebrated in the year 2023, according to which our parishes in Scandinavia welcomed 31 adults as new members of the Church through the service of chrismation and another 22 adults through baptism.

I extend my warmest congratulations to the Reverend Clergy for their missionary zeal and devotion to their ministry!

St. John Chrysostom reminds us that all of us – shepherds and logical sheep – are all being shepherded by Christ: “I have told you many times that shepherds and sheep are divided  in this manner according to human discernment, but before Christ all are sheep. Both the shepherds and sheep are all shepherded by the one arch-shepherd” (St. John Chrysostom, On the Ascension, sermon 2, 12. P.G. 52, 784).

Being that I am currently working on a new study on the missionary work of the ever-memorable Elder Eusevios Vittis in Scandinavia, let us read what he has to say through his correspondence regarding the longed for mystical union of the Church, and let us accept his words as a heartfelt wish, supplication, and fervent prayer for Hellenism all over the world:

“In my humble opinion, the church must become a spiritual center that gives off powerful rays from the light of Christ, the love described in the Gospel, heavenly truth, life in the Holy Spirit, a place of perpetual worship of the Trinitarian God in spirit and truth, in the Orthodox faith, and in the sanctification of soul and spirit. Only in this way can fulfill its mission.

The church is not there for others, but rather, for us. There is no us and them.

The pronoun “us” includes us all. That means that every one of us, from the first to the last, will find tranquility of spirit like a calm sea, we will meet our brethren mystically heart to heart and overcome the pettiness and futility of this world.

I wish this for you in spite of the unworthiness that characterizes me, and through you, to all the brethren who will participate in this special gift of our Lord. I entreat our Risen Lord Jesus Christ with all my heart to give His gifts “in exceeding abundance, whether in prayer or thought” to each of you and your loved ones, and to all our brethren in faith in Christ Jesus.

I greet you with deep thanks, joy, sentiments, and corresponding love in His Name. Archimandrite Eusevios Vittis, monk” (Archive of the St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Uppsala)

Happy New Year, my brothers and sisters! “Even though I grow older, we shall grow older together”

He also prayed for Ecumenical Patriarch Maximus V, who fell asleep on New Year’s Eve in 1972, as well as for Bishop Basil Apameia, who served as the abbot of the Monastery.