LONDON – [Photos: Alexios Gennaris]
More than 500 faithful from parishes and communities across the United Kingdom gathered at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in Londo, for the annual Name Day Gala in honour of His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, on the Feast of St Nikitas the Great Martyr, on September 15.
The evening, which supported the Archdiocesan Charitable and Educational Ministries, combined heartfelt tributes, fellowship, and celebration.
The program began with an address by the V. Rev. Archimandrite Nephon Tsimalis, Protosyncellus of the Archdiocese, who warmly welcomed the assembled guests. In his remarks, he paid tribute to the Archbishop as a spiritual father, highlighting his pastoral background and the breadth of his ministry that now continues in the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain.
Attendees then enjoyed a three-course dinner and moving musical performances. The evening’s entertainment opened with a performance by Aggeliki Darra, whose powerful voice set a festive tone for the celebration. A particularly joyful surprise was the appearance of acclaimed singer Kaiti Koulia, from the Archbishop’s ancestral island of Kalymnos, who performed several well-known and much- loved songs.
The event was organised under the dedicated leadership of Archon Louis Loizou, whose tireless efforts, together with those of the planning committee, ensured the success of this memorable celebration. The Archdiocese also expressed deep gratitude to the donors and supporters, whose generosity made the evening possible and whose contributions continue to sustain the vital ministries of the Archdiocese.
In his address, Archbishop Nikitas turned the focus away from himself and towards the clergy. Speaking of their tireless service and dedication to the people of God, he invited all priests present to stand and be recognised, leading the faithful in a warm and sustained round of applause in gratitude for their ministry.
The Archbishop also paid heartfelt tribute to his predecessors who paved the way for today’s Archdiocese, particularly remembering with affection and respect the late Archbishop Gregorios and his long and devoted service.
Finally, His Eminence reflected on the meaning of his name day in the life of the Church, offering words of thanksgiving to the faithful and prayerful encouragement to continue in service, unity, and love.
The Gala was a resounding expression of the community’s love for its Archbishop and its shared commitment to the mission of the Archdiocese.
