The festivities in memory of the holy, glorious, great martyr Demetrios, the patron saint and protector of our Community in North London, were celebrated with splendour and devotion and with the participation of a large number of faithful both young and old. The services of Vespers, Matins and the Divine Liturgy were presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, assisted by His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Claudioupolis and a great number of priests. At the Vespers service, His Eminence, in recognition of Fr. John Hookway’s many years of service to the Community, elevated him to the rank of Protopresbyter, while Mr. Nicholas Menikou, Mr. Demetrios Iordanou and Mr. Alexandros Georgiou were made readers. The services were graced by the attendance of His Excellency the Consul of the Hellenic Republic in London Mr. Christos Goulas, the honoured Heads of Education of the Greek and Cypriot Mission, Mrs. Irene Veroni and Mrs. Maria Loi as well as the Archons of the Great Church of Christ, Mr. Menelaos Ourris and Mr. Panayiotis Demetriou.
The Community offered supper after the end of Vespers to the whole congregation and on the day of the feast the participants in the festivities enjoyed savoury and sweet traditional dishes in the church hall.
On behalf of the Ecclesiastical Committee, the Ladies’ Auxiliary Committee and the Priests of Saint Demetrios Church we express our gratitude and thanks to those who participated in the feast, including all the volunteers and the Community’s local media (Hellenic TV, LGR, Parikiaki, Eleftheria).
