The Feast of the 318 Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council, in Shrewsbury, England

The memory of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council was celebrated with great splendour on Sunday, 16 June 2024, in the church of the Holy Fathers in the city of Shrewsbury in central England.

The parish was visited by His Grace Bishop Maximos of Melitene, who presided over the Divine Liturgy.

The Bishop preached the Holy Sermon and, on behalf of the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, honoured the long-time reader and benefactor of the English-speaking Community of Shrewsbury, Mr. Christopher David Lewis, by presenting him with the Archdiocesan Cross of Christ the Saviour and conveyed to him and the faithful the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain.

Addressing Mr. Lewis, the Bishop of Melitene said, in part, “Your unwavering commitment and devoted service to our blessed Community here in Shrewsbury, as well as your steadfast dedication to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, are an example to be emulated and a testament to your modesty”.

The Orthodox Community of the 318 Fathers of the First Ecumenical Synod of Shrewsbury has more than doubled in size in the last two years and carries out significant charitable work in the wider Central England area.

Refreshments for the whole community in the church yard followed the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy.