Feast of the Holy Cross and Ordination to the Holy Diaconate

On Saturday 14th September 2024, the Feast day of the Elevation of the Holy Cross, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain presided over Matins and celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Archangel Michael in Golders Green, London.

During the Divine Liturgy, Dimitrios Mislis was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by the Archbishop. Among those serving with the Archbishop were the V. Revd Archimandrite Christodoulos Kokliotis and the Revd Protopresbyter Michael Kouremetis. The Revd Archdeacon George Tsourous and Revd Deacon Georgios Ntallas also served.

Dimitrios Mislis, addressing Archbishop Nikitas, clergy, and the faithful, expressed deep humility and gratitude for his calling to the priesthood. He acknowledged his feelings of unworthiness, but emphasised the immense joy and blessing of serving Christ. Dimitrios reflected on his journey, noting how his dedication to Christ had grown over the years, transcending logical explanation despite his scientific background. He extended heartfelt thanks to Archbishop Nikitas, his spiritual guides, and his family, especially his wife Ioanna and their two sons. Dimitrios concluded by asking for prayers, hoping that God will continue to guide him in his ministry.

In his response, Archbishop Nikitas offered paternal counsel to Dimitrios, encouraging him to face any challenges with courage and to serve with simplicity and humility in his diaconate ministry. The Archbishop praised Dimitrios for his discretion, good character, and virtues of humility and obedience. He also highlighted the vital mission of guiding people back to the truth of Jesus Christ, noting that Dimitrios would now join him and the clergy of the Archdiocese in this sacred work.

At the end of the Divine Liturgy, Clergy, the Parish Council and the congregation offered their wishes to the new Deacon, and a festal reception followed in the community hall.