Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain made his inaugural pastoral visit to the Church of the Holy Transfiguration in Great Walsingham on Saturday, August 10, 2024. He was warmly welcomed by Presbyter Christopher Knight, Priest-in-Charge, and the congregation, along with Archdeacon George Tsourous.
Prior to Vespers that evening, Archbishop Nikitas and Fr. Christopher toured Walsingham’s sacred sites, including the Catholic Shrine of Our Lady, the Anglican Shrine with the Orthodox Chapel of the Theotokos the Life-giving Spring, the Slipper Chapel, the Orthodox Chapel of St. Seraphim, and the Icon Heritage Museum.
The following day, Sunday, August 11, Archbishop Nikitas celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Holy Transfiguration with Protopresbyter Patrick Hodson, Presbyter Christopher Knight, Presbyter Constantine Litvinenko, and Archdeacon George. After the Liturgy, Stephen Riley-Elliott was tonsured as a Reader by the Archbishop.
During the Feast of the Transfiguration, Archbishop Nikitas blessed grapes and other fruits as a symbol of gratitude for God’s mercy. A hospitable reception was held for the Archbishop, clergy, and faithful attendees, providing an opportunity for engagement and discussion about the Faith and the ministries of the Archdiocese and Orthodoxy in the UK.
