Visit of his Grace Bishop Raphael of Ilion
for Parish Feast of St Anthony

16 and 17 January 2026

On Friday 16 January 2026, His Grace Bishop Raphael of Ilion visited and presided at the Feastal Vespers followed by Artoklasia at the Parish of St Anthony the Great in Newcastle Upon Tyne. His Grace was joined by the Reverend Presbyters Symeon Menne, Priest-In-Charge, and Nikitas Banev.

The following morning, on the Patronal Feast of the Parish, His Grace presided at the Divine Liturgy too. In addition to the Reverend Presbyter Symeon, the Very Reverend Archimandrite Antonios Kakalis, the Reverend Presbyters Justin Mihoc and Nikitas Banev and the Reverend Archdeacon George Tsouros concelebrated with His Grace on this joyous and blessed day in the life of the community. The Divine Liturgy was also enriched by the beautiful chanting of the church’s choir led by Eleftherios Zorbas and the prayers of the many faithful, who attended the Divine Liturgy.

Bishop Raphael gave a moving sermon about the life and teaching of Saint Anthony the Great and focused in particular on the most important of his graces, namely his humility. His Grace then thanked all his co-celebrants and offered encouraging words of gratitude to Fr Symeon for his ministry and dedication to the spiritual life of the diverse and growing congregation and to the President of the community, Savina Iliadou for her committed organisation.

The Hierarchical Liturgy was followed by a gracious meal and the cutting of the traditional Vassilopita to officially welcome the New Year in the church’s community hall, where clergy and parishioners alike gathered to mark the Feast in a spirit of fellowship and thanksgiving.

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