Landmark

January 2012

2012-01-01T00:35:00.004Z

THE JANUARY PROGRAMME OF DIVINE SERVICES AND OTHER EVENTS

Sunday, 1st January: 10.00 am Matins, Divine Liturgy,
.....Doxology for the Beginning of the New Year and Cutting of the New Year’s Cake
.....Feast of the Circumcision of Our Lord and St. Basil the Great

Thursday, 5th January: 9.30 am Royal Hours of Theophany, Vespers, Divine Liturgy
.....& the Great Sanctification of the Waters
.....Theophany Eve (Fasting)

Friday, 6th January: 9.30 am Matins, Divine Liturgy &
.....the Great Sanctification of the Waters
.....Holy Theophany of our Lord
.....6.00 pm Vespers

Saturday, 7th January: 9.30 am Matins & Divine Liturgy
.....Memorial Services may start again from today
.....Feast of St. John the Baptist

Sunday, 8th January: 12.30 pm Tea organised by our Ladies Sisterhood
.....Members pay their annual subscription

Tuesday, 10th January: 6.00 pm Supplicatory Canon to St. Panteleimon
.....6.30 pm Bible Study: “The miracles”

Sunday, 15th January: 4.30 pm Afternoon Tea, organised by St. Agatha Ladies’ Sisterhood
.....A talk will be delivered by Mrs. Alexandra Demou
.....Theme: “The place of woman in Pakistan”

Monday, 16th January: 6.00 pm Vespers

Tuesday, 17th January: 9.30 am Matins & Divine Liturgy
.....Feast of St. Anthony the Great
.....6.00 pm Supplicatory Canon to St. Paraskevi
.....6.30 pm Bible Study: “The person and the work of St. Athanasios the Great”

Sunday, 22nd January: 1.00 pm New Year’s Lunch for the Elderly, oferred by Mr. Andreas Georgiades

Tuesday, 24th January: 6.00 pm Supplicatory Canon to Virgin Mary
.....6.30 pm Bible Study: “Psalm 37”

Wednesday, 25th January: 6.00 pm Vespers

Thursday, 26th January: 9.30 am Matins & Divine Liturgy
.....Feast of St. Xenophon

Sunday, 29th January: 6.00 pm Vespers

Monday, 30th January: 9.30 am Matins & Divine Liturgy
.....Feast of the Three Holy Hierarchs - Feast of the Hellenic and Christian Letters

Tuesday, 31st January: 6.00 pm Supplicatory Canon to St. Panteleimon
.....6.30 pm Bible Study: “The Holy Island of Tenos”

Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T15:16:00.003Z

Christmas Day today. In the morning we had a joyful celebration of the Divine Liturgy at our Church, which was fully packed.

At the end, after the reading of our Ecumenical Patriarch’s Encyclical Epistle by Fr. Anastasios, the President of our Community Mr. Pantelis Demosthenous offered his good wishes to the congregation and presented the Architect of our new Church Mr. Michael Neocleous of Papa Architects with a special honorary plaque.

Then we had in front of the congregation the Raffle Draw for the Christmas Hamper, which was prepared by Mrs. Mary Nicholaou. The Raffle had made £1020, amount offered towards the Fund-raising of our Church. The winner of the Hamper is Mrs. Koulla Karaiskou.

We wish all members and supporters of our Church and Community a Blessed Christmas. Let the Star of Bethlehem shine and lead our way towards the newly born Divine Child.

Blessed Christmas

2011-12-24T22:28:00.003Z

The birth of Jesus Christ of Nazareth has split history in two, so that each calendar is reckoned before or after His birth. The year in which He was born marks the period known as AD (“Anno Domini”), and the years before that as BC (“Before Christ”).

Our Lord's Nativity is observed on December 25. The early Church Fathers made the birthdate of our Lord deliberately to coincide with and offset the pagan celebration of Saturnalia, that festive pagan day of celebration in which the sun crossed the imaginary line drawn on the later-day maps as the equator.

To the pagans it signified a rebirth of the sun, now returning to the north to assert its full power and bring on the spring season; but to the Christians it marked the birthday celebration of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who had created not only the sun, but all the other stars and planets of the universe.

On December 25 the Saviour was born, and God so loved the world He had created that He sacrificed his Son thirty-three short years later for the redemption of all mankind. The star that shone over Bethlehem to light the way for the Wise Men of the East still shines as an eternal beacon in the hearts of all those who have Jesus Christ in their hearts.

We wish you all a Blessed Christmas!

With festal wishes

The Parish Priest
The Trustees
The Church Committee
The Ladies of St. Agatha Sisterhood
The Hellenic College
St. Panteleimon Nursery
And our Community’s Youth

Jubilate Choir

2011-12-13T00:53:00.004Z

Last Saturday the Jubilate Choir have very successfully performed at our Church, presenting traditional Christmas Carols, in English and Greek. Fr. Anastasios welcomed the Choir and the congregation with the following words:

Good-evening to you all and welcome to our newly build Church of St. Panteleimon and St. Paraskevi.

In the Gospel according to St. Luke, ch. 2, verses 1-7 we read:

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.

2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)

3 And everyone went to his own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.

5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,

7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

This is the actual story of Christmas. This is exactly what is commemorated throughout the Christendom on the 25th December every year.

Christmas is a unique Christian festival. There is no Christianity without it. The Holy Scriptures record that “...every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God” (1 John 4, 3).

Various complimentary names have been given to this feast by the Holy Fathers. “First feast” is named by St. Epiphanius; St. Gregory of Nazianzus calls it “feast of recreation”. St. John Chrysostom declares it a “metropolis of all the feasts”.

It is natural then for all nations (the British and the Greek included) to produce hymns and carols in honour of this great festival and in praise of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

This is why we are gathered here tonight in order to celebrate Christmas, to sing carols, to chant hymns and to admire the awards-winning ladies’ choir Jubilate, with all those beautiful voices of the highly talented ladies, directed by their Musical Director Sarah Stroh, who had done all the hard work of preparation, but could not be with us tonight, due to a small health problem. We wish her speedy recovery. Wyn Highland, who will be the accompanist for tonight, will also play Sarah’s role. Many thanks to them both.

Reading through the web site of the Jubilate Choir I found with some pride that they have actually started their history from our area, Kingsbury. Then they progressed in becoming a large group, which has performed in many places and events, known for its high standard of performance, its varied repertoire, and its sense of fun.

I am sure you would allow me to offer my sincere thanks and gratitude to our dearest Helen Georgiades, as well as to her daughter Ninoska Leppard (a regular member of the Choir) who both had the original idea for tonight’s event.

Tea and coffee for the interval will be offered by Helen Georgiades and Lela Vazania, while the Choir is offering the traditional minced pies, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart, on behalf of all of us.

It is obviously known that the proceeds of this event will be shared between our newly built Church, which still owes about 1 million pounds after its recent completion, and the Choir. We are always looking to find people and companies ready to support financially our beautiful new Church to repay its loans.

My dearest friends,

Let us wish that this Christmas will be filled with spiritual joy and happiness and the main gift that we shall all receive will be Jesus Christ himself, our Saviour and our Lord!

Amen!

Tarmac on the Car Park

2011-12-08T10:13:00.004Z

Works have progressed greatly in our Car Park area.

After many days of intense preparations today tarmac is being laid on the Car Park, and it really looks very impressive.

The engineers and workers are expecting to complete the works by tonight.

December 2011

2011-12-03T10:32:00.002Z

THE DECEMBER PROGRAMME OF DIVINE SERVICES AND OTHER EVENTS

Sunday, 4th December: Feast of St. Barbara the Great Martyr

Monday, 5th December: 6.00 pm Vespers

Tuesday, 6th December: 9.30 am Matins and Divine Liturgy
.....Feast of St. Nicholas
.....6.00 pm Supplicatory Canon to St. Panteleimon
.....6.30 pm Bible Study: “St. Panteleimon in Cologne - Germany”

Thursday, 8th December: 6.00 pm Vespers

Friday, 9th December: 9.30 am Matins & Divine Liturgy
.....Feast of the Conception of Mary the Virgin by St. Anna

Saturday, 10th December: 7.00 pm A Classic Choral Christmas with English and Greek Christmas Carols

Sunday, 11th December: 5.00 pm Vespers
.....6.00 pm Christmas Dinner at Sea Pebbles Restaurant

Monday, 12th December: 9.30 am Matins & Divine Liturgy
.....Feast of St. Spyridon

Tuesday, 13th December: 6.00 pm Supplicatory Canon to St. Paraskevi
.....6.30 pm Bible Study: “Prophecies foretelling the Birth of Jesus”

Wednesday, 14th December: 6.00 pm Nativity Play at St. Panteleimon Nursery
.....6.00 pm Vespers

Thursday, 15th December: 9.30 am Matins & Divine Liturgy
.....Feast of St. Eleftherios and St. Anthia

Friday, 16th December: 7.30 pm Christmas Festival at St. Panteleimon Hellenic College

Saturday, 17th December: 11.15 am Christmas Festival at St. Panteleimon Hellenic College
.....3.15 pm Christmas Festival at St. Panteleimon Hellenic College

Sunday, 18th December: Last Day of Memorial Services
.....1.00 pm Backgammon Competition organised by the Parents of St. Panteleimon Hellenic College

Tuesday, 20th December: 6.00 pm Supplicatory Canon to Virgin Mary
.....6.30 pm Bible Study: “The icon of the Nativity of our Lord”

Friday, 23rd December: 8.00 pm Christmas Vigil
.....Feast of St. Eugenia

Saturday, 24th December: 6.00 pm Great Vespers

Sunday, 25th December: 9.30 am Matins & Divine Liturgy
.....THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD & SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST

Monday, 26th December: 6.00 pm Vespers

Tuesday, 27th December: 9.30 am Matins & Divine Liturgy
.....Feast of St. Stephen the Protomartyr

Saturday, 31st December: 8.00 pm New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance

Great sunshine

2011-12-02T09:45:00.003Z

The day bathed in sunshine today, although it is obviously a winter day, as the temperature is about 2 Celsius degrees.

Our parking specialists are working this morning in our Church’s Car Park.

They are smiling and happy people and they enjoy working at our Church yard.

They certainly like being photographed and they hope to complete their work soon.

Parking spaces

2011-12-01T14:59:00.002Z

Works continue today in our Church’s Car Park area.

Individual parking spaces are now visibly designed and built.

This is another part of the great building and constructing craftsmanship.

Car Park progress

2011-11-30T22:11:00.002Z

St. Andrew’s day today. We had a fully packed Church when we celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the morning.

At the same time works in our Church’s Car Park has progressed.

Fortunately parking is not that bad in our area; thus people coming to Church or to our Schools they can park elsewhere nearby.

We hope though to have the Car Park completed as soon as possible.

Church Car Park

2011-11-29T23:50:00.002Z

Our Church’s Car Park has been used for the last few months, although it hasn’t as yet been fully completed.

IBEX and its subcontractors are in our premises since yesterday working towards finalising the Car Park.

New lines are being designed and drawn on the surface.

The 4 first pictures are from yesterday, while the last two from today.

AGM today

2011-11-27T20:19:00.007Z

After the morning Service at our Church we had our Community’s Annual General Meeting today.

It was organised by our Community’s Committees in order to offer full reports on all our activities for the last couple of years.

Fr. Anastasios welcomed everyone and congratulated all Committees for their hard work and effectiveness.

The President of the Community Mr. Pantelis Demosthenous thanked all members and supporters of the Community who helped to build the new Church, between 2009-2011. Mr. Demosthenous, together with the Treasurer of the Community Mr. Soteris Constantinou and the Member of the Church Committee Mr. Christos Orthodoxou, answered questions by members on various issues.

The Chairman of the Parents Committee of St. Panteleimon Hellenic College Dr. Serafim Kiriakidis offered a report on the work of the College and on the acts of the Parents. He also reported on the important work of St. Panteleimon Nursery and its great financial contributions towards the fundraising of the Church.

Mrs Alexandra Constantinou reported on behalf of “St. Agatha” Ladies’ Sisterhood. She also thanked warmly the outgoing Chair-lady Mrs. Eva Christou for her many contributions over the last 20 years.

The Chairman of the Youth Dept. Mr. Panayiotis Argyrou offered his report on the Youth’s activities.

Mayor of Barnet

2011-11-21T17:26:00.002Z

Cllr. Lisa Rutter, Mayor of Barnet, attended our recent Annual Dinner and Dance with members of her family.

In her kind letter of thanks to our Community she is very complimentary for the wholehearted reception we had shown them.

Honorary Alderman

2011-11-18T18:28:00.002Z

One of the VIPs who attended our recent Annual Dinner and Dance was the Honorary Alderman Keith Toms, representing The Worshipful The Mayor of the London Borough of harrow Cllr. Mrinal Choudhury.

The Honorary Alderman was a very joyful person and had a really good time at our D & D. Today we received a very kind letter of thanks from him.

Videos from the D & D

2011-11-16T10:47:00.002Z

Last Sunday our Community held its Annual Dinner and Dance. It was a very successful and joyful event that brought together many people, both members and friends of our Community.

The evening started with the singing of our beloved National Anthem, which all Greek participants happily sung.

Then we had food, drink and a lot of secular Greek singing, by both the musicians and the people, especially Mr. Savvas Kiriakidis.

Demetri Salapatas played very nicely a well known instrumental Greek musical piece to which some ladies danced.

The Rt. Hon. Barry Gardiner, MP for Brent North, offered his nice and gentle greeting. He always speaks eloquently. This year he included in his speech a wish for our beloved homeland Greece, which is at the moment in a serious financial crisis.

Annual Dinner & Dance

2011-11-14T11:55:00.005Z

Yesterday, in the evening, our Community held its Annual Dinner and Dance at our Community Hall. 170 people, both members and friends of our Community, had taken part in the event.

Archim. Theophanis Petrou represented His Eminence the Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and GB.

The Hon. Alderman Keith Toms represented the Mayor of Harrow.

The Mayor of Brent Cllr. Aslam Choudry attended with his wife.

The Mayor of Barnet Cllr. Lisa Rutter attended with her family.

The Rt. Hon. Barry Gardiner MP for Brent North, a very good friend of our Community, was also there.

The only Greek MEP for London Marina Yiannakoudakis attended with her husband.

Dr. Panayiotis Procopiou and Dr. Serafim Kiriakidis welcomed everyone on behalf of the Community Council.

Then our guests offered their greetings. Barry Gardiner MP said: «...It seems a hugely tough year for those of us who have friends and family in Greece. I have two very dear friends of mine who are Members of the Greek Parliament, who I speak with regularly. The people of Greece have been through hell this year. And if there is one wish that I have from being inside your amazing Church this evening is that the healing of Saint Panteleimon comes on the people of Greece and that their economy and their life is restored to normal».

The President of our Community Mr. Pantelis Demosthenous and Fr. Anastasios presented honorary plaques to representatives of all those companies that built our new Church.

The winning numbers of the raffle were: 90, 231, 408, 409, 611, 909, 1032, 1074, 1576, 1584, 1595, 1709, 1723, 2015, 2087, 2159, 2214, 2271, 2344, 2574, 2644.

November 2011

2011-11-01T15:15:00.006Z

THE NOVEMBER PROGRAMME OF DIVINE SERVICES AND OTHER EVENTS

Tuesday, 1st November: 9.30 am Matins, Divine Liturgy & Blessing of the new month
..........Feast of Sts. Cosmas and Damian
..........6.00 pm Supplicatory Canon to St. Panteleimon
..........6.30 pm Bible Study: “Paradise & hell according to the Orthodox Church”

Monday, 7th November: 6.00 pm Vespers

Tuesday, 8th November: 9.30 am Matins & Divine Liturgy
..........Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel & all the Heavenly Host
..........6.00 pm Vespers
..........6.30 pm Bible Study: “Orthodox Angelology”

Wednesday, 9th November: 9.30 am Matins & Divine Liturgy
..........Feast of St. Nectarius

Sunday, 13th November: 6.00 pm Annual Dinner & Dance

Tuesday, 15th November: 6.00 pm Supplicatory Canon to St. Paraskevi
..........6.30 pm Bible Study: “Blessed are the merciful”

Sunday, 20th November: 6.00 pm Vespers

Monday, 21st November: 9.30 am Matins & Divine Liturgy
..........Feast of the Entry of the Mother of God into the Temple

Tuesday, 22nd November: 6.00 pm Supplicatory Canon to Virgin Mary
..........6.30 pm Bible Study: “Differences between Orthodox & R/Catholics [A’]”

Thursday, 24th November: 6.00 pm Vespers

Friday, 25th November: 9.30 am Matins & Divine Liturgy
..........Feast of St. Catherine
..........6.00 pm Vespers

Saturday, 26th November: 2.00 pm Divine Liturgy
..........Feast of St. Stylianus

Sunday, 27th November: 1.00 pm Annual General Meeting of the Community and St. Agatha Ladies Sisterhood

Tuesday, 29th November: 6.00 pm Vespers
..........6.30 pm Bible Study: “Differences between Orthodox & R/Catholics [B’]”

Wednesday, 30th November: 9.30 am Matins & Divine Liturgy
..........Feast of St. Andrew, the First - Called

17th Symposium

2011-10-20T13:11:00.006+01:00

Our Community organises every autumn an Annual Symposium.

We usually invite 2-3 speakers who talk on a general theme of common interest.

This year we had our 17th Symposium, dedicated to: “The Hellenic Education in the modern era”.

Fr. Anastasios and Mr. Pantelis Demosthenous offered the Community’s greetings.

His Grace Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria (Church of Cyprus) was the first speaker.

He talked on: “The pastoral work of the Church in Education and especially in the time of modern technology and internet”.

Then Mr. Savvas Pavlides, who is in charge of the Cyprus Educational Mission in Great Britain, talked on: “The Hellenic Community Education in the United Kingdom”.

The teacher Mrs. Nicky Andreou talked also on: “The material of the programme «Education for Greeks Abroad»”.

Dr. Serafim Kiriakidis was on the chair of the Symposium.

After the talks there was a lively discussion and many people expressed their views on the matter.

Then all participants were invited to dinner offered by our Community at the Community Hall.

Episcopal Divine Liturgy

2011-10-18T15:32:00.005+01:00

Last Sunday Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria (Church of Cyprus) presided over the Episcopal Divine Liturgy which was celebrated at our Church.

He was assisted by Fr. Anastasios and Deacon Savvas.

His Grace delivered an excellent sermon and conveyed the blessings of His Beatitude Archbishop Chrysostomos of Cyprus to our congregation.

Our Church was fully packed for the Holy Service.

Many people, both young and old, male and female, received Holy Communion.

After the Service the leaders of our Community offered coffee, tea and refreshments at our Community Hall.

Bishop Gregorios and the President of our Community Mr. Pantelis Demosthenous were both offered commemorative plaques by the Mr. Nicos Hidjistefanou, who is the Chairman of the Karavas Association.

Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria

2011-10-14T22:39:00.004+01:00

Tonight we were honoured to welcome in our Holy Church His Grace Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria, who came especially from Cyprus today in order to visit our Community, Church and College.

He was accompanied by Mr. Savvas Pavlides, Inspector of Greek Schools in Great Britain and person in charge of the Cyprus Educational Mission, as well as by Mr. Panicos Herodotou, one of the Founders of our newly built Church.

His Grace and the other guests, were welcomed by Fr. Anastasios, Mr. Pantelis Demosthenous, Dr. Serafim Kiriakidis and other leaders of our Community.

They visited our Hellenic College of St. Panteleimon and talked with the teachers and students.

Garden landscaping

2011-10-11T13:00:00.002+01:00

The time has now come for the green grass to be placed on our newly landscaped Community garden.

Demetris Zorpides is our Chief Gardener, owner of the GEBOSS Garden Landscaping and Maintenance Company.

Young Romanian workers are assisting him in his efforts to transform our garden into a beautiful green area.

Pavement

2011-10-10T10:58:00.001+01:00

The pavement in front of our Church is being re-constructed today.

This is the pavement just in front of one of the exits from our Church yard, very much needed for the safe and secure passing of both people and cars.

The local Council (London Borough of Harrow) is responsible for this work.

Hopefully by the end of the day it will be ready.

Almost ready

2011-10-06T11:59:00.004+01:00

Works continue at the back gardens of our Community premises.

The timber fence is almost ready and soon -probably by this afternoon- it will be completed.

Fortunately the weather has been complimentary to us and it is on our side during this process of regenerating the gardens.

Apart from the actual fence works are also being organised in other parts of the gardens.

Fence in the making

2011-10-05T23:30:00.003+01:00

Today our dedicated Romanian employees had spent a big part of the day constructing the new timber fence.

The soil is still an issue at the garden, but it is taken care off.

The new fence will be good from various points of view.

Safety is obviously an important factor and soon the fence will secure our premises.

New soil

2011-10-04T15:37:00.001+01:00

The gardens are slowly - slowly being transformed and taking the right shape.

New and healthy soil is placed on them today.

New fence is ready to be placed there, while flowers and trees are designed to be planted soon.

Gardens [B']

2011-10-03T15:48:00.003+01:00

Works in the communal gardens, at the back of our Community building, was continued today.

The temporary earth was taken off and other good soil was brought, in order to be used as basis for the new green grass.

Fencing material was also brought and unloaded there. The new fence will soon be built.

Mr. Pantelis Demosthenous, Mr. Christos Orthodoxou, Mr. Soteris Constantinou and Fr. Anastasios supervised the works.

Working in the sun

2011-09-30T16:17:00.002+01:00

A lovely sunny day today, with temperatures around 28°C.

A few of our workers were lucky working inside the Church, mainly decorating.

But two of them worked on the outside, on the Harrow (north) side, finalising some fillings on the stone work.

Gardens [A']

2011-09-29T19:45:00.003+01:00

At the back of our Community building there is a good size area, which serves as garden(s) for the Community block of flats (situated behind the Vicarage).

It is also an area used for various Community activities, like BBQ etc.

During the construction of our Community building and then of our new Church that area was used as a temporary car park.

This area started today being re-instituted as a garden. Trees and flowers will be planted there soon and it will look amazing.

Under floor heating

2011-09-28T16:18:00.000+01:00

The heating system of our new Church is under the marble floor.

This is modern heating system with quite a complex pipe system placed under the floor.

The plumbers who are in charge of the system were today finalising the last details before they actually switch it on.

Monthly Cleaning

2011-09-27T18:05:00.001+01:00

“Saint Agatha” Ladies Auxiliary Sisterhood is a Charitable Organisation operating within our Community.

The Ladies are always very supportive towards our Church and Community as well as towards all Community endeavours.

They support financially the Church and they offer their good services wherever needed.

One of the works that they do by bringing together many of their members is cleaning the Church.

Today was one of those days when they came smiling and they helped to clean our Church.

We are always very grateful and thankful to our Ladies for their great contributions. May our Great God bless them and their families!

Constantinos Christou

2011-09-20T13:09:00.002+01:00

The beautiful floor mosaic with the double headed eagle, which was recently placed under the main dome of our new Church, was actually made in Cyprus by the artist Constantinos Christou.

Constantinos came from Cyprus and worked yesterday and today in order to finalise all the remaining details of the mosaic.

Now the work is all done and the mosaic looks perfect.

Our Sunday School

2011-09-18T23:43:00.003+01:00

From today Sunday 18th September 2011 we started our new Sunday School.

The School age pupils who came this morning to the Church were invited by Fr. Anastasios our Parish Priest to join our new venture.

Right after they received Holy Communion all kids moved to a room of our Community Centre and stayed there for about 30’ with Mrs. Andri Kiriakidou, who is in charge of our Sunday School.

At our new Sunday School our kids will learn about our Christian Orthodox Faith, about our Church Traditions, our Church Festivals and Customs and many more.

We celebrate our Sunday School:

- Because God’s Will Is Being Done!

- Because God’s Word Is Being Studied & Taught!

- Because God’s Love Is Being Shared!

- Because God’s Work Is Being Done!

- Because The Lord’s Day Is Being Observed!

- Because God’s People Are Assembled & Enlisted!

Paddy & Vasile

2011-09-16T12:36:00.002+01:00

Paddy (Irishman) and Vasile (Romanian) are two regular faces at our premises. They are working here for quite some time. They are mainly builders, who have helped constructing our new Church.

At the moment they are preparing the area near to the Church yard fence, where flowers will be planted in the near future.

Many specialists

2011-09-15T12:16:00.004+01:00

Everywhere in our Church and Community premises there are various specialists working today to bring our new Church and the new rooms of our Community building on the required level.

At the entrance of the Church yard, outside the Church building, inside the interior, on the staircase of the Bell Tower, as well as on the first floor of the Community Centre something is being done today.

The weather is complimentary today and that is a good sign from the Heavens.

Our workers are of various nationalities also; Greek-Cypriot, English, Irish, Romanian, Bulgarian, just to mention a few.

We are certainly very happy with the way the work is being done and we are very thankful to all workers involved in the works at our Church and Community Centre.

Feast of the Holy Cross

2011-09-14T16:20:00.005+01:00

Saint Helen, the mother of Saint Constantine the Great, when she was already advanced in years, undertook, in her great piety, the hardships of a journey to Jerusalem in search of the cross, about the year 325.

A temple to Aphrodite had been raised up by the Emperor Hadrian upon Golgotha, to defile and cover with oblivion the place where the saving Passion had been suffered.

The venerable Helen had the statue of Aphrodite destroyed, and the earth removed, revealing the Tomb of our Lord, and three crosses. Of these, it was believed that one must be that of our Lord, the other two of the thieves crucified with Him; but Saint Helen was at a loss which one might be the Wood of our salvation.

At the inspiration of Saint Macarius, Archbishop of Jerusalem, a lady of Jerusalem, who was already at the point of death from a certain disease, was brought to touch the crosses, and as soon as she came near to the Cross of our Lord, she was made perfectly whole.

Consequently, the precious Cross was lifted on high by Archbishop Macarius of Jerusalem; as he stood on the ambo, and when the people beheld it, they cried out, "Lord have mercy." This event is commemorated today in our Holy Orthodox Church.

It should be noted that after its discovery, a portion of the venerable Cross was taken to Constantinople as a blessing. The rest was left in Jerusalem in the magnificent church built by Saint Helen, until the year 614. At that time, the Persians plundered Palestine and took the Cross to their own country.

Late, in the year 628, Emperor Heraclius set out on a military campaign, retrieved the Cross, and after bringing it to Constantinople, himself escorted it back to Jerusalem, where he restored it to its place.

Rest from labour. A Fast is observed today.

At the new Classrooms

2011-09-06T11:26:00.001+01:00

St. Panteleimon Hellenic College begins its new School Year (2011 - 2012) on the day after tomorrow.

This year we shall have the use of the three new rooms on the first floor of our Community building.

Andreas Kazamias and Neophytos Constantinou are doing there some carpentry work, while the smiling Irish-man Martin is decorating.

First floor beehive

2011-08-30T13:47:00.005+01:00

A lot of hard work is being done today on the first floor of our Community building.

Carpenters, decorators and others are working intensively like bees in order to prepare the three new rooms that will be used by our Community’s Educational Institutions.

Costas Soteriou, Dinos Zorbas, his son Christos Zorbas and Andreas Kazamias, are some of those offering us their good services.

One of the main works is the fixing of the laminated flooring.

The materials for the floor were offered in cost price by Steve Keyes, Manager of Howdens Joinery Co.

We are very grateful to him and his company for their valuable offer to our Church and Community.

St. Phanourios Day

2011-08-27T20:32:00.001+01:00

Today our Holy Orthodox Church commemorates the memory of the Great Martyr Saint Phanourios. We had Matins and Divine Liturgy in the morning in our new Church. According to a popular custom people bake a special pie / cake in honour of St. Phanourios and bring it to the Church to be blessed. Many families had brought these cakes. Actually, after we had taken the picture there was many more cakes offered.

In regard to the Saint, little is known of the holy Martyr Phanourios. His holy icon was discovered in the year 1500 among the ruins of an ancient church on Rhodes, when the Moslems ruled there. Thus he is called "the Newly Revealed." The faithful pray to Saint Phanourius especially to help them recover things that have been lost, and because he has answered their prayers so often, the custom has arisen of baking a Phanouropita ("Phanourios-Cake") as a thanks-offering.

Wardrobe / Bookcase

2011-08-25T14:58:00.003+01:00

The Wardrobe and Bookcase for the new big room on the first floor of our Community building is now being prepared.

The carpenter Andreas Kazamias is in charge of this work, assisted by Marios.

Timber taken upstairs

2011-08-24T16:52:00.004+01:00

Today we had taken some timber upstairs on the first floor of our Community building.

Fr. Anastasios, Neophytos Constantinou, Demetris Salapatas & Nikos Salapatas had assisted in the process.

Andreas Kazamis, who is our Church’s Senior Chanter, is a carpenter by trade.

He will spend a few days working in the new rooms of the Community building in order to make some necessary carpentry work.

Floor mosaic

2011-08-23T18:38:00.006+01:00

We are very pleased to announce that the long awaiting floor mosaic has finally arrived and was today placed at the centre of our new Church, right underneath the dome.

It is a mosaic which depicts the double headed eagle, which is regarded as the main symbol of the Byzantine Empire (which was the longest ever lived Greek and Christian Empire) and the emblem of our Greek Orthodox Church.

It symbolizes power as well as ministry over both the Eastern and the Western worlds (one head looks towards East while the other looks towards West).

The artist of this magnificent piece of art is Constantinos Christou from Nicosia, which is the capital city of Cyprus.

The mosaic was sponsored by the brothers Mr. Stefanos Stefanou and Mr. Stelios Stefanou.

Works continue...

2011-08-22T08:36:00.001+01:00

We still have various works to complete before we declare the end of our sacred and great project.

The drainage needs some attention; thus certain specialists are looking into it.

The columns in various parts of the exterior of our new Church need cleaning as well as filling in some gaps.

The extension of the first floor of the Community building is also being in the last stages of getting ready for use.

Dormition of the Holy Theotokos

2011-08-14T21:25:00.005+01:00

Our Holy Orthodox Church commemorates the most important event of the Dormition of the Mother of God on 15th August.

Concerning the Dormition of the Theotokos, this is what the Church has received from ancient times from the tradition of the Fathers. When the time drew nigh that our Savior was well-pleased to take His Mother to Himself, He declared unto her through an Angel that three days hence, He would translate her from this temporal life to eternity and bliss.

On hearing this, she went up with haste to the Mount of Olives, where she prayed continuously. Giving thanks to God, she returned to her house and prepared whatever was necessary for her burial.

While these things were taking place, clouds caught up the Apostles from the ends of the earth, where each one happened to be preaching, and brought them at once to the house of the Mother of God, who informed them of the cause of their sudden gathering.

As a mother, she consoled them in their affliction as was meet, and then raised her hands to Heaven and prayed for the peace of the world. She blessed the Apostles, and, reclining upon her bed with seemliness, gave up her all-holy spirit into the hands of her Son and God.

In our Parish we respect the Holy Mother of God very highly. On the eve of her Feast of the Dormition we celebrate Vespers and we chant Lamentations in her memory.

This is what we did this evening. Then at the end of the Holy Service we went around our neighbourhood in procession carrying her holy icon.

Mr. Stefanos Stefanou on site

2011-08-12T16:42:00.002+01:00

Today we had the honour to welcome Mr. Stefanos Stefanou, the owner of John Doyle Plc -the Construction Company that built our new Church, and Mr. Mark Taylor, the Managing Director of IBEX.

They actually came to meet with the President of our Community Mr. Pantelis Demosthenous and Fr. Anastasios, to talk about some details regarding finalising the works on our site.

Two of Mr. Stefanou employees who are specialising on drainage were also on site, working to sort out a little issue that we had with drainage.

Works on the 1st Floor

2011-08-11T10:54:00.001+01:00

The extension on the 1st Floor of our Community Centre is almost ready. Hopefully at the start of the new School Year (beginning of September) it will be ready for use by our Educational Institutions (Nursery and Hellenic College).

Mimis, a Greek man from Consatntinople, works hard to ensure that the walls will be nicely decorated and will look perfect!

Meeting with the Ladies

2011-08-09T11:30:00.004+01:00

Last night, after the Holy Service of the Supplicatory Canon dedicated to Virgin Mary, the Parish Priest Fr. Anastasios had a meeting with the Committee of the Ladies’ Sisterhood of Saint Agatha.

The Ladies always have admirable dedication to our Church and Community. They assist in all things needed for the Church. Thus, we are really thankful and grateful to all of them.

This meeting’s agenda had many items. The main ones were the preparation for the forthcoming Consecration of our new Church as well as the Elections for a new Committee to take place on 4th December 2011.

The names of the Ladies as they appear on this post’s picture are:

From left (to the right of Fr. Anastasios): Anna Anastasi, Mary Nicholaou, Despina Georgiades (Treasurer), Helen Georgiades, Anastasia Vassiliou.

From right (to the left of Fr. Anastasios): Myrofora Shiambourou, Lela Vazania (Vice President), Eva Christou (President), Androulla Constanti, Alexandra Constantinou (Secretary).

Steve Keyes honoured

2011-08-01T23:59:00.003+01:00

The great sportsman Steve Keyes who cycled the whole country, from Cornwall to Scotland, in support of our Church’s Fundraising Campaign was yesterday at our Church.

Fr. Anastasios, Mr. Pantelis Demosthenous and Mr. Christos Orthodoxou honoured him by presenting him with an honorary plaque and a book. They also congratulated and thanked him on his great achievement.

Steve finished his journey

2011-07-30T11:58:00.004+01:00

It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that we announce the completion of Steve Keyes’ Cycle Tour.

He has cycled about 1000 miles from Land’s End in Cornwall to John O'Groats in Scotland.

He has taken this initiative in support of our new Church’s Fundraising Campaign.

His wife Stavroulla send us an e-mail saying that “With God's help he did it and I thank Him for this”.

Steve is back home now having a well earned rest. The pictures on this post are from those that he managed to take along the way.

St. Panteleimon Day

2011-07-28T09:30:00.003+01:00

Hundreds of people attended yesterday our festivities in honour of our Patron Saint Panteleimon the Great Martyr and Healer.

It was the first time that we commemorated our Patron Saint in our new Church.

His Grace Bishop Chrysostomos of Kyanea presided over the Episcopal Divine Liturgy. Fr. Theophanis, Fr. Anastasios and Deacon Nicolaos assisted.

A coach came from Brighton bringing pilgrims - members of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.

Archim. Germanos Kourkounis, the Parish Priest in Brighton, was also with them.

After the Holy Service the Community leaders offered hospitality to all members of the congregation.

St.Panteleimon Eve

2011-07-27T18:39:00.003+01:00

Last night (on St. Panteleimon Eve) we sung in our new Church the Holy Service of Great and Festal Vespers.

His Grace Bishop Athanasios of Tropaiou presided; Fr. Theophanis, Fr. Anastasios and Deacon Constantinos took part in the Service.

Many chanters from various Greek Orthodox Parishes in London attended the Service and offered their good voices to the celebration.

The congregation consisted of a very good turn up of many people, both members of our Church as well as pilgrims from other areas.

At the end of the Service the holy icon of St. Panteleimon was taken in a procession around the Church.

After the Service the Ladies of our Church welcomed everyone at the Church Hall and offered delicious refreshments.

Children in our Patronal Festival

2011-07-26T08:23:00.004+01:00

One of the innovations at our Patronal Festival (of last Sunday) for this year was the coming of so many children and families from our St. Panteleimon Hellenic College.

That was due to the new spirit brought in by new members of the College Committee.

Bouncy Castle, popcorn, various other activities were introduced this year.

Above all the activity that attracted most children was the face painting.

It should be said that those activities brought also some money for the Church Fund.

An excellent preparation and work which has to be commended.

Annual Community BBQ

2011-07-25T17:14:00.006+01:00

After the Archiepiscopal Divine Liturgy at our newly built Church yesterday the leaders of our Community organised the Annual Community BBQ.

The weather was excellent and so the BBQ was very successful.

Hundreds of people attended it and stayed in our Community premises for many hours.

Traditional foods, sweets and drinks, accompanied by live Greek music were offered to our quests.

Everyone enjoyed themselves and were very happy.

The Church Committee had collected some money from the BBQ and the raffle that were put towards the Church Fund.

Archiepiscopal Divine Liturgy

2011-07-24T21:39:00.004+01:00

Today we had our Annual Community Festival, in memory of our Patron Saints, St. Panteleimon and St. Paraskevi.

His Eminence Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain presided over the Holy Service.

Hundreds of people attended the Service and many members of our congregation received Holy Communion.

The Service was also attended by the Lady Mayor of Barnet Cllr. Lisa Rutter, who is Greek and daughter of a Greek Orthodox Priest.

The Archbishop was accompanied by two of his deacons, Fr. Evangelos and Fr. Pavlos.

The young boy Alexandros Charalambous sung for the Archbishop the hymn of St. Panteleimon.

Patronal Festival

2011-07-23T09:08:00.002+01:00

Tomorrow and the next few days our Community will be celebrating its Annual Patronal Festivities.

Sunday, 24th July: 9.00 am Matins and Archiepiscopal Divine Liturgy
.....His Eminence Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain will preside
.....12.30 pm Community BBQ

Monday, 25th July: 6.00 pm Great Vespers

Tuesday, 26th July: 9.30 am Matins and Divine Liturgy
.....Feast of Saint Paraskevi
.....7.00 pm Great Festal Vespers
.....His Grace Bishop Athanasios of Tropaiou will preside

Wednesday, 27th July: 9.00 am Matins and Episcopal Divine Liturgy
.....His Grace Bishop Chrysostomos of Kyanea will preside
.....FEAST OF SAINT PANTELEIMON

Fellow Christian Visitors

2011-07-21T15:20:00.001+01:00

A nice group of 25 fellow Christians from local Churches visited the other day our new Church building. Fr. Anastasios and members of the Church Committee welcomed them into our new place of worship. Fr. Anastasios gave an introductory talk on the Theology and the practises of the Orthodox Church. Then refreshments were offered at our Church Hall.

Today we received a nice letter of thanks from the organisers of the visit, Mrs. Janet Hogge and St. John’s United Reformed Church.

Day 10 completed

2011-07-20T07:57:00.001+01:00

Day 10 completed in fine weather at last. Just a few light showers.

Steve cycled 83 miles in total yesterday through Glasgow, Dumbarton and finally Loch Lomond where he is staying in a Youth Hostel that is an old castle.

He has collected a total so far of £1,300!

4 days left and he's eager to get finished.

Steve’s photo on this post is from Carlisle yesterday, proudly wearing his T-shirt of the Church.

Railings at the Sanctuary area

2011-07-19T21:06:00.004+01:00

A few steps and then we get into the Sanctuary from the side of the Church.

This is mainly a door for the Priest and his assistants. A door that leads in and out of the Sanctuary.

Today we had specialist engineers fixing the new railings for those steps and the area just in front of that door.

Steve in Scotland !

2011-07-18T18:25:00.005+01:00

Steve has now reached Scotland!!

Yesterday Day 9 Slaidburn in Lancashire in the pouring rain and did 75 miles to Keswick in The Lake District.

Today Day 10 he got up early to set off as he was meeting his cousins who live in Carlise for a quick coffee.

He caught up with the rest of the group at Gretna Green and cycled the remaining miles with them to Moffat in Scotland. 77 miles today.

The weather was kind to him today with only a few showers.

Tomorrow's a much harder day cycling 83 miles to Loch Lomand.
Today Steve and Stavroulla celebrate their 2nd Wedding Anniversary. Congratulations!!!

Steve's progress

2011-07-16T22:09:00.002+01:00

Days 6 and 7 are now completed for Steve. He's now cycled nearly 500 miles and is half way there! 64 miles today were cycled in the pouring rain but he is keen to get going again tomorrow, as he heads for The Lake District, an outstandingly beautiful area of mountains and lakes. It will be a difficult 75 miles to Keswick but he can do it!

He hasn't managed to send any photos or e-mails, as the youth hostels where he stays have limited facilities. He assures us that he has taken some, so we can upload them onto the blog at a later date.

Steve cycled 320 miles

2011-07-15T00:12:00.002+01:00

Steve has now completed Day 5. He's cycled over 320 miles so far taking him from Cornwall to Devon, Somerset to Wales and he is now in Shropshire.

Access to the internet is proving difficult as most places have wireless access but you need your own laptop or iphone.

He calls everyday his wife Stavroulla at the end of the ride and last night was the first time he sounded tired but hopefully after a good night’s rest he will be refreshed and ready for the 80 miles cycle to Runcorn, Cheshire. There he hopes to have better luck with sending e-mails and photos as he will be in a major town and staying in an Holiday Inn rather than a youth hostel.

Columns on the Facade

2011-07-14T16:02:00.003+01:00

The foreman Mick and the employee Adrian are working the last few days on the Facade.

They are filling in the small holes and gaps on the columns, in order to complete their final presentation.

Adrian loves being photographed.

Gates and Metal Railings

2011-07-13T13:50:00.004+01:00

New Gates and Metal Railings are being fixed today in front of our new Church.

The Metal Railings are being fixed on the brick wall and they certainly provide a nice and decorative touch to our front yard.

They will most probably finish by tomorrow and they will add to tiding up of the outside area of our magnificent Church.

They will also help with the security of our Church yard.

Steve started his cycling

2011-07-11T10:16:00.006+01:00

As was reported recently Steve Keyes is undertaking the task to ride on his bike from Lands End to John O’Groats.

He started his tour yesterday!

Steve had a very good day cycling from Land's End to a very picturesque seaside village called Fowey in Cornwall (64 miles in total)!

The group stopped for a break at a Cornish pastie shop where a lady spotted Steve in his t-shirt and got very excited that he was raising money for a church, so donated some money!

She told him how she enjoyed holidays to Greece and especially enjoyed visiting the churches. She herself was on her way to her Sunday Service. It's heart warming to hear this story and I am sure will be many by the end of the journey.

He didn't have access to a computer where he was staying last night but he hopes some places will have, so that he can email us and send some photos.

Today he will be heading off to Moretonhampsted in Devon travelling 60 miles.

Fr. Andreas Pittas

2011-07-07T17:01:00.001+01:00

A Greek Orthodox Priest, Economos Fr. Andreas Pittas, visited our new Church, met with Fr. Anastasios and Mr. Pantelis Demosthenous and congratulated them on the Community’s success, to build such a magnificent place of worship.

Fr. Andreas served in Greek Parishes in London for 30 years. Then, 7 years ago he moved to Cyprus, where he is serving as Priest in Charge of the Parish dedicated to St. Kyriacos in the Diocese of Kition.

These days he is in London on holiday visiting old friends and admiring the progress of our Greek Orthodox Parishes in this beautiful city.

Stefanou Brothers

2011-07-04T22:48:00.002+01:00

The leaders of our Community invited Mr. Stefanos Stefanou and Mr. Stelios Stefanou to attend the Church Service yesterday and at the end they offered them honorary plaques.

Fr. Anastasios offered some welcoming words and then the President of our Community Mr. Pantelis Demosthenous said:

«Very Reverend Father, Mr. Stefanos and Mr. Stelios Stefanou, Dear brethren in Christ,

We welcome you all here today to rejoice the near completion of this Byzantine new Church to the glory of the Triune God. This is the result of continuous efforts against all odds since establishing our Community 36 years ago. Efforts that have been supported by you the people of our Community and Church.

The breakthrough to the 36 years long efforts that made it possible to start the building of the Church it was the coming into the scene totally by miraculous coincidence of Mr. Stefanos Stefanou and Mr. Panicos Herodotou, who have never been known to us before. It is true that only few days before Mr. Stefanou and Mr. Herodotou came to the scene, we were facing failure with all efforts and your sacrifices coming to abrupt end.

It is the noble gesture by Mr. Stefanos Stefanou to support our plans and his offer to build the first phase of the Church at a capped contract price affordable to our Community that was the breakthrough to the dreams of all of us becoming a reality. The generous donation by Mr. Stelios Stefanou has made the marble flooring of our Church possible whilst Mr. Panicos and Mrs. Xenoulla Herodotou at their own initiative ordered and donated the iconostasis, the altar and all the Church furniture.

It is for this reason that we shall always remain grateful to Stefanos, Stelios and Panicos. You will always be remembered as the Great Benefactors of our Community and Church. We are also grateful to Mr. George Antipas who has always been generous and kind in arranging and donating the freight of the Church furniture and other items for many years.

Of course the most important of all contributors to this wonderful Church it is you, the people of the Church and the heart of our Community. Your presence and support all these years, sacrificing your time and making the effort to be here and donating generously, is the prerequisite ingredient of all progress. The congratulations and thanks are owed to you the people. Rejoice this day».

Then the Ladies of the Church Ladies Sisterhood offered flowers to the wives of the Stefanou Brothers and Fr. Anastasios offered to the Stefanou Brothers honorary plaques.

After the Service there was a fundraising lunch at our Church Hall. Fr. Anastasios announced there the new contribution of the Stefanou Brothers, which was £16.000 for the making of a double headed eagle floor mosaic.

Mr. Lykourgos Angelopoulos

2011-07-01T14:56:00.002+01:00

The famous Greek Church Musician, Chanter, Choir Master and Music Teacher Mr. Lykourgos Angelopoulos visited our new Church.

He was accompanied by his colleague Mr. Ioannis Papachronis (with the beard).

They were received by Fr. Anastasios and his son Demetri, a Church Chanter and Musician himself.

Roof & plastering

2011-06-29T14:45:00.002+01:00

Works on the first floor of our Community Centre are being continuing...

The roof is being fixed and plastering is in progress...

Hopefully the works will be completed in the near future.

Lights in the Dome

2011-06-28T09:16:00.002+01:00

The scaffolding was erected and then was dismantled yesterday.

The electricians worked for a few hours fixing lights inside the Dome.

The idea is that those lights will enlighten the icon of the “Pantocrator” (Almighty God) when it will be painted on the Dome.

New signs

2011-06-23T23:52:00.004+01:00

Today we had the signs fixed in place on our new Church’s facade.

They were actually fixed on the front wall of the Bell Tower.

The signs are two, one in Greek and one in English, with exactly the same text.

They were produced by the Greek-Cypriot company N&N, based in North London.

On the top they have the double headed eagle. This particular design is the symbol of our Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain.

Electrics on the first floor

2011-06-22T20:03:00.001+01:00

Works continue for the completion of the extension on the first floor of our Community Centre.

At the moment electrics are being installed there.

"Russian Orthodox Spirituality"

2011-06-20T19:43:00.003+01:00

St. Agatha Ladies' Sisterhood operating within our Community organised yesterday an interesting event.

The Very Rev’d Fr. Vassilios Papathanasiou, Dean of the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Golders Green, NW London, was the invited speaker.

Fr. Vassilios was born in Athens - Greece, was educated in Russia, served at the Orthodox Church in Switzerland for a number of years and now he serves in London.

The theme of his talk was: "Russian Orthodox Spirituality".

We had quite a good number of people who came to listen to the talk and socialize.

The Ladies provided nice and delicious sweets and sandwiches.

Chaplain to Her Majesty

2011-06-14T20:00:00.002+01:00

Today we’ve been honoured to have received in our Church Fr. Edward Lewis, Chaplain to Her Majesty the Queen of England.

He visited our Church and was welcomed by Fr. Anastasios and his family. Fr. Anastasios and Fr. Edward have known each other since a few years ago, when they firstly met at a Conference on the beautiful island of Rhodes.

Fr. Edward was recently appointed as Parish Priest at our local Anglican Parish of St. Mary Kenton.

He was offered Greek hospitality and frappe coffee (which he very much liked) in our Vicarage!

Pentecost - Day of Cyprus

2011-06-12T17:55:00.003+01:00

Today we commemorate in our Church calendar the Great Feast of Pentecost. One of the special Services that is usually celebrated in our Churches is the so called “Kneeling Vespers”.

Fr. Patrick, an Orthodox Priest-monk from New Zealand had assisted us today in the celebrations.

In our Community we commemorated also today the Day of Cyprus. Special prayers were said for Cyprus and its people. The President of our Community Mr. Pantelis Demosthenous gave a talk on Cyprus, its history and civilisation.

At the end of the Sacred Service Mr. Demosthenous, with Mr. Petros Christofi (Vice-President) and Mr. Soteris Constantinou (Treasurer) offered a present to Fr. Anastasios, as he has been a priest in the Community for 18 years (since June 1993). Then a social gathering and BBQ was organised in the Community premises.

Saturday of Souls

2011-06-11T16:56:00.001+01:00

Today according to our Church calendar it is the Day of the Souls. We remember and pray for our beloved departed, both in the Church and at the Cemetery - over the graves.

The Holy Fathers specified that we perform Services for the reposed today, because tomorrow we shall welcome the All-Holy Spirit and shall fervently be entreating the Lord for ourselves, that He send us His All-Holy Spirit to illumine us and strengthen us in the fear of God and in keeping the commandments and to guide us in obtaining eternal life. We shall also be praying for the deceased, that He give them rest in His lovely and long-for dwellings.

In praying for the dead, on the one hand, we show our love for our deceased fathers and brothers and, on the other hand, we become more keenly aware of the vanity of this world, and thus we receive great benefit to our souls. For nothing rouses the slothful to repentance better than the recollection of death. And nothing else brings us to the recollection of death as well as the memory of our loved ones who have slept the eternal sleep.

New lights

2011-06-10T11:55:00.002+01:00

Lights are absolutely necessary to any kind of building, especially to a Church.
In our new Church we had chandeliers brought from Cyprus for the interior.
For the external walls and balconies we use normal lighting that we get locally.
Mitko, the Bulgarian electrician, appears here working with his assistant, fixing new lights on the floor of one of the balconies.

Fundraising Cycle Tour

2011-06-09T21:19:00.003+01:00

Steve Keyes is trying for the impossible! He is going to ride on his bike in financial support of our new Church. In his own words:

"On the 10th July 2011, I begin an ambition of mine to cycle from Lands End to John O’Groats. I will cycle through many cities, villages and counties of the UK ending my tour on July 23rd in John O’Groats in Northern Scotland. This will be an average of 71 miles a day.

On July 18th 2009 I married my wife Stavroulla at St. Panteleimon Greek Orthodox church and three days later work had begun to build a new church. This was after 12 years of planning and most importantly fund raising from the Greek Cypriot community which continues to this day.

The church had its official opening on the 9th April amongst much celebration as this was the first Greek Orthodox church to be built in Great Britain for over a century.

However, funds still need to be raised to completely finish the most special and sacred church. Therefore to spur me on during my cycle tour as my tired legs climb the hills of Cornwall, Dartmoor, Lake District and Scotland I ask you to please give generously to the Church of St. Panteleimon. Any amount will be gratefully received".

And as they say: “Impossible is nothing”.

Roof painting

2011-06-08T15:19:00.001+01:00

The roof of the new Church entrance is being painted for the last couple of days.

It really needs three coats for the white paint to show nicely on that roof.

The person painting is Adrian, a Romanian young man who works devoutly at our Church for quite some time.

At some point in the future we may decide to paint that area with a different kind of painting; probably byzantine icon-painting or at least some kind of byzantine decorations.

Railings in the Bell Tower

2011-06-04T16:49:00.001+01:00

The Bell Tower has many steps that lead up on the Gallery as well as to the actual Bells and to the roof of the Church.

These steps have been recently marbled, as we had reported previously.

Today railings were fixed on those steps. As soon as this work will be completed we shall start using the Gallery.

Roof insulation

2011-06-03T18:00:00.002+01:00

The two new rooms on the first floor of the Community building / Church Hall have been properly constructed.

At the moment specialist workers are putting the insulation material on their common roof.

Grass in the garden

2011-06-02T17:05:00.002+01:00

The garden next to our Vicarage, as was recently reported, has been redesigned. Dr. Serafeim Kiriakidis and his wife Andri have donated the money for this project.

New grass has been placed there and it is almost ready to be used by the kids of St. Panteleimon Nursery School and by the members of our Community.

Our caretaker Mr. Charalambos Michael is watering regularly the grass and is taking a good care of it.

June 2011

2011-06-01T12:59:00.004+01:00

THE JUNE PROGRAMME
OF DIVINE SERVICES AND OTHER EVENTS

Wednesday, 1st June: 6.00 pm Vespers

Thursday, 2nd June: 9.30 am Matins & Divine Liturgy
.....Feast of the Ascension of our Lord

Tuesday, 7th June: 6.00 pm Supplicatory Canon to St. Panteleimon
.....6.30 pm Bible Study: “Acts of the Apostles - An Introduction”

Friday, 10th June: Vespers and Memorial Services

Saturday, 11th June: 9.30 am Matins, Divine Liturgy and Memorial Services
.....1.00 pm Memorial Services at Pinner New Greek Orthodox Cemetery
.....Saturday of Souls - Feast of St. Barnabas and St. Bartholomew

Sunday, 12th June: 12.00 noon, Kneeling Vespers
.....12.30 pm Prayer for Cyprus - followed by a Speech
.....Feast of Pentecost - Day of Cyprus
.....No Memorial Services are allowed today
.....1.00 pm Community BBQ

Monday, 13th June: 9.30 am Matins & Divine Liturgy
.....Feast of the Holy Spirit

Tuesday, 14th June: 6.00 pm Supplicatory Canon to St. Paraskevi
.....6.30 pm Bible Study: “Acts of the Apostles - The Church in Jerusalem”

Sunday, 19th June: 4.30 pm Afternoon Tea, organised by Sr. Agatha Ladies Sisterhood
.....A talk will be delivered by Fr. Vassilios Papathanasiou
.....Theme: “Russian Orthodox Spirituality”

Tuesday, 21st June: 6.00 pm Supplicatory Canon to Virgin Mary
.....6.30 pm Bible Study: “Acts of the Apostles - The speading of the Gospel in the Near East”

Thursday, 23rd June: 6.00 pm Vespers

Friday, 24th June: 9.30 am Matins & Divine Liturgy
.....Feast of the Birth of St. John the Baptist

Tuesday, 28th June: 6.00 pm Vespers
.....6.30 pm Bible Study: “Acts of the Apostles - The speading of the Gospel to the Nations”

Wednesday, 29th June: 9.30 am Matins & Divine Liturgy
.....Feast of Sts Peter & Paul

Thursday, 30th June: 6.00 pm Vespers

Steps... to the Sanctuary

2011-05-31T17:09:00.002+01:00

Today Marios and Manos worked to put in place granite tiles on the steps that lead to the outside Sanctuary door.

They will probably complete the work tomorrow.

First floor roofed

2011-05-27T23:41:00.003+01:00

The building of the walls of the new first floor rooms at our Community building, or Church Hall, has been completed.

Now the building team is working to put in place the roof.

The first materials of the roof, as it is clearly visible in the pictures, is wood.

Mr. Antonis Savvides, the Civil Engineer in charge of this project was today on site to inspect the progress.

North side

2011-05-19T15:45:00.002+01:00

The north (or Harrow) side of our new Church building needs some more work done. Some bricks have to be fixed on the arches there.

This work is being done at the moment by two Romanian young men, who are very committed workers.

Dan is cutting the bricks with a special tool and then Adrian puts them in place.

Adrian likes being photographed and asked me today to take again some pictures of him and he also asked me to give him those pictures, which I did.

Walls erected

2011-05-17T11:55:00.004+01:00

The work at the first floor of the Community Centre is going very well.

Yesterday, Barney and his team of brick layers, finished with the erecting of the walls.

They have done an excellent job and showed clearly their professionalism and commitment.

Now they are ready to put the roof on and then we shall be close to completion.

We are really very happy with this development, as it is a project which is greatly needed for our Community and its Schools.

Granite at the entrance

2011-05-16T23:06:00.003+01:00

The Church is already being used, but obviously there are still works that need to be completed.

Most of the remaining works are outside the building, although some minor works will have to be done inside as well.

Marios (father) and Manolis (son) Athanasiou were working hard today placing granite at the entrance of the Church.

Community Building

2011-05-08T22:42:00.003+01:00

The Community building which is found behind our Church was built on 2006. At that time the Planning Office of The London Borough of Harrow allowed us to built only half of the first floor.

Recently permission was granted to built almost all of the other half. This process has now began.

We hope to have that part built within the next 8 weeks. This is going to be another valuable asset for our Community, which is to be used mainly for educational purposes.

Marble staircase

2011-05-06T10:18:00.001+01:00

Within the Bell Tower there is a staircase. This leads to the Gallery of the Church as well as to the top of the Church roof and to the bells.

The staircase has now been marbled with nice white shining marble.

The marble technician who worked hard to place all the marble tiles on the stairs is Mr. Marios Athanasiou.

Referendum today

2011-05-05T19:46:00.005+01:00

It is Referendum Day today in Great Britain. People are voting for or against the alternative vote system, which is the way they prefer elections to be conducted in the future.

This blog has obviously nothing to do with the essence of the Referendum, but it is important to report that our Church Hall is used once more as a Polling Station.

It is certainly our duty as Community to offer assistance to the local Council (The London Borough of Harrow) in organising the Referendum.

I must emphasize and underline the good co-operation we always have with the Elections’ Officers that are in charge of this Polling Station, as well as with all voters from the neighbourhood that come to vote in our premises.

A new garden

2011-05-04T08:50:00.005+01:00

At the back of our new Church, next to our Vicarage, there is a good size area, which is used as our Church / Community garden.

This area was not used a lot lately and it needed some good attention.

Thanks to sponsorship from Dr. Serafim and Mrs. Andri Kiriakidis, who are in charge of St. Panteleimon Educational Services Ltd. and St. Panteleimon Nursery School, this garden has now been cleaned and is getting a new grass as well as a new wooden fence.

This garden area will be eventually used as an outdoor play area for the kids of the Nursery, and it will also be available to the members of our congregation for recreation purposes.

Photo of the week - 77

2011-05-03T15:35:00.002+01:00

Most of the works have now been completed. The plumbers are seen on this picture working in the front Church yard. The new fence has now been ordered and will be put in place soon. The flags are flying high.

Easter Monday

2011-05-02T09:59:00.003+01:00

A). Sponsored Walk

B). Planting of an olive-tree

Easter Sunday - Vespers of Love

2011-05-01T00:26:00.004+01:00

Holy & Great Saturday (evening)

2011-04-30T09:23:00.005+01:00

A). The Church illuminated

B). The Service of Resurrection

Holy & Great Saturday (morning)

2011-04-29T00:26:00.004+01:00

Holy & Great Friday (evening)

2011-04-28T12:33:00.005+01:00

Holy & Great Friday

2011-04-27T09:04:00.008+01:00

A. The Holy Cross in front of the Icon-screen

B. Decorating the Epitaphios

C. The Service of Vespers

Holy Thursday evening

2011-04-26T12:51:00.007+01:00

We shall start from today presenting pictures from Holy Week, as was experienced in our new Church at our Community. The following photos are from Holy Thursday evening:

Holy Unction

2011-04-21T13:06:00.004+01:00

Yesterday in our Greek Orthodox calendar it was the Great and Holy Wednesday.

Last night we celebrated in our Church the Sacrament of Holy Unction. The Sacrament of Holy Unction is offered for the healing of soul and body and for forgiveness of sins.

At the conclusion of the Service of the Sacrament, the body is anointed with oil, and the grace of God, which heals infirmities of soul and body, is called down upon each person.

Mr. Makis Pantzopoulos, who is the Consul General of Greece in London, attended the Service and was also anointed with the holy oil. At the end he offered his Easter wishes to the congregation.

After the Holy Unction we sang the Service of Matins. During that Service we had taken the icon of the Last Supper from the Sanctuary and placed it in front of the icon-screen for all people to come and venerate.

Tarmac on the car park

2011-04-20T14:02:00.003+01:00

One of the essential works outside our new Church building is the sorting out of the car park.

The car park area has now been tarmaced and looks very nice and tidy.

Not all works in the car park have been finalised as yet, but we are on good course.