Bishop Maximos: Set aside your phones and screens to make time for prayer

Bishop Maximos of Melitene encouraged the faithful to disconnect from the constant noise of modern life and devote more time to prayer during the feast of Saint Neophytos the Recluse in Northampton, United Kingdom, on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

The Bishop presided over Matins and celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saint Neophytos the Recluse, where Archimandrite Gregory Wellington serves as parish priest.

The celebration was attended by local officials, representatives of the Anglican Church and members of the neighboring Russian Orthodox community, who joined the service alongside their priest.

Upon his arrival, Bishop Maximos was welcomed with flowers by members of the parish and the Russian Orthodox community.

Bishop Maximos: We struggle to find time for ourselves and even more for prayer

In his sermon, Bishop Maximos reflected on the life of Saint Neophytos the Recluse, emphasizing the importance of silence, tranquility and spiritual contemplation.

Born in Lefkara, Cyprus, in the 12th century, Saint Neophytos embraced monastic life at an early age and later carved a hermitage into the rock near Paphos, where he lived in seclusion.

As his reputation…