Consecration of the Church of St Andrew the First-Called in Torquay

On Sunday, 21 June 2026, the consecration of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Andrew – Torquay marking a historic and joyous occasion in the life of the parish and the Holy Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain. The day was further distinguished by the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Orthodox community in Torquay, making it a doubly significant milestone for the faithful of the region.

Bishop Maximos of Melitene presided at the Orthros, the Service of Consecration, and celebrated the Divine Liturgy which followed. Concelebrating with the Bishop were the Revd Protopresbyter Ignatios Kalogerakis of the Holy Metropolis of Goumenissa, the Revd Fr Trayan Goranov, Priest-in-Charge of the parish, and the Revd Fr Brandon Gallaher serving at the Church of St Anne in Exeter. Serving were the Revd Archdeacon George Tsourous and the Revd Deacon Phillip Scorer.

A large number of faithful gathered from across the region and beyond to participate in this momentous occasion. Joining the celebrations were clergy and faithful from Antiochian, Serbian, Romanian and Russian Orthodox parishes, reflecting the spirit of Orthodox unity and fellowship which characterised the day.

The…