Foundation of a Presbytery in Luton

On the Sunday of the Blind Man, 17 May 2026, His Grace Bishop Maximos of Melitene presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Church of Saint Charalambos in Luton. With His Grace concelebrated the Priest-in-Charge of the Community, Fr David Somalis, and Archdeacon Fr George Tsourous.

During the liturgical gathering, interpreting the elevated meanings of the day’s Gospel pericope, His Grace preached the divine word. Directing the congregation’s attention towards the acquisition of clear spiritual vision, he referred at length to the imperative need of recognising the difficulties of our fellow men. “There are, everywhere around us, very many brethren who, finding themselves in a state of sickness and spiritual paralysis, anxiously seek our practical support,” emphasised the Bishop. Exhorting the faithful, with warm words, to unceasing spiritual vigilance, he asked for immediate and active participation in the missionary work of the Orthodox Church, recalling the sacred mission of supporting our missionaries in Africa, Oceania, the Far East, and South and Latin America. Setting, in parallel, as a highest priority the relief of the suffering, he underscored the necessity of close…