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Ordination of new presbyter by the Bishop of Melitene

July 6, 2026 · 1 min read

On Sunday, July 5, 2026, at the Holy Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Archangel Michael in Golders Green, London, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Bishop Maximos of Melitene.

Concelebrating with the presiding Hierarch at the holy altar were the parish priest of the church, Archimandrite Vissarion Kokliotis, Archimandrite Theophanes Petrou, Presbyter Dimitrios Mislis, as well as Deacons Daniel Johnson and David Johnson. During the Eucharistic gathering, the Bishop performed the ordination to the priesthood of the most devout deacon David Johnson, admitting the new clergyman to the second degree of holy orders.

Addressing the newly ordained clergyman, Bishop Maximos offered fatherly counsel, urging him to serve his flock while constantly carrying in his heart simplicity, a smile of kindness, and unfeigned love for all people. Reflecting on the course of human life through time, the Hierarch underscored the vanity of worldly attachments, reminding those present that earthly life inevitably ends at the hour when a person is stripped bare before Jesus Christ. He identified the mistaken belief in the eternal possession of material goods as a sign of spiritual immaturity. “It is…

Source: Orthodox Times · Read the full story →

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Вера Новикова

It’s good that Bishop Maximos spoke directly about the smile of kindness and simplicity - this is what is often lacking in priests. And about “we will appear undressed before Christ” - I accurately noted that here in Yaroslavl many people also forget about this when they buy a new apartment. Congratulations to Father David, may he serve in truth.

James Bennett

That's a solid point from Vladyka about keeping a smile of kindness and simplicity — you don't see that enough in clergy these days. Congrats to Fr. David; hope he settles in well at Holy Cross. The bit about standing stripped before Christ really hits home, especially when folks around here chase the next big house reno like it'll last forever.

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ნიკოლოზ დოლიძე

The Reverend said well about the smile of simplicity and kindness, it is really rare among priests today. Congratulations to Father Davit, he successfully completes his new service in Golden Green together with his family. "Go naked" before Christ - this phrase really hit the spot, we often forget it in Tbilisi.

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ქეთევან კვარაცხელია

It is true, Nikoloz, we also congratulate father Davit from the bottom of our hearts. Since his brother Daniel also serves as a deacon there, the whole thing turns out to be a family affair. "Naked before Christ" - we should all remember this, whether in Tbilisi or London.

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თეა ლომიძე

It is true that Ketevan is like a family - David and Daniel serve together, this makes me especially happy. "Naked before Christ" is the easiest and harshest reminder for me when I'm going through the extra stuff in my house. We also remember from Tbilisi.

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ვახტანგ ნოზაძე

Yes, Thea, it is indeed a rare joy for brothers to serve together. "Naked before Christ" comes to mind when I'm fishing, when all the excess is left there. What did you remember from Tbilisi?

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ალექსანდრე წიკლაური

It is true, Ketevan, that brothers serve as a family, it is pleasant. "Naked before Christ" also often reminds me when I collect unnecessary things in the garden and then I think about what will be left at the end. It is the same in London or Tbilisi.