On Sunday, 27 September 2026, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain visited the Orthodox Parish of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos in London, where His Eminence presided over the Divine Liturgy for the patronal feast and the fifth anniversary of the founding of the parish.
Among those concelebrating with the Archbishop were the Revd Presbyter Myroslav Pushkaruk, Priest-in-charge and the Revd Presbyters Sergiy Stelmakh and Yuriy Kadynskyi.
Founded five years ago, the Ukrainian parish has developed into a spiritual home for hundreds of people who gather for worship, mutual support and the preservation of Ukrainian religious and cultural traditions.
More than 250 Divine Liturgies have been celebrated during the first five years, alongside dozens of baptisms and weddings. The parish has also established a church choir and Sunday school, developed chaplaincy work, provided assistance to Ukrainian defenders and undertaken numerous charitable and cultural initiatives.
The anniversary provided an opportunity to recognise all those who have participated in the life and development of the parish. Particular gratitude was expressed to those who organised the liturgical celebration, communal prayer and festive meal. The continuing commitment to service was expressed in the words: “We serve not so that we may be seen. We serve so that through our deeds people may see God.”
