On Sunday, 19th October 2025, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain made a pastoral visit to the Parish of St John of Kronstadt in Bath, to preside over the Divine Liturgy.
The celebration of the Divine Liturgy was marked by reverence and joy, with the parish’s English-language choir offering a beautiful and prayerful accompaniment that reflected the growing tradition of Orthodox worship in English within the Archdiocese.
His Eminence was warmly welcomed by the Priest-in-Charge, the Revd Oeconomos Richard Penwell, together with Presbytera Tamara, the parish council, and the wider parish community. He was joined in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy by Fr Richard and the Revd Archdeacon Dr George Tsourou and the Revd Deacon Catalin Constandis who served too.
Also present in prayerful support were the Parish Priest Emeritus, the Revd Oeconomos Seraphim Johnson, and Presbytera Ann. Though unable to attend in person, the Revd Protopresbyter Yves Dubois, founder of the parish together with Presbytera Bett and Mother Sarah in 1980, was united with the community in prayer.
The Archbishop, in his sermon, reflected on the words of St Paul concerning temptation, reminding the faithful that even the saints were not exempt from spiritual struggle. “Sometimes,” he noted, “we imagine the saints lived untouched by hardship – but they faced doubts, exhaustion, and even despair.” Drawing on the life of St John of Kronstadt, His Eminence spoke of the inner battles faced by those who appear strong in the faith, urging the congregation to see temptation not as failure, but as an opportunity for endurance, humility, and grace. “The saints were not perfect by nature,” he said, “but they were faithful – and in that faithfulness, God strengthened them.”
As a special blessing to the faithful, His Eminence brought with him relics of four saints for veneration:
St George the Trophy-bearer, St John the Merciful, St Vlasios, and St Eleftherios. Their presence among the congregation was a tangible reminder of the communion of saints and their intercession in the life of the Church today.
Following the Divine Liturgy, all were invited to a festive parish meal, including the Revd Peter Edwards, the Anglican priest of St John’s Church, Bathwick, where the Orthodox parish holds its regular services.
Photo Credit: Alexios Gennaris
