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 cooperation by Christians with the Philoptochos Brotherhood of their parish. “Every active member of the Church must maintain an acute sensitivity towards the spiritual and material needs of vulnerable groups, extending a helping hand towards those who suffer,” he mentioned in his sermon.
Prior to the dismissal of the Divine Liturgy, His Grace blessed a new Reader who ministers at the analogion. Subsequently, addressing the Christ-named flock, he conveyed the paternal wishes and the archpastoral blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain. Taking the floor immediately after, expressing the sentiments of the entire flock, the Priest-in-Charge, Fr David, warmly thanked the Bishop for the continuous spiritual support which he provides through his regular visits to the parish of Luton.
Exiting the holy church, proceeding to the adjacent grounds, His Grace performed the blessing of the waters and blessed the foundation stone for the erection of a presbytery. Immediately following the ceremony of the foundation, in the spacious hall of the community, a festive meal was served to all the pious pilgrims. With their presence, representatives of the local authorities honoured the sacred services, as well as the community reception that ensued.
