From 17th to 19th March, Churches Together in England (CTE) convened the Forum 2025 at the Hayes Conference Centre in Derbyshire. This triennial event brings together representatives from major Churches, Christian communities, and charities across England.
The Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain was represented at the Forum by a delegation chaired by His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, alongside the Revd Protopresbyter Alexander Fostiropoulos and the Revd Presbyter Andreas Minis.
As one of the Presidents of CTE, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas serves as a voice for the Orthodox Church and the Ecumenical Patriarchate in ecumenical dialogue within the UK. On the first day of the Forum, 17th March, Archbishop Nikitas spoke on the topic of synodality. Beginning with a historical perspective on the work of the Ecumenical Councils, he emphasised the centrality of Jesus Christ—not merely as an abstract idea but as the Truth itself. He also outlined the Orthodox Church’s understanding of synodality, explaining the significance of synods not only as gatherings of bishops but as essential instruments for defining Christian faith in the pursuit of truth and unity.
The Revd Presbyter Andreas Minis, the Ecumenical Officer of the Archdiocese and a member of the young ecumenists’ group at the Forum, spoke on the second day. Fr Andreas offered a reflection on Bishop Paulina Hławiczka-Trotman’s address, in which she spoke about the universal priesthood of all the faithful from the Lutheran tradition. Bishop Paulina is one of the CTE Presidents (representing the Fourth Presidency Group) and head of the Lutheran Church in Great Britain. The discussion centered on the universal priesthood of all believers. Fr Andreas explored the Orthodox understanding of this concept, considering both patristic theology and its modern implications in an ever-changing world.
The Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, under the leadership of Archbishop Nikitas, continues to foster a growing network of collaboration with various institutions and individuals across the UK. This engagement reflects the ecumenical mission of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which, as the First See of the Orthodox Church, remains committed to dialogue and unity on a global scale.
Video
His Eminence, Archbishop Nikitas reflection on Synodality:
The Revd presbyter Andreas Minic reflects on The Priesthood of all Believers
