LAST UPDATE: 20:55
The funeral service of the late former Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira, who passed away on November 20, took place today at the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God in north London.
The funeral was conducted this morning (local time) by the current Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain, Nikitas, followed by interment in Hendon Cemetery. Crowds hurried to say goodbye to Archbishop Gregorios, including representatives from all the Churches of England.
A delegation of the Greek government was also present in London, consisting of Notis Mitarachi, Deputy Minister of Labour & Social Affairs, and John Chrysoulakis, Secretary-General for Greeks Abroad, while Cyprus was represented by government spokesman Kyriakos Kousios and Michael Georgalas from the House of Representatives.
Notis Mitarachi spoke with great emotion and a sense of recognition of the perennial offer of the deceased, while representing the Prime Minister and the Greek Government. The Deputy Minister said that he condidered the death of the late Archbishoo as “a personal loss of my Elder, who performed my wedding ceremony, of the man who was close to us, while our family lived in London.”
At the same time he noted: “We have all lost our own man. The modest hierarch, who has always been next to us, for decades, in the Greek and Cypriot communities throughout Great Britain and Ireland. The hierarch, who tirelessly, would wish something for everyone, while also playing a leading role in the religious life of the United Kingdom as a spokesman for the Ecumenical Throne and Orthodoxy.”
“His legacy will continue to inspire us in the future. May his Memory be Eternal,” concluded Mr. Mitarachi.