Celebration of Light and Grace at the Archdiocesan Cathedral in London, on the Feast Day of Great Martyr George

Wednesday, April 23, 2025, during Holy Week, the ‘Saint George’ Archdiocesan Cathedral – London, celebrated its patronal feast with a hierarchical Divine Liturgy, officiated by Archbishop-elect Atanasie.

This first patronal feast, celebrated in the light of the Lord’s Resurrection, was a moment of profound joy and a blessed beginning for the new Great Martyr George Cathedral of the Romanian Orthodox Community in UK.

The joy of the celebration was heightened by two significant liturgical moments: Deacon Mihai Cotârgășanu was ordained priest and Father Ivan Constantin Sacalos was appointed Father Confessor. In an atmosphere of prayer and communion, the service was enriched by the presence of numerous priests and deacons, along with many faithful from London and surrounding areas, who came to honour Saint George, the protector of the Cathedral and of the entire Archdiocese.

In his homily, His Grace Atanasie spoke about the mystery of the Paschal light and the victory of faith, embodied both in the Resurrection of our Saviour and in the sacrificial example of Saint George:

‘The Light of the Resurrection, first received in the simplicity of a heart conquered by Christ’s love, becomes over time a living flame that burns deep within the soul, even amidst trials. It is not merely a memory, but a living presence — a love that lifts, heals, and gives hope. This light teaches us to love, to give, to always look toward Heaven, where the Risen Christ calls us to His rest and peace. Let us keep this light alive in our hearts and bear witness to it before all.’

Regarding today’s feast, His Grace emphasized:

‘The martyrdom of Saint George remains for today’s generation a living testimony and a spiritual lesson. Although we are not called to literal martyrdom today, we are still called to a continuous witness of faith in a world that increasingly distances itself from God. Just as Saint George confronted the pagan emperor, so must we confront the temptations of the world, never be ashamed of the Gospel, and carry with dignity our Christianity.’

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop-elect Atanasie offered gifts to the clergy of the Archdiocesan Cathedral, as a token of gratitude and appreciation for their efforts in its restoration, made possible through the exceptional work of the Saint George Parish community in London.

Through prayer and service, through the hidden sacrifice of the altar and the testimony of the saints, the Cathedral in the capital city of UK has, this year, become a place of meeting between heaven and earth, between the hearts of the faithful and the ineffable grace of the Resurrection.

May Saint George the Great Martyr intercede for all who faithfully seek his help and may he protect, through his prayers, our Romanian nation and all those seeking for salvation in Great Britain and throughout the world.

Listen to the panegyric here 👇

Read the panegyric here.