Palm Sunday and the First Divine Liturgy in the New Archdiocesan Cathedral in London

Sunday, April 13, 2025, the Romanian Orthodox Community from London, joyfully gathered for the Divine Liturgy on the Lord’s Entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday), celebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe, together with numerous clergy, in the new ‘Saint George’ Archdiocesan Cathedral in London.

This Royal Feast was marked by a moment of deep spiritual and historical significance. It was the first Divine Liturgy celebrated in this Cathedral, following extensive restoration works after the acquisition of the new place of worship.

In his homily, His Eminence spoke about the spiritual depth of the Palm Sunday Feast, encouraging the faithful to open their hearts to receive Christ, the One who brings light and peace. Today’s feast is one of joy, in which all are called to offer before the Lord the good deeds gathered during the 40 days of fasting—just as the people once brought palm branches to welcome the Victorious Christ entering Jerusalem.

During the service, following the well-known tradition of the feast, the faithful received blessed willow branches (as per the Romanian tradition) from Metropolitan Iosif—a symbol of victory and of welcoming our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The new Archdiocesan  Cathedral, located in Enfield, London, at 102A Church Street, now becomes the liturgical and spiritual centre of the Romanian Orthodox community in the capital city of UK. After many years during which the Anglican church St. Dunstan-in-the-West served as the heart of the Romanian faithful in London and beyond, this new place of worship—St. Paul’s Centre, acquired in 2023 thanks to the

outstanding contribution of the community and the support of the Department for Romanians Abroad and the State Secretary for Religious Affairs—now stands as a landmark for the newly established Archdiocese.

The new Cathedral is home to a vibrant and active community that, in addition to liturgical services, carries out various catechetical, educational, cultural, and social activities—contributing to the preservation of the identity and unity of Romanians in London and throughout the United Kingdom.

Photo Credit: Alex Coman