The Hierarch welcomes the Carol at the Archdiocesan Cathedral in London

On the evening of Sunday, 28 December 2025, the Sunday after the Nativity of the Lord, Atanasie, Archbishop of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of Great Britain and Ireland, received, according to a beautiful ecclesial tradition the carolling, groups of parishes and diocesan choirs at the Saint George the Great Martyr Cathedral, in an evening marked by profound communal joy and spiritual celebration.

Seven parishes from across the Archdiocese took part in this festive gathering, joined by the Youth Choir of the Archdiocese of Great Britain and the Archdiocesan Byzantine Choir, forming nine groups of carollers in total. For nearly three hours, traditional Romanian carols resounded within the cathedral, transforming it into a space of song, communion, and the living proclamation of faith through voice.

In his address to those present, the hierarch spoke about the theology of the carol, emphasising that the carol is a sung Gospel that reaches directly to the heart of the people. In simple, accessible, and easily remembered words, the carol proclaims the mystery of the Incarnation of our Saviour Jesus Christ, God’s descent to earth, humanity’s calling to deification, and the joy of salvation brought to the world, together with the immeasurable gift of peace. Thus, the carol is not merely a cultural or artistic expression, but a true confession of faith, handed down from generation to generation.

His Eminence Atanasie listened attentively to each group of carollers and offered gifts to all participants as a sign of blessing, gratitude, and appreciation for their labour and dedication. The hierarch’s gesture was received with emotion and joy, strengthening the bond between the shepherd and the communities entrusted to his care.

The faithful present delighted in this genuine recital of carols, experienced as a celebration of communion between clergy, youth, and people alike, in which the Nativity of the Lord was not only remembered, but sung and shared in a spirit of unity and peace.

Through this evening of carolling, the ‘Saint George the Great Martyr’ Cathedral once again became a place of encounter between tradition and the present, between hierarch and people, bearing witness that the joy of the Nativity of the Lord is fulfilled most fully when it is lived together, within the life of the Church.

Photo Credit: Dorinel Preoțescu

–

📌 Stay connected with the life of the Archdiocese
Subscribe to our official channels to receive announcements, news, and updates from the Romanian Orthodox communities in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

👉 WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb5ZHsi6LwHeEMJZZo3h

👉 Telegram: https://t.me/roarchuk

👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roarch_uk

👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Roarch.uk

👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@roarch-romanianorthodoxarch-uk

👉 X : https://x.com/ROArchUK

👉 Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@roarch.uk