« A cleric of the Diocese of Sourozh took part in the celebrations of the ordination of a hierarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church to the British See »

On May 10, 2025, with the blessing of His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, Head of the diocesan department for Inter-Orthodox relations, Archpriest Joseph Skinner, took part in the celebrations on the occasion of the ordination of the first ruling bishop of the Romanian Patriarchate in Great Britain, Archbishop Atanasie of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The celebrations took place in the recently renovated Romanian Cathedral of the Great Martyr George the Victorious, located in the northern London suburb of Enfield.

15 Orthodox hierarchs took part in the Divine Liturgy, headed by Metropolitan Joseph of Western and Southern Europe (Romanian Patriarchate). Among the guests participating in the divine service were representatives of the Orthodox Local Churches: Metropolitan Silouan of the British Isles and Ireland (Antiochian Patriarchate), Archbishop Andreas of Great Britain and Ireland (Georgian Patriarchate) and Bishop Maximos of Meletino (Constantinople Patriarchate). The Archpastors were assisted by a host of Romanian clergy. 

The celebrations were attended by Apostolic Nuncio of the Roman Catholic Church in Great Britain Archbishop Miguel Mauri Buendia, Head of the British Diocese of the Coptic Church Archbishop Anba Angelos, representatives of the British and Romanian authorities, diplomats and representatives of Christian denominations present in Great Britain. 

At the end of the Liturgy, the Synodal Charter of the Romanian Patriarchate on the appointment of the administrator of the British Diocese was announced.  After which Metropolitan Joseph presented Archbishop Athanasius with the bishop's mantle and staff. 

During the solemn ceremony, messages were delivered by the Primate of the Romanian Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel, and the British monarch, King Charles III. 

A festive meal was held at the end. 

Photo gallery