Honoured with the rank of Archimandrite

The Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross and the Archangel Michael London is pleased to announce that Father Spyridon Pope Gabriel has been honored by the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain with the rank of Archimandrite. The ceremony took place in February 2022, presided over by Theophilestatos Bishop of Claudius - Iakovos Savvas and participant of Panosiologiotatos Archimandrite Damianos Konstantinos (head of the Greek Orthodox Orthodox Church).

Nikos Karous, President of the Community of the Holy Cross, said: “We are so happy that our beloved Father Spyridon was honored in this way. He has been a member of our ecclesiastical community since 1987 and is one of the most beloved and respected members of our church. We have the privilege of having him with us. "

The head of our Holy Temple, the Most Venerable First Elder Vassilios Papathanassiou, added: “It was a pleasure to serve with him for twelve years. He was always by my side when I needed him. "

The church of the Holy Cross and the Archangel Michael will honor the Reverend Archimandrite Spyridon Papa Gabriel after the Sunday service on April 3, 2022, where a festive tea will follow in the church hall. You are all welcome.

Fr. Spyridon greatly appreciates the great honor bestowed on him recently with his promotion to Archimandrite and wishes to thank His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Great Britain for this decision, and His Eminence Bishop Klau - diocesan Iakovos Savvas and Panosiologiotato Archimandrite Damianos Konstantinou, who implemented it.

Father Spyridon has served in the Church of the Holy Cross and Archangel Michael in Golders Green since 1987 with the blessed Bishop of Zinoupolis Aristarchos Mavrakis and for the last 10 years, he continues to serve in the community with its Hierarchical Head Fr.

Father Spyridon followed in the footsteps of his father, who was a priest in the village of Livadia Larnakos in Cyprus. Father Spyridon always offered his services to the community with full responsibility, devotion and passion, especially during the pandemic, advising the faithful by telephone.

Fr. Spyridon is also very happy for the expected receipt on April 6 of the honorary Certificate of Timeless Achievement by the Mayor of Barnet. This honorary award follows the receipt of the Barnet City Hall Community Service Award in 2007 for services in the Church and the Municipality. Fr. Spyridonas's only wish is that his beloved wife, who lost him after great trials, was still alive. Elder Tassoula Gabriel died during the pandemic.

However, Fr. Spyridon is very proud of his daughter Lisa Rutter, Municipal Councilor for 16 years and former Mayor of Barnet, who will re-claim her place in the upcoming municipal elections in May.

Fr. Spyridon looks forward to continuing to offer his services to the Community of Timios Stavros and Archangel Michael.