On Monday, 18th December 2023, the Archdiocese hosted its 3rd Annual Archdiocesan Christmas Concert and Festal Advent Reception sponsored generously by Christos Lazari Foundation at the historic and most hospitable Cathedral of the Divine Wisdom. His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas prayerfully opened the evening giving thanks to God and to the sponsors of the celebration, encouraging all to spiritually prepare for the Great Feast of the Nativity. The V. Rev. Archimandrite Nephon Tsimalis, Chancellor, in his welcome address said, “This era, under the enlightened guidance of Archbishop Nikitas, has ushered in a new chapter for our Archdiocese. It’s a chapter rich with the spirit of openness, a commitment to charitable deeds, a fervent pursuit of re-evangelization, and a beautiful blend of cherished tradition with inspiring innovation. Today’s concert is yet another wonderful addition to this chapter…”
Mr. Christos Lazari also addressed all those in attendance on behalf of the family Foundation saying, “Our profound gratitude goes out to His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas and the Archdiocese for orchestrating this soul-stirring concert for its third consecutive year. The fact that the Archdiocesan Christmas Concert has blossomed into an annual tradition fills our hearts with pride, and our Foundation is elated to play a part in kindling joy and hope in so many souls during this festive season.” He continued, “From the depths of our hearts at Christos Lazari Foundation, we extend our warmest wishes for a joyous Christmas. May our shared spirit of giving tonight envelop you and your loved ones in comfort and warmth. Merry Christmas.”
The concert concluded with congregational caroling and a procession leading to the Cathedral Crypt for the Christmas reception which was carefully and creatively prepared by the Arapina Vegan Bakery of South London.
This year’s concert had four choirs participating: The Hagia Sophia Choir, the Archdiocesan School of Byzantine Music Choir, the Choir of St. James’s (Sussex Gardens) and The Vespers Ensemble Quartet. Among those in attendance were their Graces Bishop Maximos of Melitene, Bishop Iakovos of Claudiopolis, The Rt. Rev. & Rt. Hon. Dame Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London, Rt. Rev. Dr. Jonathan Gibb, Bishop of Rochester, The Rt. Rev. Kenneth Nowakowski, Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family, Bishop Mike Royal, CTE General Secretary, The Hon. Odysseas Odysseos, Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus, and nearly 400 attendees consisting of clergy and laity from various parts of the United Kingdom
Photo Credit: Jessy Papassava Photography and Alexios Gennaris
