Newly elected Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain places emphasis on truth and human rights

The new Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain Nikitas, who was unanimously elected by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, states that he is a "shepherd ready to care for his flock". He is succeeding Archbishop Gregorios, who offered his services to the Archdiocese for 31 years and retired recently due to serious health problems. The new Archbishop, who was born in the USA where he lived his whole life, will move to the UK in September, shortly after his enthronement which will take place on July 27.

In statements he made to the press, Archbishop Nikitas highlighted the main points of the activities of the archdiocese he will be heading. Attracting young people to the Church who are considered to be its present, religious education of the members of the Greek and Cypriot community of Great Britain, teaching the Greek language, and the substantial communication with young people, are only a part of the actions he intends to implement, within his sphere of competence.

However, the sector which he considers of utmost importance and in which he will place great emphasis is human rights. Combating modern slavery and seeking social justice are for the 64-year old Archbishop issues of fundamental importance, and as he stated among other things, "... The Church is responsible to say something about them."