On the Saturday before the Feast of the Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, His Grace Bishop Nektarije of London and Great Britain and Ireland celebrated the Divine Hierarchical Liturgy in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Concelebrating with His Grace were Archpriest-Stavrophor Žarko Nedić and the Secretary of the Diocese of Britain and Ireland, Father Borislav Kovačević, together with the prayerful participation of the assembled faithful.
After the dismissal, Bishop Nektarije addressed those gathered with a fitting homily on the Precious Cross, emphasising that we prepare for this great feast not merely in body but, above all, through repentance, prayer and patient endurance. He reminded the faithful that we are all called to bear our own cross in life, following the example of the Lord Jesus Christ, Who willingly endured suffering for the life and salvation of the world.
Following the service, the diligent housewives of the parish prepared a table of love and refreshments for all present, and the liturgical gathering continued in a spirit of brotherly love, joy and fellowship.
This visit held a particular and historic significance for the Serbian Orthodox community in Newcastle, as it marked the first-ever arrival of a Serbian bishop among the faithful there.
On behalf of the community, His Grace was addressed by Mr Marko Niševič, who, in sincere and heartfelt words, stressed that among them there is no “they” and “we” — only “we”. He expressed great joy at the visit of the Serbian hierarch, offered the Bishop his full support, and gave thanks to our Holy Church for granting her faithful people in Great Britain and Ireland a bishop of their own.
As a token of love, respect and remembrance of this first hierarchical visit and communal gathering, representatives of the community presented Bishop Nektarije with a fitting gift.
