The Romanian Orthodox Archbishop of Great Britain and Northern Ireland addressed London police officers on Monday during the event “Orthodox Easter 2026,” stressing that for Orthodox Christians, “faith is not separate from public service, but supports and ennobles it.”
The event took place at the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Service (New Scotland Yard). Among those present were Sir Mark Rowley, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, and Fr Jonathan Osbourne, chaplain to the institution.
Archbishop Atanasie attended at the invitation of the Romanian Police Association within the Metropolitan Police (MPRA) and delivered a message entitled “Great Lent: A Spiritual Training for Those Who Serve And Protect.”
“In the Orthodox tradition, Great Lent is not simply a period of religious observance. It is a time of spiritual training. It is a journey of inner strengthening. It is, if I may say so, a season of disciplined preparation — not unlike the training required of those entrusted with public safety,” the Archbishop said.
A Time of Spiritual Training
The Archbishop explained that asceticism does not mean rejection of the world, but the formation of character and discernment.
“The word ‘asceticism,’ which is central to Lent, comes from the Greek word askesis, meaning training or exercise. It does not mean rejection of the world. It does not mean weakness. It means discipline. It means learning self-control. It means cultivating clarity of mind and purity of heart.”
Referring to police work, he emphasised that inner discipline is essential in an environment often marked by tension and conflict.
“The work of policing exposes officers daily to tension, conflict, injustice, and sometimes violence. Such an environment can harden the heart if one is not careful. Great Lent offers a counterbalance. It softens the heart without weakening the will. It strengthens compassion without diminishing authority.”
More Than a Profession
Archbishop Atanasie also highlighted the vocational dimension of service in public order structures.
“There is something profoundly noble in the vocation of a police officer. It is not simply a profession; it is a calling. To serve and protect requires sacrifice. It requires vigilance. It requires moral courage.”
“For those entrusted with maintaining order in society, interior order is essential. A peaceful heart makes for balanced decisions. A disciplined soul resists corruption. A person who has learned to stand before God in humility will stand before others with dignity and integrity,” he added.
Concluding his address, the Archbishop prayed that Great Lent would strengthen all those who wear the uniform: “May it grant you discernment in difficult decisions. May it protect your families. May it guard your hearts. And may the light of the Resurrection bring renewed courage and peace to all who serve and protect.”
The “Orthodox Easter” event has been organised since 2020 by the Greek and Cypriot Police Association within the Metropolitan Police of the United Kingdom.
Photo: roarch.org.uk
