The new Serbian Orthodox Bishop of Great Britain and Ireland, His Grace Bishop Nektarije (Samardžić), was enthroned on Sunday at St. Sava Cathedral in London. Serbian Patriarch Porfirije presided over the ceremony, which also marked the formal establishment of the diocese, which is headquartered in London.
Romanian Orthodox hierarchs attending the event included His Eminence Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe and His Grace Bishop Atanasie, recently elected Archbishop of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Both congratulated Bishop Nektarije on his new role.
In his address, Bishop Nektarije reflected on his mission as a servant leader: “Today, my heart trembles as I am elevated to the holy throne of hierarchs of Great Britain and Ireland as the first bishop of this newly established diocese,” he said.
“From this moment, the light yoke of Christ is placed upon my shoulders so that through service to God and His Church, I may attain salvation.”
King Charles III extended a message of congratulations, expressing hope that the new diocese would strengthen ties between the Churches and peoples of Serbia and the United Kingdom.
“My wife joins me in sending our very best wishes to Bishop Nektarije at the start of his pastoral tenure in our country,” King Charles noted.
Previously, Bishop Nektarije served as Assistant Bishop to the Serbian Patriarch. Earlier this year, the Serbian Orthodox Church decided to divide the Diocese of Great Britain and Scandinavia, establishing the Diocese of Scandinavia with its headquarters in Stockholm and the Diocese of Great Britain and Ireland based in London. Approximately 40,000 Serbian Orthodox faithful are estimated to reside in and around London.
Romanian Orthodox Presence in the Region
The Romanian Orthodox Church has also recently reorganized its dioceses in the region. In late October, His Grace Bishop Atanasie of Bogdania was elected Archbishop of the new Archdiocese of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, while His Grace Bishop Nectarie of Brittany was chosen to lead the Diocese of Ireland and Iceland.
This parallel effort reflects the growing spiritual care provided to Orthodox faithful in the British Isles and beyond.
Photo: SPC
