Sayedna's visit to Stoke and the Ordination of Deacon John (Maxfield)

By the grace of God, His Eminence Metropolitan Silouan, Archbishop of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of the British Isles and Ireland, made a pastoral visit to the Parish of the Holy Resurrection in Stoke-on-Trent over the weekend of 5th–6th April 2025.

Saturday 5th April 2025

The visit commenced with the celebration of Great Vespers at 6:00 pm, served by the parish priest, Father Samuel, together with Father Deacon Radu from the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese. At the conclusion of the service, His Eminence offered a pastoral word to the faithful, reflecting on the importance and spiritual meaning of fasting.

His Eminence reminded the people that fasting is not simply a tradition, but a commandment from Christ Himself, intended for the healing and strengthening of the human person. He spoke of the spiritual warfare that exists between man and the devil, stressing that no person can overcome the powers of evil by their own strength, but only with the help of Christ. Christ, however, waits for each one of us to call upon Him, desiring to come to our aid. His Eminence concluded by asking the faithful: “Do you wish to be defeated, or do you wish to conquer in this battle?” reminding them that victory over the devil is possible only in and through Christ.

Sunday 6th April 2025

On Sunday morning, at 11:00 am, His Eminence presided at the Divine Liturgy, during which he ordained Hugh Maxfield to the sacred diaconate, giving him the name John. His Eminence was assisted at the Liturgy by:

 • The parish priest, Father Samuel;

 • Father Protopresbyter Stephen (father of the ordinand);

 • Father Panteleimon (brother of the ordinand);

 • Father Protopresbyter Pancratios Sanders, from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese

 • Father Deacon Radu from the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese.

In his homily to the newly-ordained Deacon John, His Eminence spoke about the meaning of the diaconate as a ministry of service within the Body of Christ. He reminded him that the deacon is called to serve Christ through serving His Church, the people of God, with love, humility, and dedication, and saying to him that Christ came to serve not to be severed and we have to do the same.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, the clergy and faithful gathered with His Eminence for an Agape meal in the Greek Community Hall, graciously provided by Father George and the Greek Orthodox Community, sharing food and fellowship in the joy of the Resurrection and the unity of the Church.