Faith, Tradition, and Fellowship at the Feast of the Dormition
On Friday, 15th August, the Feast of the Dormition of the Holy Theotokos, a significant event took place at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition and St Andrew in Birmingham. This important day marked not only the patronal festival of the Cathedral but also a milestone for both the Three Hierarchs Orthodox Church in Lampeter and the wider Orthodox Christian community in the United Kingdom: the ordination to the sacred priesthood of Fr Dcn Stephen Edwards. Presided over by His Grace, Bishop Maximos of Melitene, the day was filled with reverence, joy, and gratitude
The Dormition of the Holy Theotokos is one of the most cherished feasts in the Orthodox calendar—a commemoration of the falling asleep of the Mother of God, whose life is a model of humility, obedience, and service. The Cathedral, adorned in festive hues and filled with the fragrance of incense, became the setting for a double celebration: the memory of the Theotokos and the ordination of a new priest to serve Christ and His Church.
From the early hours, the Cathedral’s nave welcomed a gathering that reflected the warmth and diversity of the Orthodox family. Among those in attendance were Fr Timothy of the Lampeter Church, Fr Stephen Maxfield, our Rector, as well as Presbytera Deborah Edwards, with other family and friends of Fr Dcn Stephen, whose hearts were filled with pride and thanksgiving. The congregation was further enriched by the presence of several students and fellow lecturers from TMES, all eager to witness the solemn rite and to support their colleague and friend as he embarked upon this sacred journey.
The Divine Liturgy unfolded with its customary beauty, yet there was a special solemnity woven into every word and gesture. At the appointed moment, Fr Dcn Stephen, vested in his white sticharion, approached the Holy Altar. His Grace, Bishop Maximos of Melitene, extended his hands in prayer and invoked the Holy Spirit to descend upon the ordinand, setting him apart for the ministry of the priesthood.
The ancient prayers of ordination, chanted with deep conviction, spoke of lineage and promise—a succession reaching back to the Apostles themselves. As the Bishop dressed Fr Stephen in his new garments of office, the gathered faithful responded with the acclamation of “Axios!”—“He is worthy!” This moment, significant and quietly overwhelming, marked a new chapter not only for Fr Stephen but for all who would be served by his priestly hands and heart.
With the conclusion of the ordination, the Divine Liturgy continued in an atmosphere of joy. The newly-ordained Fr Stephen joined the ranks of the clergy at the altar, participating in the mysteries of Christ now as a priest. His first blessings, bestowed with humility and awe, were received with tears by his family and friends, and with gratitude by his brothers and sisters in the faith.
True to Orthodox tradition, the liturgy was followed by a celebration—a sit-down feast prepared by the women of the Philoptochos. The tables, beautifully set, presented a meal, the centrepiece of which was salmon, offered as a symbol of festal abundance and hospitality. Laughter and conversation flowed freely as friends and strangers alike were drawn together in the spirit of unity and thanksgiving.
The meal concluded with servings of cake and ice cream, a fitting treat on such a warm August day. The ladies of the Philoptochos, whose tireless service embodies the compassion and grace of the Church’s saints, were met with applause and thanks. Their efforts transformed the Cathedral’s hall into a place of joy and memory, ensuring that the celebration would linger not only in photographs but in hearts.
As the afternoon sunlight drifted through the Cathedral’s stained-glass windows, Fr Timothy rose to offer a token of the community’s gratitude. In a gesture rich with meaning, he presented His Grace, Bishop Maximos, with an icon of St Cybi, the beloved Welsh saint. This gift, given in memory of the day and as a sign of the enduring ties between the Lampeter parish and the wider Orthodox Church, was received by Bishop Maximos with a smile and words of blessing.
The presentation of the icon served as a reminder of the deep roots of Orthodoxy in the British Isles and the ongoing mission to bear witness to Christ in every place and generation.
As the day drew to its close, many paused to reflect on the blessings received. For the family of Fr Stephen, the journey from deacon to priest was a testament to years of prayer, support, and love. For the clergy, students, and faithful present, the ordination was a moment to renew their own commitments—to Christ, to the Church, and to one another. The Feast of the Dormition, with its call to gentleness, humility, and steadfast faith, was a perfect setting for such a celebration.
As Fr Stephen begins his priestly ministry at the Three Hierarchs Orthodox Church in Lampeter, he does so buoyed by the love and prayers of a community that spans parishes, professions, and generations. May his service be fruitful, his prayers fervent, and his heart ever attuned to the needs of those entrusted to his care. We give thanks to God for His many mercies, for the intercessions of the Most Holy Theotokos, and for the joy of walking together in faith. Axios, Fr Stephen and Presbytera Deborah, may your future years of service be blessed!
And now, with two Fr Stephens on the Seminary staff, we can only imagine the delightful confusion that awaits!
More photos here: Ordination as a Priest (2025): https://lampeterorthodox.org.uk/ordination-at-the-greek-orthodox-cathedral-of-the-dormition-of-the-theotokos-st-andrew/
Fr. Stephen Edwards’ Ordination as a Deacon (2024) here: https://shrewsburyorthodox.com/announcements/ordination-of-stephen-edwards-to-the-holy-diaconate/
