The former Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Great Britain & Thyateria, Gregorios, has died at the age of 91.
He passed away at 7.00am on Wednesday 20th November after several months of ill-health, in the house of the Archdiocese where he had lived for the past 30 years.
Incumbent Archbishop Nikitas paid tribute to his predecessor’s “tall figure” on London Greek Radio.
His Eminence told LGR’s drive-time presenter Pierre Petrou, “This is a very sad day for the community, not only for London and the UK, but for world Orthodoxy. [This is] because we stand in the shadow of someone who gave his life to the church, to the community, to the world; a real servant – a man who lived with humility and led by example, a man who never forgot his roots, his identity. When we lose people like this, who stood as tall figures for us to imitate and for us to follow, there’s a sudden emptiness in our lives. The world becomes poorer.”
It was revealed that the former Archbishop was bedridden since July and was cared for around-the-clock by the clergy, staff and family members at the Archdiocese in London.
Archbishop Gregorios found joy in his last few months of his life when visited by members of the community.
Born in a village within Famagusta, Cyprus on 28th October 1928, he was the ninth and youngest child of the family.
His father was a builder who died when Gregorios was just three-years old.
At the age of 11, Gregorios completed his primary education and became an apprentice shoemaker.
In 1949, he enrolled at the Higher Commercial School in the town of Lefkoniko and two years later, he transferred to the Pan-Cypriot Gymnasium in Nicosia, having become a rassophore.
He was later ordained as a deacon in 1953 at the Church of St. Sava in Nicosia by Archbishop Makarios III.
After graduating from the Gymnasium in 1954, he went to Athens and studied at the Theological School of the University, receiving his university degree in February 1959.
During this time, he was appointed to the Church of All Saints in London and began ministerial duties at the Church of the Holy Saints in Camden Town in April 1959.
In 1964 he was appointed Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Thyateira and six years later, he was consecrated Bishop of Tropaiou.
Within hours of being ordained, Gregorios undertook to organise and administer St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Church of St. Barnabas the Apostle in Wood Green, North London.
He was unanimously elected by the Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate as Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain in 1988 and his enthronement took place at the Cathedral of Sophia in West London.
For over thirty years, Archbishop Gregorios worked tirelessly within the community and maintained an open and transparent schedule of attendance at hundreds of community events, in London, the UK and across the world.
As well as attending high-profile appointments with British royalty, politicians and dignitaries, he also made time to preside personally at many Christenings, weddings, and funerals, as well as meet with anyone who sought his spiritual advice and guidance.
With a gentle and reasoned voice, the former Archbishop upheld the concerns of the Greek Orthodox community, expressing the Christian message of peace and reconciliation.
Until his ailing health, Archbishop Gregorios often spoke of repentance and his Christian beliefs were strongly delivered in a modern 21st Century Britain.
Archbishop Nikitas added, “[Archbishop Gregorios] had that wonderful smile and that twinkle in his eyes. The legacy that he leaves is that he was the one who founded many churches and that he ordained many clergy. I think his greatest legacy is seen in his simplicity of character and his humility.”
LGR presenter Pierre Petrou, who knew Archbishop Gregorios for over 20 years said, “Archbishop Gregorios’ presence – physical, intellectual, and spiritual, was a gift to all who knew him. His unwavering faith in Christ gave him a particular perspective both to the church and to all those who he spoke with, as well as when he delivered sermons during his thirty-plus years as Archbishop.”
Archbishop Nikitas reminded those mourning that people should also look at the goodness the former Archbishop brought into the world. “We have to look at his example, his character, and imitate virtues that he tried to live by, especially his love for Christ and the church, which he expressed in his love for all people.”
Funeral arrangements have been released this evening. The body of former Archbishop Gregorios will lie in state, followed by the funeral on Thursday 5th December at 10:30am at the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Wood Green. The Funeral Service, followed by interment at Hendon Cemetery.
Any and all donations and contributions in memory of the late Archbishop Gregorios should be sent to the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, 5 Craven Hill, London W2 3EN.
LGR expresses the sincere condolences to the former Archbishop’s family, friends and the clergy who served with him.
Photo courtesy of Alexios Gennaris
Article written by London Greek Radio
British-Cypriot singer-songwriter and actor Antony Costa is announced for the new Papadopoulos! Stage Musical – this is actually a workshop reading or industry presentation, which will take place at The Other Palace on Tuesday 26 November.
Based on the hit 2013 indie film starring Stephen Dillane, Papadopoulos! tells the story of Greek immigrant Harry Papadopoulos, a self-made millionaire who reigns over a food empire. But when the financial crisis hits, and his empire falls, Harry must reluctantly reunite with his estranged freewheeling brother with a proposition; to re-open the abandoned fish and chip shop they shared in their youth.
The cast for the workshop reading is led by Antony Costa as Uncle Spiros, Vas Constanti as Harry Papadopoulos and Hiba Elchikhe as Katie Papadopoulos. Anthony Costa is best known as a member of multi-million selling pop group Blue, with theatre credits including Blood Brothers and Rock of Ages. Vas Constanti’s West End credits include Miss Saigon, The Rocky Horror Show and In The Heights. Hiba Elchikhe recently appeared in Brooklyn The Musical at Greenwich Theatre, with other credits including Princess Jasmine in the Australian production of Disney’s Aladdin.
The cast also features Andy Owens (Posh, Blood Brothers), Lewis Fernee (The King & I, Mary Poppins), Julie Armstrong (Follies, Spend Spend Spend), Emily Bull (Matilda, Mary Poppins), Caroline Kay (The Clockmakers Daughter), Michael Pickering (Wicked, Jersey Boys), Johan Munir (It Happened in Key West, Little Women), Tiran Aakel (The Jungle, EastEnders) and Melissa Nettleford (Mamma Mia, On The Town).
Papadopoulos! is adapted for the stage by the film’s writer and director Marcus Markou, with composer John Themis. Marcus Markou wrote, directed, produced and successfully self-distributed the film in April 2013. It achieved the second highest screen average of any film in its opening weekend, subsequently being sold to Netflix, the BBC and ARTE. John Themis is a musician and songwriter, best known for his long-term collaboration with Boy George and Culture Club, acting as Musical Director for their live tours and albums as well as writing more than 100 songs with George and the band. John also co-wrote the smash-hit musical Taboo.
Marcus Markou said: “The riches to rags story of losing everything, only to find it all, is a timeless one. Whilst Papadopoulos! is culturally specific it is, like the film, universally humane and will appeal to all families everywhere. The message, that success is only measured by the joy you feel, was made for a musical. OPA!”
British-Cypriot Marcus hailed the start of rehearsals last week, with this quote on his Facebook page, (see featured picture with the cast): “First day rehearsals for the Papadopoulos! Stage Musical – for an industry presentation at the end of November. Musicals are the decathalon of art forms – and I take my hat off to these performers who need to be able to sing, act, dance and deliver across the broadest range of emotions.”
John Themis said: “Working with Marcus has been joyous, inspirational and honest. The musical influences are varied from, Ska, 60’s, Grime, Ballads, Rock, with Greek overtones woven in here and there where appropriate. With our amazing cast, let’s hope it will soar to the heights of Olympus!”
Papadopoulos! has a Book and Lyrics by Marcus Markou with Music by John Themis. The workshop reading is directed by Tania Azevedo with musical direction by Tansy Aked and casting by Leon Kay Casting.
The industry sharing of Papadopoulos! will take place on Tuesday 26 November at 2pm at The Other Palace. More information and tickets available via email: [email protected].
Article written by Broadwayworld.com and Marcus Markou (photograph)
‘Love Above All’ Short Film Screening & Q&A
Free Film Screening and Q&A of ‘Love Above All’ written by Vasilis Panayis and is featuring an all-Cypriot cast. It receives its exclusive viewing and premiere on Thursday 28th November 2019 at 8pm. The screening takes place in the heart of North London at The Penridge Suite, 470 Bowes Road, Arnos Grove.
The showing will be followed by a Q&A and an opportunity to meet the cast.
Reception to follow, with drinks.
Free entry! There is no requirement to book a ticket in advance or anything else like that.
Synopsis: Cyprus. Friday the 19th of July 1974, one day before the Turkish invasion. Vasilis and Aydin, good friends and fellow actors finish their nights performance and say goodbye as usual expecting to see each other again, but nothing prepared them for the war and the different paths their lives would take. In a chance meeting they see each other again in London after 45 years…
Cast: Barish Balikdjioglou, Sadiye Balikdjioglou, Osman Balikdjioglou, Eleni Costi, Tina Euri, Fivos Alexandrou, Kat Neocleous, Katerina Barotsaki, Lee Michaels, Vasilis Panayis.
Script–writing & Production: Vasilis Panayis, Co–direct/Camera/Editing: Antony Anthimou – DinoGoGo Media.
Official Media Sponsors Hellenic TV and London Greek Radio (LGR); Anastasia Lodge and Autumn Gardens; Varosi Lettings & Estates; John Pitsielis, Kyriakos and Cristina Pitselis, Management and staff, Penridge Suite; S.Aspris and Son; Aksular Restaurant; Mum’s Bistro; Taste of Cyprus N13 6HU; Pola Florist.
Article written by London Greek Radio
Top 30 London Greek Radio ‘UK Airplay Chart’, October 04 to 31, 2019
This month’s most popular Greek song’s artists, ranked by radio airplay detections as measured by ‘UK Airplay Chart’.
Tune in to LGR to hear the latest Greek hits and the best new music, promos, exclusives
1 Christina Salti, Ilias Vrettos – Taxidi Magiko
2 Antonis Remos – Edo Kai Tora
3 Eirini Papadopoulou (feat. Stamatis Houhoulis) – Halali
4 Onirama – Pou Isoun Xtes
5 Nikos Kourkoulis – Eline Kai Edene
6 Christos Mastoras, Dimitris Basis – Ena Lepto
7 Natasa Theodoridou – Den Me Afora
8 Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Val’To Terma
9 Petros Iakovidis – Fovamai
10 Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Kathimerina
11 Stan – Ximeronei
12 Christos Cholidis – Pali Sto Spiti Mou Haramata
13 Nikos Vertis – Allaxa
14 Konstantinos Argyros – Ta Matia Sou Eroteftika
15 Stan – Kati Tetoies Nychtes
16 Thodoris Ferris – Ta Amartola Sou Matia 2019
17 Eleonora Zouganeli – To Kokkino Potami
18 Giota Negka – Dyo Nisia
19 Eleonora Zouganeli – Kapou S’ Exw Ksanadei
20 Konstantinos Galanos – Gia Mia Matia
21 Konstantinos Koufos – Metro Antistrofa
22 Helena Paparizou – Askopa Xenihtia
23 Stan – De Me Ksereis
24 Fani Drakopoulou – Petao Psila
25 Giorgos Mazonakis – Agapo Simeni
26 Stan – Kai Zilevo Pou S Ehei
27 Giota Negka – Oxygono
28 Knock Out, Zanis Blasin – Vrady Savvatou
29 Christos Menidiatis – Stin Avli Tis
30 Giorgos Mazonakis – Oinopneuma Ftino
Source: London Greek Radio, the UK Airplay Chart
October 4th to 31st 2019 inclusive
Article written by London Greek Radio
London Greek Radio Celebrates 30 Years of Broadcasting.
The UK’s longest-serving ethnic radio station to hold an FM licence commemorates its birthday.
London Greek Radio, (LGR), celebrates 30 years of broadcasting as a radio station on 13th November 2019, becoming the UK’s longest-serving ethnic radio station to hold an FM licence.
Listeners, presenters, staff and management celebrated its 30th birthday at a “Dinner & Dance” event on 30th October, with Cypriot singer, Stelios Chiotis and others.
Britain’s first-ever licensed ethnic radio station began official broadcasting on 13th November 1989 upon being awarded its licence, breaking ground for changing the landscape of UK radio.
A special day of “celebratory programming” will take place on Wednesday 13th November 2019 from 7am until Midnight to also mark the anniversary.
The book, ‘London’s Pirate Pioneers’ by Stephen Hebditch tells the story of the capital’s pirate radio stations and the people who helped change the British broadcasting system.
LGR’s undeniable legacy and the intense pressures the station faced to be closed down is highlighted by the author. London Greek Radio became Britain’s first-ever licensed ethnic radio station upon being awarded its FM frequency and is the UK’s longest-serving ethnic radio station to hold that FM licence.
The station’s strong community backbone is as relevant now as ever it was.
Over the years, London Greek Radio has become steadfast to a wide range of listeners; from maturing-settlers-to-the-UK, to the coming-of-age of British Greeks and Cypriots – connecting listeners to their roots through a carefully balanced programming of music, speech, entertainment and news.
The station is an integrated part of the communities’ sociable lives including the organising of successful, frequently ‘sold-out’ events such as the annual ‘Dinner & Dance’ to the regular ‘Club-Nights’ which are immensely popular with the station’s younger audience.
Today, in addition to serving communities on 103.3 FM, LGR has been taken into 21st-century broadcasting by joining the Digital Radio platform.
LGR can now be heard in four major cities on DAB+ (digital radio), namely London, Birmingham, Manchester and crossing into Scotland, Glasgow.
As part of the station’s ever-growing expansion, LGR now also broadcasts to Larnaca in Cyprus, on 93 FM, believed to be the first ever FM station in the world to broadcast on FM in another country.
Furthermore, listeners extend worldwide, online at lgr.co.uk and the station has a free app for mobile devices which listeners can download from the App or Play stores, embracing the ‘on-the-move’ audience.
LGR’s Managing Director, Tony Jay, said, “More listeners are discovering the ever-growing London Greek Radio family every day, and it’s not only Greek-speaking listeners but English, Jewish, Albanian, Arab, Bulgarian, Turkish, Russian and many more who frequently tune in.
He added, “LGR is undergoing a revamp with fresh ideas to attract an even wider audience. Exciting times ahead; ‘onwards and upwards’.”
LGR’s Chairman John Kyriakides, said, “With LGR’s edgier playlists of the biggest Greek and Cypriot tunes, Modern Laika, Greek Pop, Entehna, Golden-Oldies, Alternative, Folk and current Chart Hits, we continue to serve the listener.
“It is this fundamental reason that the station remains the preferred choice in most Greek and Cypriot homes, offices, shops, factories, workplaces, vehicles and venues.”
The birthday party continues on 30th November when the station invites you to help celebrate at it’s ‘Greekology‘ Club Night at Trent Park Country Club. To secure your attendance, visit, lgr.co.uk/lgr-presents-greekology-at-the-country-club-2/
Happy Birthday to LGR – Here’s to the next 30 years!
Article written by London Greek Radio
Parikiaki Newspaper together with the Cypriot Women’s League is organising a Charity Dinner in memory of Maria Nicolaou Adamou on Friday 29th November 2019, 7.30pm at the Cypriot Community Centre Earlham Grove, Wood Green, London N22 5HJ.
Maria Adamou wife of Adam Adamou of Nostalgia Band, and daughter of Neophytos and Evoulla Nicolaou sadly passed away on Saturday 15th October 2016 at the age of 46.
Tickets Adults £20, Children under 12 years of age £12 includes Dinner.
All proceeds from the event will be donated to Radiomarathon for Children and Adults with Special Needs. A Raffle Draw will take place with many rich prizes as well as bingo.
For further information please call Parikiaki on 020 8341 5853 or Neophytos Nicolaou on 07778 050 320.
Article written by London Greek Radio
Cypriot broadcaster CyBC has confirmed that Cyprus will participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in the Netherlands Ahoy Arena Rotterdam next year.
Eurovision fans have eagerly awaited for developments as to what Cyprus may have up its sleeve in 2020.
The Cypriot bosses are most likely to be in favour of sticking to the format as it is now: internally selecting both the song and the artist, which repeats their more-recent successful formula. The Cypriots have a solid qualification record which is no doubt attributed to the formula of the last few years.
Cyprus have received 120 song entries from Greek and non-Greek song-writers, and Eurovision hit-makers of past contests. The powers that be have already short-listed a few, strong entries as the Cypriots rapidly proceed with their ambitious, concrete-solid approach and ideas to Eurovision. The selection will be responsible to pair the right song, with the relevant artist, to compliment the entry. The end of a process that would ultimately choose a performance-artist that has the complete package, for the contest.
The most likely scenario is to have a big named artist, one that is a Cypriot or Greek in the Greek-speaking music industry, flying the Cypriot flag for the 2020 Eurovision, and there will no doubt be an air of anticipation amongst fans.
Cyprus have five Top 10 consecutive results in the semi-finals, which is pretty impressive. These songs have often been contesting tightly in Eurovision Semi-Finals from 2015 to date.
The outstanding result of 2018’s Eleni Foureira’s ‘Fuego’ which finished second placed; agonisingly close to achieving the island’s first ever victory.
Tamta with the song ‘Replay’ scored a respectable 13th place in Tel Aviv, holding up the favourable results on the left-side of the scoreboard.
Cyprus made its Eurovision debut in 1981 with the band ‘Island’ finishing 6th. In 1982, the legendary and iconic artist Anna Vissi scored 5th with ‘Moni I Agapi’. A number of Cypriot singers have comprised that illustrious list including Alexia, Michalis Hatzigiannis, Constantinos Christoforou and Evridiki, Ivi Adamou and Despina Olympiou. Locally British-Cypriot Lisa Andreas, who was 16-years-old performed the Mike Connaris ballad ‘Stronger Every Minute’ in the 2004 contest. All in all thirty-five hopefuls have pinned their colours to the mast as Cypriot acts in the biggest music competition in the world.
The Cypriot delegation will be certain to want to maintain the good run of form, following the recent successes by John Karayiannis, Minus One, Hovig, Eleni Foureira and Tamta.
Eurovision fans will be patiently waiting to find out the island’s thirty-sixth representative.
The Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Finals span from May 12th and May 14th and the Grand Final airs on Saturday 16th May 2019.
For all of your Eurovision news on Cyprus, make sure you regularly check back to lgr.co.uk and tune in to London Greek Radio to hear the latest music news.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
Greek composer and lyricist Giannis Spanos has died at the age of 85.
He was born in Kiato Korinthias in the Peloponnese, on 26th July 1934.
The famous song-writer was perceived as a pioneer in shaping the New Wave genre in the 60’s.
Spanos’s first release in 1964 ‘Mia agapi gia to kalokairi’, signalled his arrival on the Greek music scene, which he continued to embark on for several decades. He set to music poems by several Greek poets, and his work was sung by well-singers singers such as Arleta, Yiannis Parios, and Charis Alexiou.
His well-known hits including ‘Mia Kyriaki’ sung by Grigoris Bithikotis, ‘San me koitas’, ‘Odos Aristotelous’, ‘Spasmeno karavi’, ‘Mia fora thimamai’, ‘Markiza’, ‘Eipa na figo’, ‘Vroxi kai simera’, ‘Tha me thimitheis’, ‘Stin alana’.
He also worked with famous French musicians and artists, including Serge Gainsbourg and Béatrice Arnac at the early start of his music career.
He was still actively working until the very end of his life, writing and composing music for artists as well as soundtracks for films and TV series.
Article written by London Greek Radio
