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The Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate has elected the new Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain.

The Holy and Holy Synod unanimously elected Metropolitan Nikitas of Dardanelles as the new Archbishop of Thyateira.

Metropolitan Nikitas (Lulias) of Dardanelles, Exarch of All Hellespont, his birth name Nikitas Loulias was born in Tampa, Florida, United States June 22nd 1955.

He studied at the University of Florida, from which he received honours degrees in Religion (1976). He then attended the Theological School of the Holy Cross of Boston, where he graduated in 1980 and then completed postgraduate studies at the Theological School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (1982).

He was ordained a Deacon in 1985 by Archbishop Jacob of America and in the same year he became a Presbyter. He served in Saints Constantine and Helen (Merriville, IN) Church, and, since 1987, in the Holy Diocese of Chicago as Secretary.

In 1988 he received the Archimandrite’s officium and became a Protosyncellus at the same Bishopric.

In St. Petersburg, Russia, he completed his studies in History and Russian language. He taught selected courses on Orthodoxy at the Loyola University of Chicago.

On December 2, 1996, he was unanimously elected as Metropolitan of Hong Kong and ordained on the 14th of the same month at the Patriarchal Church of St. George.

His enthronement took place at St. Luca Cathedral in Hong Kong on January 12, 1997 and became the first regular priest of the newly-established Hong Kong Metropolis, and then he was appointed at the Dardanelles Metropolis in 2007.

It is finally worth mentioning that Metropolitan Nikitas is the Director of the Berkeley USA Patriarchal Orthodox Institute “Patriarch Athenagoras” in Berkeley, USA.

Metropolitan Nikitas succeeds His Eminence Archbishop Gregorios who has been Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain since 16th April 1988.

Born in the present-day Turkish-occupied village of Marathovounos in the district of Famagusta, Cyprus, on 28th October 1928, Archbishop Gregorios was appointed to the Church of All Saints in Camden, London in April 1959. He was ordained presbyter by the late Archbishop of Thyateira, Athenagoras Kavvadas, in the same month.

In 1964 he was appointed Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Thyateira. On 12th December 1970 he was consecrated Bishop of Tropaeou by the blessed former Archbishop of Thyateira Athenagoras Kokkinakis at the Cathedral of St Sophia. From the first day of his ordination he undertook to organise and administer St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Church of St. Barnabas the Apostle in Wood Green, North London.

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A zumba class has raised £6002.00 for charity in a 8.5 mile sponsored walk.

Think Zumba walked through parks from East Finchley to Westminster last month [Sunday 5th May 2019] as part of a North London Hospice Big Fun Walk.

The group donned sashes, charity t-shirts and trainers to take on the challenge alongside hundreds of other walkers through Primrose Hill, Cherry Tree Wood and Regents Park.

Soulla Violaris was walking in aid of the North London Hospice, joining other charity walkers, for this fantastic cause. Soulla is a legendary broadcaster on LGR working for the station since 1985, till present time.

Well done Team Think Zumba and to everyone who donated to such an amazing and giving cause! We’ve raised £6002.00 for the North London Hospice – thank you NLH for all you do and now we give back to you xxx [Think Zumba]

Group leader Roulla Violaris said: “Unfortunately we have all lost someone close to us from cancer and we saw the North London Hospice as an appropriate charity to raise funds for, to help patients become more comfortable whilst having terminal cancer.”

The Think Zumba group in Barnet launched eight years ago.

Article written by London Greek Radio

London Greek Radio is pleased to announce that we will be joining thousands at this year’s Cypriot Wine Festival and Business Expo on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd June.

Come and visit us at the LGR Stand. Meet a few LGR personalities and take part in our lucky free draw.

One winner will claim a pair of return tickets to Cyprus.

Ask an official LGR CyWineFest19 member of the team for details!

Cyprus Competition: Prize Draw Terms and Conditions

This prize draw is open to residents of the UK, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man aged 18 years or over, except employees of London Greek Radio, their families, agents or anyone else professionally associated with the draw.

Details of how to enter form part of the terms and conditions. It is a condition of entry that all rules are accepted as final and that the competitor agrees to abide by these rules. The decision of the judges is final, and no correspondence will be entered into. The Promoter reserves the right to modify the Promotion at any time without prior notice.

Entries must be submitted via the completion of a form which must include a phone number and entry is restricted to one per person. Late, illegible, incomplete, defaced or corrupt entries, or entries sent through agencies and third parties, will not be accepted. No responsibility can be accepted for lost entries and proof of despatch will not be accepted as proof of receipt.

One winner will be drawn at random from all entries received by the closing date.

All entries must be received by 23.59pm on 2nd June 2019.

The winner will be contacted by telephone or email within ten days of the closing date of the prize draw and are required to confirm acceptance within 21 days of notification. Should the Promoter be unable to contact a winner, or should a winner be unable to confirm their acceptance of the prize, the Promoter reserves the right to award the prize to an alternative winner, drawn in accordance with these terms and conditions. The Promoter may ask the winner to provide proof of age and/or country of residence.

The prize as described is available on the date of publication.

The winner will receive two return tickets to Cyprus.

The prize excludes, transfers, accommodation, taxes, baggage charges, meals and drinks, excursions, attractions, treatments, travel insurance, personal expenses, and visas. The winner and their companion/s must hold a current and valid passport and any other relevant travel documentation required for travel to and entry to Cyprus.

It is the responsibility of the winner to (i) organise and pay costs associated with obtaining visas for the travelling party; (ii) ensure that the travelling party is adequately insured including without limitation covering overseas medical costs, and (iii) ensure that the travelling party adheres to the travel itinerary and other relevant safety instructions as set out by the prize provider.

It is the responsibility of the winner to manage the full coordination of any wheelchair or similar access requirements for the winner and/or their companion when taking up the prize, and to adhere to any applicable health and safety guidelines.

Where any of the winner’s companions are aged under 18 years old, they must have prior parental or guardian permission and must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over when taking up the prize.

The tickets must be used by 31st December 2019. The tickets exclude peak season and seats are subject to availability.

All elements of the prize are subject to availability, non-transferable and there are no cash alternatives. It cannot be sold or given to an alternative party.

In winning the prize, the prize winner automatically conforms to the standard booking terms and conditions of the airline.

The winner and their guests may be required to participate in publicity.

Events may occur that render the prize draw itself or the awarding of the prize impossible due to reasons beyond the control of the Promoter and accordingly the Promoter may, at its absolute discretion, vary or amend the promotion and the entrant agrees that no liability shall attach to the Promoter as a result thereof.

LGR is responsible for the first part of the promotion, which is the publication and adjudication of the prize draw.

This prize is up to the value of £500.00.

Promoter: LGR, London Greek Radio, 437 High Road, N12 0AP

Article written by London Greek Radio

London Greek Radio is pleased to announce that we will be joining thousands at this year’s Cypriot Wine Festival and Business Expo on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd June. See us at Stand B39 nearest to the stage… 

It’s back for the 37th year and we understand that it’s going to be bigger and better than ever!

For everyone who loves food, drink, culture and tradition, mixed in with business opportunities and a fun-filled party vibe, #CyWineFest is the place to go.  Thousands of people attend over the two-day event each year.

Last year, LGR returned to #CyWineFest and this year, we have teamed up with the organisers, Parikiaki, to play a bigger part in the event.

The listeners have a chance to meet a few LGR personalities, and win prizes in our lucky draw.

The top prize is to WIN A PAIR of return tickets to Cyprus courtesy of London Greek Radio.

Ask an official LGR CyWineFest19 member of the team for details! 

The event also includes a fantastic entertainment programme of both traditional Cypriot dances and musicians, and in true CyWineFest style, they are “topping the bill” with Peggy Zina attending from Athens.

#CyWineFest reveals line-up with Philhellenes Dance Group (South London dance group; Elizabeth Chapman (singer); Marathovounos Community Choir (from Cyprus); George Germanakis (singer); Alex Jacovides (bouzouki player); Katerina Neocleous (singer); Bi-Communal Music and Dance Association “Cyprus” (dance group from Cyprus); Tiana Lydia (singer), Platinum Performing Arts, Roger Grech (singer); Bambas Shaouna (Britain’s Got Talent); Mario Christou (dancing zeimbekiko), Eleni C (singer).

The thousands who attend can enjoy unlimited wine tasting with some of Cyprus’ award winning wines.  They can also visit the CyWineFest Cocktail Bar, Laiko Kafenio serving Cypriot coffee and frappes, as well as souvlakia, traditional toasted sandwiches, kalamari, kleftiko, koubes, loukmades, ice cream and a whole range of sweet and savoury treats to try and buy.

Entry tickets start from £6.00 and tickets for the concert start from £25.00.

This year, the event takes place on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd June, 11.30am – 11.30pm, at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre, Lee Valley Leisure Complex, 61 Meridian Way, Enfield N9 0AR.

London Greek Radio (LGR), official supporters of #CyWineFest.

We are looking forward to seeing you there. Come and say hello!

Article written by London Greek Radio

Think Zumba take on a 8.5 mile charity walk from East Finchley to Westminster on Sunday 5th May as part of a North London Hospice Big Fun Walk.

The group will don sashes, charity t-shirts and trainers to take on the ‘annual’ challenge. In the preceding years of 2017 and 2018, Think Zumba in Barnet have collectively raised £11,000, and these funds have been earmarked for the North London Hospice. Every penny that is raised has directly gone to support the work of this fantastic place.

The group have been helping raise money for the North London Hospice as an appropriate charity to raise funds for, to help patients become more comfortable whilst having terminal cancer.

We would be ever so grateful to anyone who would give even the smallest donation to help the group raise the necessary funds.

Here is a link to their MoneyGiving Page: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/THINKZUMBA

Here is a link to their MoneyGiving Page: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/THINKZUMBA

Article written by London Greek Radio

Cypriot girl urgently seeks Bone Marrow Donor

A Greek-Cypriot girl from Edmonton, Stella Charalambous, is in desperate need of a bone marrow donation. The Cypriot community, are asked to support and participate in a planned sampling to find a compatible bone marrow donor for Stella Charalambous, a Cypriot from North London, with roots in the Cypriot village of Argaka, who is facing a serious battle against leukaemia.

Sampling to find a compatible donor is being scheduled on Sunday 31st March 2019 at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Hall, 2 Logan Road, Edmonton, London, N9 0LP from 11am to 3pm. Sampling will be carried out by means of ‘coating’ (taking a sample of your saliva).

If you are free on this day, aged between 17-55 and in good health please pop down and spare 5 minutes of your time.

Supported by The Leukaemia Society.

Article written by London Greek Radio

The former Love Island and Celebs Go Dating contestant Michael Thalassitis has been found dead aged just 26.

The reality TV favourite, affectionately nicknamed Muggy Mike, was found in a park near his childhood home in North London.

Scotland Yard officers said they found the body of a man in his 20s hanged in a park in Edmonton on Saturday. A spokesperson said: “Police were called to a park near Latymer Way, N9 at 0928hrs on Saturday, 16 March to reports of a man found hanged.

“Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended and found a man, aged in his 20s, deceased.

“At this early stage, the death is not being treated as suspicious.

“Police are in the process of informing the man’s next of kin. A file will be prepared for the coroner.”

The news of his death comes just months after his best friend Danny Cutts passed away, with further reports suggesting he had been grieving his late grandmother. The reality TV star had moved in with the 94-year-old after her deteriorating health meant she needed a full time carer.

He achieved fame on the 2017 series of Love Island and was also a semi-pro footballer.

Born in Edmonton, the British Cypriot played for a range of teams including Ebbsfleet United, St Albans, Chelmsford, Welling United, Stevenage and Margate.

His most successful spell during his sporting career when he played for Stevenage and represented the Cyprus national team and during the 2012/13 season, he scored seven goals in 19 appearances for Boreham Wood.

The reality star was due to open his own restaurant, with reports suggesting the unveiling would be next week.

He also appeared on the reality show Celebs Go Dating in 2018. He split from The Only Way Is Essex star Megan McKenna late last year.

After the island Mike signed up to appear in the fourth series of Celebs Go Dating alongside Gemma Collins, London Hughes and Sam Thompson.

His last Twitter post on March 8 was a fundraising plea to help former football pal Spencer McCall battle cancer.

He posted a shirtless picture on Instagram earlier this month, advertising a prize for followers.

We at London Greek Radio would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends at this difficult time.

Article written by London Greek Radio

Cypriot scientist Dr Antonis Antoniou has led a team of researchers who have developed a potentially “game-changing” test to predict a woman’s risk of breast cancer.

The new study combines information on family history and hundreds of genetic markers with other factors, such as weight, to give the most comprehensive assessment possible, notes Cancer Research UK.

Some GPs and specialists are trialling the prediction tool as part of a plan to spot cancers earlier through tailored screening.

Women at high risk could be given preventative treatments or offered more checks, note the researchers.

A potentially ‘game-changing’ innovation for predicting a woman’s risk of breast cancer has been unveiled.

Scientists have analysed hundreds of genetic markers and lifestyle factors together to come with a method said to be the most comprehensive yet.

The research aims to help doctors identify patients at the highest risk and lowest risk of developing the disease.

Those who are considered to be more likely to develop breast cancer can then be given preventative treatments or offered more screening.

Breast cancer is the most common form of the disease in the UK, with nearly 55,000 women diagnosed every year.

Cancer Research UK says a large proportion of those cases occur in people who are at an increased risk.

Led by researchers at the University of Cambridge, the risk factor study has produced an online calculator for GPs to use in their surgeries that is currently undergoing testing.

Professor Antonis Antoniou from Limassol, lead author at the university’s Department of Public Health and Primary Care, said: “This is the first time that anyone has combined so many elements into one breast cancer prediction tool. It could be a game changer for breast cancer because now we can identify large numbers of women with different levels of risk – not just women who are at high risk.”

The system combines information on family history and genetics with other factors such as weight, age at menopause, alcohol consumption and use of hormone replacement therapy.

More than 300 genetic indicators for breast cancer are taken into account, making risk calculation much more precise than ever before.

Prof Antoniou said: “This should help doctors to tailor the care they provide depending on their patients’ level of risk. For example, some women may need additional appointments with their doctor to discuss screening or prevention options and others may just need advice on their lifestyle and diet.

“We hope this means more people can be diagnosed early and survive their disease for longer, but more research and trials are needed before we will fully understand how this could be used.”

This innovative testing is shining new hope on the disease. Over 2 million new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in the year 2018, according to the World Cancer Research Fund. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in both women and men worldwide.

Dr Antoniou is an accomplished scientist who studied at the London School of Economics and Political Science as well as the University of Cambridge before earning his PhD in Genetic Epidemiology at Cambridge in 2001.

He has taught in the field of cancer risk prediction since 2013. The main focus of his research involves the development and trial of statistical modelling techniques for addressing clinical questions and the development of risk prediction tools.

His latest breast cancer tool, made possible by the recent advances in genetics, will soon be used in clinical practice by doctors all over the world.

Article written by London Greek Radio

British Cypriot Dr Costakis Evangelou (Head Coach) is awarded an MBE in the 2019 New Year Honours for services to young people in North London.

He has been the head coach at Edmonton Eagles Amateur Boxing Club for several years who were honoured with the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

The Club which runs boxing and mentoring sessions at its club base in Edmonton and in schools and youth organisations was one of only 187 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive this award.

And prior to that, Head Coach Costakis Evangelou was honoured with the Jack Petchey Foundation Leader Award for his work in coaching and mentoring the young in North London.

Costakis Christos Evangelou was born in Cyprus in Patriki Famagusta in 1958 Father’s name in Christos Evangelou from Phlamouthi Mother’s name Photou Evangelou from Patriki and Came to England London in 1960 to live in North London. He attended Primary Schools: Grafton School. Tufnell Park School. Secondary School was Archway School. He has four Children 3 sons 1 Daughter – Phodis, Andreas, Christopher and Marisa.

He has run 4 London Marathons raising over £30,000 for charity Qualifications include; Batchelor Of Divinity; Post Graduate Certificate of Education; and a Doctorate in Divinity. He has for over 30 years has dedicated his life to the selfless service of others. As a minister, community leader and humanitarian he works tirelessly and gives sacrificially for the benefit of others.

He is the President of Community Heart (London), a registered charity set up to help and support the local community, especially the young and vulnerable. As President, he oversees the running of several groundbreaking projects including, Edmonton Eagles Amateur Boxing Club, Running with the Vision – Youth Football, Youth Zone Youth Club and Sign Post, a project that feeds and helps support the homeless and vulnerable.

As the Head Coach and Honorary Secretary of Edmonton Eagles Amateur Boxing Club, he has worked tirelessly to help turn it into one of the leading sports and youth projects in North London as he oversees and runs all the different aspects of the Club’s work. Based in a part of Edmonton which is one of the most socially and financially impoverished areas in England the Club is turning around many young people’s lives with over 250 young people benefitting from the different sessions, many of which are free, it provides over 6 days a week. It runs boxing and mentoring programmes for schools, behavioural units and youth clubs and women who have suffered or witnessed domestic violence.

He has also set up a referral process with the youth offending team where their clients can attend as part of their positive activities.

As well as winning numerous awards, in 2015 the Club won the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service recognising its work in helping young people leave behind negative and destructive lifestyles. His ecclesiastical work and humanitarian work is extensive; he has carried out a number of humanitarian missions to Africa.

In 2004 he travelled to an isolated community in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Negotiations with the Chief of the area resulted in the granting of a piece of land for the building of a medical clinic. The clinic was desperately needed by this community of 4000 people who had no other access to medical care.

To help raise much of the funds required for the building of the clinic Archbishop ran the London Marathon twice. As many as 500 people receive medical treatment at the Centre each month.

He continues to visit the Clinic to receive a personal update on the progress and work of the Centre and its subsequent impact it has made on the community as a whole and to continue to provide equipment and medical supplies. His membership and involvement with Churches Together in England (CTE), gives him the opportunity to work with the multi-cultural and denominationally diverse churches in England.

He has attended and lent his total support to the modern day slavery meeting in the House of Lords.

Article written by Dr Costas Evangelou & Parikiaki picture, source

Andria Zafirakou, 40, beat 30,000 teachers from around the world to win the annual Global Teacher prize

A pioneering teacher, who was dubbed ‘the best in the world’ after scooping a $1million teaching prize, has described receiving an MBE as “humbling and special”.

Andria Zafirakou, 40, serves as associate deputy head at Alperton Community School, in Brent, north west London.

Andria Zafirakou was born, in London. Her mother, Anna, is Cypriot and her father Greek who is well known in the community Father Georgios Zafirakou, the priest of the Greek Orthodox church of All Saints in Camden, London is Greek.

Mrs Zafirakou has done so much at Alperton Community College. The school is in Brent, an inner city area of London. It’s one of the UK’s most ethnically diverse – and disadvantaged – places.

Article written by London Greek Radio