Bicester, England, December 24, 2025
roarch.org.uk
The Romanian Orthodox hierarch of Great Britain and Northern Ireland paid a special visit to prisoners this week to bring them the joy of the Divine Liturgy and the coming celebration of the Nativity of Christ.
His Eminence Archbishop Atanasie and Archimandrite Gavriil Marin, rector of St. John Cassian Church in Oxford and chaplain of HMP Bullingdon in Bicester, celebrated the Liturgy there yesterday, the diocese reports.
Fr. Gavriil provides regular pastoral care to prisoners at HMP Bullingdon and other detention facilities in the region, offering spiritual guidance and support to those in custody.
During his homily, the hierarch spoke about the significance of celebrating Nativity within a prison setting. “The Gospel of the Nativity reveals the Child of Bethlehem as the Fountain of Divine compassion, Who knows no bars or barriers, but enters through the locked doors of the heart, bringing comfort to the sorrowful and hope to those burdened by sins and regrets,” he stated.
His Eminence emphasized that Christ brings forgiveness, hope for transformation, and the possibility of renewed life to all people regardless of their circumstances. Prisoners who participated in the service received Communion and joined in prayer.
The Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of Great Britain and Northern Ireland maintains a substantial presence in British prisons, with 17 accredited chaplains serving within His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service. These clergy provide religious services and pastoral support across multiple detention facilities throughout the United Kingdom.
Abp. Atanasie previously conducted a similar prison service on Bright Thursday at a facility in Kent, demonstrating the Archdiocese’s ongoing commitment to ministry within correctional institutions.
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