A HISTORICAL REVIEW OF OUR CHURCH
The two periods of our community’s history are described in a few words and photos in order to chart its path and progress over time.
1st Period 1985 -2009
Second Period 2009 – 2019
First Period 1985 – 2009
Our church was formally established in 1985. Katina Antoniou, a devout lady, is considered to be the founder of the Church of St Catherine, Greater London, but in addition, she was supported by a core of energetic local residents who were mainly based in the northern part of Barnet,
With many difficulties, without equipment, but with pride, church services began, finding shelter temporarily in a number of Anglican churches.
Nicodemos Velalopoulos, a particularly active first priest, took advantage of the good placement of the Church of All Saints in Whetstone, beginning in 1986.
The sizeable population of the area, coupled with a parallel maturity in the community, provided excellent prospects despite the lack of a permanent home on which to build. Admittedly, there had been a community in Barnet since the 1960s, based in Hendon, possessing a remarkable church and under the seminal leadership of the Bishop Aristarchos of Zenoupolis, but this community was further south, on the edge of the City, and widely served other adjacent areas. Rev. Andrew Panayiotou’s appointment in 1986 proved to be problematic by definition, as he was living in South London.
Six years after the foundation of the Church and the solidification of the community surrounding it, in 1992, in a hurry, it was forced to change its location, moving to the church of Saint Mark in New Barnet. This church imposed many restrictions on our parish, and in addition it was also placed in an inconvenient area. There were no prerequisites put in place for the permanent establishment of the church, but continuous and serious efforts to find a home did not bear fruit.
In October 1995 Very Rev’d Archimandrite Damianos (Konstantinou) was appointed as priest in charge of our Church.
The church services were few, depending on the population, but there were several community events.
The most positive development of this period was the creation of a climate of friendship and interest among the Greeks. The visits of Archbishop Damianos of Sinai, in June 1996, and the late Patriarch Petros of Alexandria in September 1997 were particularly significant.
In the year 2000, the famous choir of Saint George of Karytsis of Athens was invited, and chanted at the feast day of Saint Catherine. In addition, they performed at a concert organized as part of the millennial festivities.
In 2004, an international architectural competition was held to construct a purpose built church building on a small plot of land intended for concession. However, this land had limitations, and progress failed to be made, despite the great success of the competition.
Second Period 2009 – 2019
The transfer of St. Catherine to the church of St. James, Friern Barnet Lane, spread joy and enthusiasm to a large proportion of Barnet’s Greek and Cypriot expatriates; the move increased the parish’s reach and created new prospects for progress.
The congregation automatically tripled due to the greater number of Greek Orthodox residents, as did, consequently, the actual services. The small Jubilee Hall began to host a multitude of events of all kinds.
The improvement work on the building was ongoing almost immediately from the arrival of the community at its new home. Firstly, the hall was upgraded at a cost of about £ 70,000.
This was soon followed by repairs to the masonry, landscaping, roof cleaning, bell tower maintenance and many other improvements.
In June 2011, Fr. Gregory Wellington was ordained deacon, and in January 2014 priest.
On July 3, 2011, at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Father Damianos organized the Civil Service, in his capacity as spiritual father of the Mayor of Barnet, for the 2011-12 year, Mrs Pantelitsa Rutter.
On July 26, 2012, the procession of the Olympic flame passed outside our church, where many Greeks flanked the road standing with Greek flags. This was followed by an Olympic Concert in the church in the presence of the Leader of Barnet Borough Council Mr. Cornelius and other officials. Young artists interpreted classical music and recited Olympic texts and poetry in both languages.
A major church renovation program began in September 2016. For three months we were graciously provided with alternative accommodation in the Anglican Church of All Saints, Whetstone. Our church was renovated internally, discreet lighting was installed, new electrical installations, flooring, painting and other works were carried out
Thanks to the enthusiastic support of the community, over £ 100,000 has been raised to date to meet the £160,000 total requested by our contractors. The fund raising continues as, after 10 years of occupancy our rent payments are projected to increase.
The community wishes to remain at St. Catherine’s as it is situated in an excellent position. We hope that the younger Greeks will also take part in realisation of this effort. The future is always in our hands.
With publications like this one and other functions every year we try to cover the high expenses of the church.
