A free evening of prayer at The Twelve Apostles Greek Orthodox Church starts at 5.30pm, remembering those affected by cancer. Updated November 2026.

A special evening of prayer and thanksgiving in honour of Saint Nektarios of Aegina will take place at The Twelve Apostles Greek Orthodox Church in Brookmans Park on Sunday 8 November, starting at 5.30pm. Entry is free, no donations are being asked for and the organisers say everyone is welcome.

The service falls on the eve of the saint’s feast day and will particularly remember people affected by cancer and their families. Orthodox Christians, members of the Greek and Cypriot communities, invited guests and worshippers from other backgrounds are all expected, and the organisers say it is a chance to give thanks, pray for loved ones and remember those facing illness.

The organisers describe Saint Nektarios, often called the “Man of God”, as one of the most beloved saints of the Greek Orthodox Church, and say he is especially venerated by people seeking comfort, strength and healing during illness, including those affected by cancer.

Flint and brick exterior of The Twelve Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, with cars parked outside under a blue sky
The Twelve Apostles Greek Orthodox Church on Kentish Lane, Brookmans Park. Photo: John Salmon, CC BY-SA 2.0

Four languages and a procession

Prayers and hymns will be in Greek, English, Russian and Romanian, which the organisers say reflects the diversity of the Orthodox Christian community. The evening is expected to feature traditional Orthodox hymns and a procession honouring the holy icon of Saint Nektarios. Bishop Rafael of Scotland has been invited to attend.

Why police officers have been invited

Representatives from the Metropolitan Police and Hertfordshire Constabulary have been invited as guests. The organisers call their presence a gesture of respect and community solidarity, reflecting long-standing connections between the Greek and Cypriot communities and people who serve in policing. The Metropolitan Police Service Greek & Cypriot Association has helped coordinate invitations to its members.

The family behind the service

The Antoni family has supported and coordinated the occasion, in consultation with the church. The family said:

“St Nektarios holds a very special place in our hearts and in the hearts of so many others. Through our own journey, we have seen how people who have experienced illness, hardship or the suffering of someone they love can feel a profound connection with him, a bond that is deeply personal and difficult to put into words.

“As Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, ‘For where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I in the midst of them.’ Our hope is that this service will bring people together in faith, gratitude and prayer. Through the intercession of St Nektarios, we pray that those facing difficult times will find comfort and strength, and be reminded that they are not alone.

“We are especially grateful to the clergy, the wider community and the police representatives who are supporting this occasion. Their presence will help make this a truly meaningful celebration.”

If you want to go

  • When: Sunday 8 November 2026, 5.30pm
  • Where: The Twelve Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, Kentish Lane, Brookmans Park, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 6BS
  • Cost: free, and no donations are requested

The organisers stress that no donations, charitable contributions or financial support are being sought. The purpose, they say, is simply to bring people together in faith and prayer, and people’s presence is what matters most.

More dates for the area are in our What’s On section.