I am dealing with this topic more in detail on my blog http://orthodoxie-libre.over-blog.com/2 ... pannychida
The fact is that a memorial service was organized in London for King Constantine for the anniversary of his death. This is quite natural. Also natural and common was the attendance of several members of royal families : Greece, Spain, England, Denmark, Serbia, Jordan etc, since after all they are all friends and sometimes family. The suprising thing is that it took place as an Anglican ceremony in an Anglican church (the Saint George chapel of Windsor). The president was the Anglican clergyman with some participation and the orthodox Constantinople archbishop for England who read some prayers. This was the structure of the service
Organ music before the service
Introit: poem of Mikhail Lermontov to the Mother of God, on music by Sir John Tavener
Bidding by the The Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth, Dean of Windsor
Hymn by Words John Whittier (1807–92)
First Reading Ithaka by C. P. Cavafy read by Their Royal Highnesses Princess Theodora, Prince Nikolaos, Princess Alexía and Prince Philippos
Ave Maria of Schubert
Second Reading Revelation 21. 1–7 that was supposed to be read by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales (who could not attend the ceremony)
Other hymn by John Ellerton (1826–93)
Address : speech by The Right Honourable The Lord Soames of Fletching
Hymn: “Amazing Grace”
Kontakion of the Departed
Prayers : the first two by the Dean of Windsor, the next third by His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain and the final one said together by both
Prayer : Our Father
Music
Hymn : “I vow to thee, my country, all earthly things above…” by Cecil Spring-Rice (1859–1918)
Blessing
National anthem : “God save the King”
Organ music (end of the service)
Do you have any idea why this liturgical option was taken? In the past, many events for the royal Greek family took place in the Greek cathedral in London. It is still open and working normally. Was it the decision of the family, or the will of the late king himself? Was there some protest from orthodox circles fighting from within?
Some pictures and links
Dailymail article [accessed on 03/03/2024]: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/royals ... milla.htmlDailymail article [accessed on 03/03/2024]: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/arti ... rvice.htmlLibertad Digital article [accessed on 03/03/2024]: https://www.libertaddigital.com/chic/co ... a-7101933/Le Figaro article [accessed on on 03/03/2024]: https://madame.lefigaro.fr/celebrites/a ... r-20240228Site of the Greek royal family [accessed on on 03/03/2024]: https://www.greekroyalfamily.gr/announcement-en.htmlThe booklet with the content of the service is available at the following sites:https://www.greekroyalfamily.gr/images/ ... y-2024.pdfhttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/royals ... milla.html