Accompanied by tiropita, spanakopita, kourabiedes and Assyrtiko wine, the evening was based on two very different memories, those of the Rev. Ernest Byles, an Army Chaplain posted to Athens in 1944 to re-open the Anglican Church in the newly-liberated city and those of Father James who, 74 years later, joined us with his family at this same church and offered invaluable help as Greece suffered the impact of a global economic crisis and became the epicenter of the European migrant crisis, work that continues today. Both priests then found themselves living and serving in the same area of Somerset –one, retired but assisting at All Saints, Long Ashton and the other being installed as Rector in 2020. Two priests – two churches – one story linking the years.

The evening raised a much-appreciated sum of more than £1,000 and we hope that one day we may able to welcome Father James and some of our Long Ashton friends to Athens and thank them in person.