The Salvation Army
The World Over

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
Jesus Christ
(John 14:27)

Polis and Maria

My name is Polykarpos Pantelidis, but friends call me Polis. I was born in Thessaloniki on 16 October, 1961. I am married to Maria and we have twin daughters, their names are Galini and Irini.
I come from an Orthodox background, I was baptised as an Orthodox Christian when I was 8 months old. I feel blessed that my parents put some fear of God in me in these early years of my life.
On my 16^th birthday I was invited to an Orthodox Charismatic fellowship. It was there that for the first time I heard about the mystery of God’s love for me. God had prepared the most desirable present for my birthday, a new life.
After I finished high school in Greece I took up a job as a salesman. I worked in different companies, for a number of years, and eventually I started my own business. But this was not my vocation, God knew my heart and I believe He had something better for me.
On the 16^th of October 1995 I became a soldier of the Salvation Army at the Regent Hall corps in London. And in September 1997 I entered the Salvation Army training college with the Faithful Intercessors session.
After two years of training at the William Booth Memorial Training College in London, we moved to Bristol. Here we served for 3 years as Assistant Officer and chaplain in Little George Street, a home for 100 homeless men.
After the work at the hostel we took charge of the Corps and Community Centre in Bedminster Bristol where we served for 4 years.
Our dream of working for The Salvation Army in Greece has finally come true and we are now serving in Thessaloniki, my birth-place.
May God help us to do His will and remain faithful to Him.