Unveiling of Historic Memorial Busts by the Patriarch of Alexandria
Wednesday, 11 September 2024, was an important day for the Patriarchate of Alexandria and the Orthodox Church.
On that day, His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa fulfilled a previously expressed desire and decision to honour the memory of the late Patriarchs of Alexandria and All Africa, Nicholas VI (1968-1986) and Petros VII (1997-2004), by placing their busts in the historic Patriarchate of Alexandria.
This took place on the 20th anniversary of the tragic plane crash of 11 September 2004, which claimed the lives of Patriarch Petros and his entourage.
In commemoration of this event, a Patriarchal Divine Liturgy and Holy Memorial Service were held at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, presided over by the Patriarch and concelebrated by Metropolitans George of Guinea, Nicholas of Hermopolis, Nicodemos of Memphis, Savvas of Nubia, Germanos of Tamiathus and Bishop Stephanos of Ippon.
Also present at the services were Metropolitans Chrysostomos of Dodoni, Dionysios of Zakynthos, Narcissos of Pelusium, and Archimandrite Spyridon Katramados, Secretary of the Synodal Committee on Religious Tourism. The talented Consul General, Mr. Ioannis Pyrgakis, assisted in the liturgy, along with the educator and Chanter, Mr. Alexandros Bassis.
The service was attended by dignitaries including the Ambassador of Cyprus to Egypt, Ms. Poly Ioannou; the Chargé d’Affaires of the Greek Embassy in Cairo, Mr. Athanasios Leousis; the Consul General of Greece in Alexandria, Mr. Ioannis Pyrgakis with his wife Katerina; Navy Captain Konstantinos Varouxis with his wife Captain Angeliki; Vice President of the Greek Community of Alexandria, Mr. Nikolaos Kopelos; President of the Greek Community of Cairo, Mr. Christos Kavalis; President of the Arab Communities of Egypt, Mr. Claude Nakas; President of the Pan-Cypriot Brotherhood of Egypt, Ms. Maria Formozi; Mr. Dimitrios Kalomoirakis, representing Ptolemy I and the Hellenic Naval Officers Association; Ms. Aliki Antoniou, President of the Lyceum of Greek Women; Coordinator of Education for North Africa and the Middle East, Mr. Georgios Kokorelis; Former Director of the Hellenic Foundation for Culture in Alexandria, Mr. Vasileios Filippatos; Ms. Afroditi Peveretou, Director of the Averofeio School, along with teachers, musician Mr. Emmanuel Chnarakis, community workers and members of associations and clubs from the Alexandrian community.
The Cathedral of the Annunciation, filled with the faithful, showed that the Alexandrians and the wider Egyptian Greek community know how to honour their Patriarchs.
With great emotion, the Patriarch spoke before the conclusion of the memorial service in praise of his late predecessors, emphasised his personal spiritual connection and their significant contributions to the Patriarchate.
On the initiative of the Primate of Alexandria, His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theodore II, the busts of the two late Patriarchs were placed in the courtyard of the Patriarchal Mansion as “eternal memorials and protection against oblivion”.
The creation of the bust of Patriarch Nicholas was funded by Mr. Spyridon Kamalakis, Grand Archon Logothetes of the Alexandrian Throne, and sculpted by artist Nathan Doss.
After a memorial prayer, the official unveiling took place. The bust of Patriarch Nicholas was unveiled by Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Dodoni together with the Chargé d’Affaires of the Greek Embassy, while the bust of Patriarch Petros was unveiled by the Patriarch himself, assisted by Metropolitan George of Guinea, the Ambassador of Cyprus and Petros’ brother, Mr. Mamas Papapetrou.
Afterwards, the guests had the opportunity to visit the room in the Patriarchal Mansion dedicated to the memory of Patriarch Petros VII, which contains his personal belongings.
Finally, all the faithful entered the Patriarchate to receive koliva and refreshments, concluding their visit by honouring the two late Patriarchs of the Alexandrian Throne.
Source: ekalexandria.org
