Arrival of Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandria in Zimbabwe for pastoral visit

On Friday, 22 November 2024, His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa arrived in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, for a brief pastoral visit to the Holy Metropolis of Zimbabwe and Angola.

At the international airport of Harare, the Patriarch was welcomed by His Eminence Metropolitan Seraphim of Zimbabwe, Ambassador of Greece Her Excellency Ms. Anna Farrou, Ambassador of Egypt Her Excellency Ms. Salwa Mowafi, the Consul of Cyprus Mr. Nestor Nestoros, the President of the Federation of Greek Communities, Ms. Ellou Koumidou, the President of the Greek Community Harare, Mr. Yiannis Oikonomou, the President of the Greek Community of Bulawayo, Mr. Panicos Leontiou, the Archontissa of the Churches Ariadne Psyllou, the General Hierarchical Commissioner Protopresbyter Georgios Saganis, the clergy of the Metropolis, officials of the Greek and Egyptian Embassies, members of the Orthodox Communities and a group of students of the Greek School.

The reception was filled with heartfelt joy as the children welcomed their Patriarch by offering flowers and singing to him in Greek.

In the evening, the Greek Ambassador, Anna Farrou, hosted a dinner in honour of the Patriarch. In her greeting, she expressed, among other things, the immense joy and blessing brought by the Patriarch’s presence in Zimbabwe.

She provided a brief historical overview of the Ancient Patriarchate, highlighting its rich history and significant contributions to the Orthodox world and Hellenism. She also spoke about its missionary efforts, centered on serving humanity, particularly the young children of Africa.

Finally, she assured the Patriarch, on behalf of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, that the Greek State would always stand as a supporter of the Patriarchate’s work.

In his speech, His Beatitude expressed gratitude to God for guiding his steps to the country that played a pivotal role in his journey to becoming Patriarch of Alexandria and for bringing him close to so many beloved people.

He reflected on the 20th anniversary of his election, highlighting the numerous achievements over the past two decades and sharing his visions for the future of Egypt and Africa.

He expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador for the warm welcome and the support of the Greek state, but above all, for the love and devotion of his diverse flock in Africa. This unique community includes pioneering Greeks, Orthodox believers from Eastern European countries, and, most importantly, Orthodox Africans from various ethnic backgrounds, speaking different dialects and practicing diverse customs.

Yet, they all unite in praising and glorifying the One True God—the God of Love, the God of Hope, Jesus Christ, Crucified and Risen.

On Saturday morning, 23 November, Metropolitan Seraphim, the clergy, and the devout faithful of the Church of Zimbabwe gave a warm and unique welcome to the Patriarch, who visited and blessed the Missionary Centre of St. Seraphim of Sarov.

A missionary centre established by Metropolitan Seraphim with the blessings of the Alexandrian Primate and the generous support and love of Mission supporters from Cyprus.

A missionary centre that stands as a model of mission work, cultivating not only the seed of the Gospel but also providing resources to help believers sustain their families. The faithful welcomed their Patriarch with hymns, songs, dances, and heartfelt joy.

A prayer followed, during which the Patriarch prayed for the cessation of hostilities in war-torn regions of the world, particularly in the Middle East, Ukraine, and African countries.

He also prayed for the international community to intensify its efforts to promote peace among nations and peoples, while addressing critical global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and the protection of society’s most vulnerable members.

The Metropolitan welcomed the Patriarch with heartfelt words of love, extended his congratulations on the 20th anniversary of his Patriarchal service, and requested his blessing for the new missionary centre and the flock that the Patriarch had served as Metropolitan before his election as Primate of the Church of Alexandria.

The Patriarch, visibly moved, listened to the Metropolitan’s words and graciously accepted the gifts and well-wishes of his flock.

He then conducted group baptisms of young children, blessed the bountiful festive table, and distributed food to all the faithful, including sacks of corn flour, the staple food of the local population.

He expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the Missionary Associations that support and contribute to the catechetical, missionary, and philanthropic work of the Patriarchate. The Ambassador of Greece, Anna Farou, along with all the expatriate organisations, participated in these joyous celebrations.

At noon, the President of the Federation of Greek Communities, Ellou Koumidou, hosted a luncheon in honour of the Patriarch. In her greeting, she referred, among other things, to the day of his election to the Patriarchal Throne and the immense joy his election brought to the flock of Zimbabwe.