Celebrating the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos: A Day of Reverence and Unity in Cairo

The Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos was celebrated in Cairo.

A festive Hierarchical Vespers service was held at the Church of the Virgin Mary in Ilioupoli followed by the Artoklasia (blessing of the five loaves). His Grace Bishop Stefanos of Hippo presided over the Divine Liturgy, assisted by His Eminence Metropolitan Nikodimos of Memphis, Patriarchal Vicar of Cairo, and a number of priests from throughout Cairo. The service concluded with a procession of the holy icon in the church courtyard.

In his address to the large congregation, Bishop Stefanos of Hippo spoke about the Virgin Mary, emphasising her role as the ever-present intercessor for all people. He highlighted her continual support for both spiritual growth and the daily needs of individuals.

On the morning of the feast day, 15 August, Archimandrite Joachim, the Parish Priest of the Community Church of Saints Constantine and Helen, celebrated the Divine Liturgy. During the service, hymns to the Most Holy Theotokos were chanted by Alexandros Rigakis, the Protopsaltis of the Greek Community of Cairo.

In his sermon, Fr. Joachim emotionally referred to the Virgin Mary as the Mother of us all. He warmly encouraged the faithful to present their heartfelt petitions to her, assuring them that she would intercede on their behalf with the All-good Lord. He also conveyed the wishes and love of His Eminence Metropolitan Nikodimos of Memphis.

The Greek Community of Cairo was represented by its Vice-President, Chrysanthi Skoufaridou, and the Consul General of Greece in Cairo, Despina Hasirtzoglou, was also in attendance.

On Thursday, 15 August, the Church of the Virgin Mary in Heliopolis celebrated the Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary with appropriate splendour and reverence. His Eminence Metropolitan Nikodimos of Memphis presided over the festive Divine Liturgy at the Arabic-speaking church.

“In the height of summer, the Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary serves as a refreshing dew, bringing joy and hope to all of us. We should be deeply grateful to the Virgin Mary, who, by willingly consenting to the will of God, became the ‘instrument’ through which the Son and Word of God was incarnated. We should be grateful to her for the countless blessings she has bestowed and continues to bestow upon humanity, as well as upon each of us individually.”

Finally, the Metropolitan, after expressing his gratitude to the Chargé d’affaires of the Greek Embassy, Athanasios Leousis, for his presence, extended his wishes that the Virgin Mary may bless and safeguard every step of their lives.

Source: Greek Community of Cairo