Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff visits Patriarch of Alexandria
On Monday afternoon, 7 April 2025, Vice Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras, Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff, paid an official visit to the Patriarchal See of Alexandria.
His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa warmly received the Admiral, expressing his joy at the visit and emphasising the longstanding and strong ties between Greece and Egypt. These relations, he noted, stand as a shining example of peaceful coexistence among the nations of the Mediterranean — “the sea that has historically united the peoples around it, fostering harmonious cooperation and productive dialogue between their great civilizations.”
Patriarch Theodoros also spoke extensively about the multifaceted missionary, pastoral, and philanthropic work carried out sacrificially by the ancient Patriarchate across nearly all African nations. He highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to address modern humanitarian crises and to implement meaningful initiatives aimed at alleviating the suffering of those in need — “the living image of God” — and supporting peaceful living and spiritual upliftment, regardless of origin or faith.
In closing, the Patriarch once again expressed his deep gratitude to the governments of both Greece and Egypt for their unwavering support of the Patriarchate’s constructive mission across what he described as “the continent of the future.”
In response, Vice Admiral Kataras thanked the Patriarch for his warm welcome and expressed admiration for the vital contribution of the ancient Patriarchate of Alexandria. He stressed the value of its spiritual and cultural work, particularly in enlightening the African peoples with the timeless and universal principles of Hellenic thought.
The Admiral also outlined the significant role played by the Hellenic Navy in the illustrious history of the Greek nation, as well as its modern contributions in safeguarding national interests and promoting peace in the region.
The visit concluded with an exchange of commemorative gifts between the Patriarch and the Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff, marking a moment of mutual respect and continued cooperation.
Source: orthodoxtimes.com
