Patriarch of Alexandria performed Rasophoria of seminarians

On Friday, 22 December 2023, The Orthros (matins) and Great Hours of Christmas were solemnly celebrated at the Holy Patriarchal Monastery of Saint Savvas in Alexandria. His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa presided over the sacred services.

During the service, His Eminence Metropolitan Germanos of Tamiatheus, as the Abbot of the Holy Monastery, led the procession of the holy gifts symbolising the journey of the Three Magi from Persia who followed a shining star to offer holy gifts to our Lord. The replica of these Holy Gifts was graciously offered to the Patriarchate of Alexandria by Archimandrite Parthenios, the Abbot of the Holy Monastery of St. Paul of Mount Athos.

Following the divine services, the Patriarch performed the Rasophoria (monastic tonsure) for the seminarians of the Patriarchal School of Alexandria “Athanasios the Great”.

In his heartfelt address, the Patriarch imparted paternal guidance, encouraging them to honour the sacred cassock and to become messengers of the Holy Gospel in their native lands.

His Beatitude emphasised the enduring commitment of the Patriarchate, which for centuries has ardently sown the seeds of the Lord’s teachings throughout the African continent.

Source: orthodoxtimes.com