Patriarchal and Synodal Divine Liturgy for name day of Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandria in Cairo
The memory of Saint Theodore the Great Martyr was celebrated at the Holy Patriarchal Church of Saint Nicholas in Cairo on 17 February 2024.
His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa presided over the Divine Liturgy, alongside all the Synodal Hierarchs of the Apostolic and Patriarchal Throne of St. Mark, following the completion of the Holy Synod’s work (February 15-16, 2024).
During the Eucharistic Synaxis, Deacon Fr. Irenaeus, a graduate of the Patriarchal School of Alexandria “Athanasius the Great”, was ordained as a Presbyter, and will serve in the Holy Diocese of Arousa in Tanzania.
Before the end of the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence Elder Metropolitan Theofylaktos of Caesarea addressed the Patriarch, emphasising the love of the revered Saint Theodore for Christ, which led him to martyrdom and also strengthened him during the Divine Liturgy.
“The Saint was indeed a gift of God to the life of the Church. The gift of God for the Patriarchate of Alexandria is You, Your Beatitude, our Pope and Patriarch. Your fervent love for Christ is deeply engraved in the hearts of all of us. May you have many years and prosper.”
The Patriarch, touched and grateful for his words, expressed his heartfelt thanks to all the Holy Hierarchs for their united and dedicated collaboration, which greatly advances the extensive missionary, pastoral, and humanitarian activities of the Patriarchate in the tumultuous lands of Africa.
His Beatitude commended their unwavering solidarity and courageous efforts in addressing pressing challenges and issues, consistently guided by the Holy Canons and the timeless Sacred Legacy of the Holy Orthodox Church as handed down by the Apostles and Church Fathers.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Ambassadors of Greece, His Excellency Mr. Nikolaos Papageorgiou, and of Cyprus, Her Excellency Ms. Poly Panou, the Consul General of Greece in Alexandria, Mr. Ioannis Pyrgakis, the representatives of the Greek and Arabic-speaking Community of Cairo, the Education Coordinator of North Africa and the Middle East, the members of the educational community in Cairo, the representatives of the local associations and fraternities, and the faithful, for their love, faith, and devotion to their Mother Church, the Second Throne Patriarchate.
The unveiling of the bust of the late Patriarch of Alexandria, Meletios Metaxakis (1926-1935), took place in the courtyard of the Patriarchal Commission of Cairo.
In conclusion, the Patriarch expressed his gratitude to Metropolitan Nektarios of Kition, conveyed by his representative Archimandrite Stylianos Stylianou, Protosyncellus of the Metropolis of Kition, for covering the expenses of the bust dedicated to his predecessor, Meletios Metaxakis, who served as Metropolitan of Kition from 1910 to 1918.
The celebration concluded with a festive gathering where wishes and blessings were extended to the Patriarch.
Source: Patriarchate of Alexandria
