The Patriarch of Alexandria at the National Anniversary Celebration of the Consulate General of Greece
With exceptional grandeur, the annual reception marking the Anniversary of the Greek National Rebirth was held on April 10th, 2025, at the historic Greek Consular Residence in Alexandria. The celebration had been rescheduled due to the preceding period of the Muslim Ramadan.
The distinguished presence of His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa, the Governor of Alexandria, Ahmed Khaled, senior representatives of the Egyptian Government and Armed Forces, members of the diplomatic corps from embassies in Cairo, and consular officials from various countries based in Alexandria graced the event.
Also in attendance were the President of the Greek Community of Alexandria, Andreas Vafeiadis, accompanied by members of the Community Council, Presidents and representatives of Greek institutions, organizations, and historical associations, members of the Greek diaspora of the Great City, and prominent Egyptian citizens.
Following the performance of the national anthems of Greece and Egypt, the host of the evening, Consul General of Greece in Alexandria, Ioannis Pyrgakis, warmly thanked his distinguished guests for their wholehearted response to his official invitation. In his address, he highlighted the enduring, unwavering commitment of the Greek Nation — even unto death — to the non-negotiable principles of national self-awareness, freedom of the homeland, the immaculate Christian faith, the living Greek language, the sanctity of the family hearth, reverence for the memory of the ancestors, and the honour rightfully owed to the multitude of heroic Greeks who fought and fell gloriously in defence of these ideals throughout history.
Referring to the tireless missionary efforts of the ancient Patriarchate of Alexandria — which he aptly described as “a bridge of unity and friendship among peoples, and a meeting point between Hellenism and its universal values” — Pyrgakis underscored that these efforts are characterized by the very same spirit of sacrifice and passion of the indomitable Greek soul: a steadfast commitment to defending and caring for every suffering fellow human being, selflessly and without discrimination.
Patriarch Theodore II, in turn, addressing the Consul General with warm and paternal words, praised the impeccable organization of the commemorative evening and expressed his gratitude for Mr. Pyrgakis’ deeply meaningful and thoughtful speech. He went on to emphasize the pivotal role of Egypt — the God-trodden land — which for almost two thousand years has embraced and nurtured the Alexandrian Church, the oldest Apostolic and still-living Church on the African continent, as an integral and treasured part of its own history.
He further highlighted the Patriarchate’s discreet yet compassionate philanthropic outreach to the Egyptian people and stressed the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation that unite Greece and Egypt. The Patriarch did not fail to express his heartfelt thanks to the Governor of Alexandria for his excellent cooperation, as well as that of all state services under his jurisdiction, with the Patriarchate. Publicly, he requested that the Governor convey his warmest greetings to the President of Egypt, His Excellency Mr. Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, praying to Almighty God for the success of his endeavour and the prosperity of the noble Egyptian people.
Finally, in his address, the Governor of Alexandria expressed his joy and satisfaction at the ever-deepening cooperation between the two countries, underlining the importance of signing new bilateral agreements. Furthermore, he announced the advancement of a significant initiative concerning the regular operation of shipping routes between the ports of Sitia in Crete and Alexandria in Egypt — an endeavour aimed at enhancing trade and economic relations, while also fostering closer cultural ties, mutual acquaintance, and deeper understanding between these two great peoples.
Source: Patriarchate of Alexandria
