On 3rd October 2017, His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa accompanied by His Eminence Narcissus, Patriarchal Vicar of Alexandria , met with His Excellency the President of the Arabic Republic of Egypt Mr Abdel Fatah al Sisi at the Presidential Palace in Cairo.
The meeting between the Alexandrian Primate and the President of Egypt took place in an excellent atmosphere.
The Alexandrian Primate stressed the need for brotherhood, peace and reconciliation between all people, Christians and Muslims, showing as an example the harmony and peaceful coexistence of Christians and Muslims in the wider region of the Middle East, the construction of the largest Christian Church and the largest Muslim mosque, within the new administrative capital of Egypt which is being built in the desert, east of Cairo.
He then expressed his pleasure regarding the “triangle” of stability, excellent cooperation and friendship being built among the people of Egypt, Greece and Cyprus, expressing the wish that the Mediterranean should become a sea of stability, peace and brotherhood between the Nations and not a field of refuge, wars and conflicts.
On his behalf, President Sisi mentioned that he is well aware of the course of the Patriarchate and its two-thousand year presence in Egypt, the continued efforts of His Beatitude Theodoros for peace, as well as the enormous missionary efforts which the Patriarchate of Alexandria performs throughout Africa.
Particularly impressive were the President’s mention of the One True God, when he, with great respect pointed out that He always oversees and blesses the lives of all people, who are passers-by in this life, and that their good works and deeds follow them forever.
His Beatitude expressed also the enormous gratitude of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa for the constant protection and support of His Excellency the President of Egypt, as well as his heartfelt thanks for the efforts he is making for people to get to know the contribution Egypt has made. In particular, he referred to the major infrastructure and renovation works carried out throughout the Egyptian territory, the epicenter being St Catherine in the Suez, which is to become a Christian pilgrimage destination, and he briefed the President on the initiative taken by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria, for the construction of a new hospital, which will contribute to help in providing health care to the suffering poor people of Cairo.
His Excellency the President listened with great interest to all the issues that concern the Patriarchate and assured His Beatitude that he would always be present, supporting and strengthening his work.
It is worth noting that the President welcomed His Beatitude in the Great Hall of the Presidency, where Heads of State are received. He also accompanied His Beatitude to the main door of the Presidential Palace, to show his appreciation of the Orthodox Church of St Mark.
