On Wednesday 25th November 2015, feat of the Holy and Glorious Great Martyr and Wise Catherine, His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa conducted the Festive Patriarchal and Synodal Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral and Patriarchal Church of St Savvas the Sanctified in Alexandria, together with the Hierarchs of the Throne, where the marble pillar on which St Catherine was beheaded is kept.
Present at the Eucharistic gathering were the Honourable Consul General of Greece in Alexandria, Mr. Emmanuel Kakavelakis, the Honourable Consul of Russia in Alexandria Mr. Gennady Babich, the Educational Attaché of Northern Africa and the Middle East, Mrs Maria Koumarianou, the Honourable Chairmen of the Hellenic Communities of Alexandria and Cairo, as well as of the Arabic speaking Orthodox Communities, the Chairman of the Office Bearers Mr. Theodoros Panagopoulos head of a group of the Archons of the Throne, Chairmen of Societies and Associations of the Great City, representatives of the pupils of the Hellenic Schools of Alexandria, and others.
The homily was given by His Eminence Nihon Metropolitan of Pilousion, and before the Dismissal His Beatitude, in deep emotion, thanked everyone for their presence and their wishes on the occasion of his birthday.
A reception followed in the Guest Hall of the Patriarchal Monastery where His Beatitude received the wishes of his flock, and a festive lunch was hosted in the Hall of the Hellenic Community of Alexandria, during which the pupils of the Greek Schools of Alexandria presented a traditional programme of Greek dancing.
On Thursday and Friday 26th and 27th November 2015, respectively, the deliberations of the Holy Synod of the Hierarchs of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa, under the Presidency of His Beatitude Theodoros II, the Pope and Patriarch, who will concern themselves with pastoral, administrative and all manner of current issues.
