On 18 February 2010, His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, was warmly welcomed by His Beatitude Paul of the Ethiopian Church in Addis Ababa, where the Alexandrian Primate continues his official visit.
Welcoming the Patriarch of Alexandria, His Beatitude Paul expressed his joy on this visit. He emphasized that “collaboration and dialogue between religious leaders is of vital importance for the peace and prosperity of the world”. He also made special mention of the many historic years of friendship and co-operation between Greeks and Ethiopians.
Thanking him for the welcome, His Beatitude spoke of the necessity of collaboration for the preservation of peace in the world, as well as for dealing with the ecological problem.
His Beatitude honoured the Patriarch of Ethiopia, awarding him the Great Cross of the Apostle Mark, the highest award of the Patriarchal Throne of Alexandria. He also invited him to pay an official visit to the ancient Patriarchate.
On the afternoon of the same day, His Beatitude and his entourage attended a lunch hosted by His Excellency the Ambassador of Egypt at his residence in Addis Ababa. His Beatitude spoke to him of the work of the Patriarchate and expressed his sincere gratitude to His Excellency the President of Egypt, Mr. Hosni Mubarak, who always supports the Alexandrian Church.
Last Friday, 19 February 2010, the Alexandrian Primate visited the Greek Schools of Addis Ababa, where he was welcomed by the pupils, teachers and representatives of the Hellenic Community. The Chairman of the Hellenic Community, Mr. George Stavrou, officially welcomed the Patriarch, telling him of the work of the Greeks of Ethiopia.
“Your presence here gives us strength in a shaken world. Our Community celebrates one hundred years of existence this year, and we are overjoyed to be welcoming you”. Also present were the honourary Chairman, Mr. Konstantinos Kalogeropoulos as well as members of the Executive Council, Messrs. Konstantinos Barnikos, Dimitros Sykkas, Andriane Lambrinidou and Dimitrios Asimakopoulos, together with the Headmaster of the High School and Lyceum Mr. George Katopodis.
At noon, His Beatitude visited the Greek embassy where he was welcomed by His Excellency the Ambassador of Greece to Addis Ababa Mr. Michalis Darantzikis, the Honourary Consul Mr. Asteris Bouzias and its administrative staff.
