On Sunday 10th May 2009, His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa conducted the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Church of St Alexandros in Lusaka, together with His Eminence George Metropolitan of Zimbabwe, His Grace Ioakeim Bishop of Zambia, His Grace Theodoros, Bishop of Mocambique. The liturgical hymns were sung by the large choir of the Missionary Centre of Agios Vasilios.
During the Liturgy, His Grace Bishop Ioakeim addressed the Patriarch emphasizing warmly the significance of is visit to the local church of Zambia, epressing also the enthusiasm of his flock for the calm and sweet character of the Alexandrian Primate, wic touched the hearts of all who approached him during his stay in Zambia.
With deep emotion His Beatitude thanked Bishop Ioakeim for his words, praised his contribution to the Patriarchate, both as Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod, while he served in Alexandria, as well as while Bishop of Zambia. He also congratulated him for his pastoral and missionary efforts and gave him a pectoral hierarchal cross as a remembrance of is visit.
Also present at the Divine Liturgy were the Ambassadors of Egypt, USA, Russia, Italy, Serbia, Brazil, and France and the Honourary Consuls General of Greece, Cyprus and Hungary, the Mayor of Lusaka and the entire Greek Community.
Following the Divine Liturgy and after His Beatitude had distributed antidoron and commemorative gifts to all present, he visited the Greek School, blessed the pupils and heard about the operation of the school by Mr Ioannis Godias. At noon the Hellenic Community of Lusaka hosted a lunch in the community hall in honour of His Beatitude.
That evening the Patriarch attended a dinner hosted in his honour by His Excellency the Ambassador of Russia, during which commemorative gifts and addresses were exchanged.
