With splendor and religious magnificence, the Orthodox Christians celebrated the Resurrection of the Lord in the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos of Alexandria.
His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa, supported by His Eminence Panteleimon Metropolitan of Naucratis, Chief Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod, presided over the Resurrection ceremony and served the Resurrection Divine Liturgy, conveying to everyone the joyous message, “Christ is Risen!”.
Also present were the Consul General of Greece in Alexandria Mr. Athanasios Kotsionis, the Honourable Chairman of the Hellenic Community of Alexandria Mr. Andreas Vafiadis and representatives of Greek Associations and Organizations of the City.
On the Sunday of Pascha, 16th April 2023, the festive Vespers of the Resurrection was held at the Holy Patriarchal Monastery of Saint Savvas the Sanctified in Alexandria.
His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theodoros II descended in procession from the Throne Room of the Monastery to the Holy Patriarchal Church of Saint Savvas, where he presided over the Vespers of Love, concelebrating with the Hierarchs of the Throne, His Eminence Panteleimon Metropolitan of Naucratis and His Eminence Germanos Metropolitan of Tamiathus.
In a joyful atmosphere, the Holy Gospel was read by His Beatitude in Greek, while the Hierarchs and the holy clergy followed, in various languages.
The Alexandrian Primate, after thanking everyone for their presence, said:
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the suffering brothers and sisters of Africa and everywhere. My thoughts and prayers go out to the devastated parents of the young people of Tempe. They turn to the Greeks of Sudan who are being tested today and to our Metropolitan Savva… Courage my children, courage!
This will be my wish for this Pascha. May the joy of the Resurrection be hope, consolation and invincible strength. Do we have Christ in our hearts? We have the Resurrection! Do we have Christ in our soul? We have patience! Do we have Christ in our lives? We have peace and love!”
Afterwards, His Beatitude visited the Nursing Home of the Greek Community, where he exchanged the Resurrection greeting with the cared-for elders and workers, offering gifts and blessings to all.
Lastly, he attended the Pascha lunch hosted by the Hellenic Community of Alexandria in its hall for all the residents of the Great City.
Photos by Mr. Grigorios Haliakopoulos
Author-Journalist of the Greek Community of Alexandria
