On the 29th of September 2018, His Beatitude Theodoros the 2nd, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa, concelebrating with His Beatitude Onuphrios Metropolitan of Kiev and all Ukraine, His Eminence Agathangelos Metropolitan of Odessa and many Hierarchs, conducted the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at the Holy Monastery of the Dormition of the Theotokos – Uspensky, in commemoration of Venerable Father Kouxa and on the occasion of the 80th birthday of Metropolitan Agathangelos.
The presence of thousands of faithful of all ages and their universal attendance of the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist was majestic.
Prior to the Dismissal, His Beatitude Onuphrios addressed His Beatitude the Patriarch and the celebrating Metropolitans with words of great respect and love. The Alexandrian Primae, in his reply, stressed that he came to honor the 1030 years since the baptism of the Russ and to convey the spirit of unity and love in Christ.
At the end of the Divine Liturgy, His Beautitude gave Metropolitan Onuphrios an Icon of his predecessor, Saint Kyrillos of Loukaris and the commemorative medal from the Theological Conference in his honor, emphasizing his struggles for the Orthodox Faith.
He then awarded the “Great Cross of Saint Mark” of the Alexandrian Throne to the celebrating Metropolitan Agathangelos. He donated to the Church a decorative Gospel.
He then awarded the “Commander of Saint Savvas the Sanctified” to Mr. Novynskyi Vadym Vladyslavovich, member of the Ukrainian Parliament and the businessman Mr. Rybakov Igor Alexandrovich.
In conclusion, the Metropolitan of Odessa thanked all present at the festive functions for the great honor towards him and gave to the Patriarch an Icon of Saint Kouxa, which bears a piece of his Holy Relics.
In the afternoon, the Primate of the African Church went to the second See of the Metropolis of Odessa, the beautiful and graphic Ismail, accompanied by His Beatitude Onuphrios, Metropolitan of Kiev and All Ukraine and the local Metropolitan Agathangelos.
At the entrance of the city, he was met by local Authorities and a group of young ladies in traditional clothing, who offered him flowers and the local “Karavai” (Bread and Salt).
Thereafter, at the Cathedral of The Holy Protection, he was warmly welcomed by the local Authorities, the Clergy and the faithful people who came on mass despite the icy cold weather.
The Service of Great Vespers and Orthros was served.
