BEGINNING OF THE NEW YEAR 2012 AT THE SECOND-THRONE PATRIARCHATEOF ALEXANDRIA AND ALL AFRICA

     On 31st December 2011, His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa received in the Private Patriarchal Office, according to tradition, His Grace Gabriel Bishop of Mareaotis and Patriarchal Vicar of Alexandria and the other clergy of the Patriarchate and the Holy Archdiocese of Alexandria, who sang carols and gave their festive wishes. He then received the wishes of the African Students of the “Agios Athanasios” Patriarchal Academy of Alexandria, as well as the Staff of the Patriarchate. He gave them all gifts and his blessings.In the evening of the same day His Beatitude officiated at the Great Vespers at the Patriarchal Chapel of Ss Theodori in the presence of many faithful Christians, following which in the packed Throne Room he presented the minutes of 2011 and expressed his gratitude for their support to the Egyptian and Greek Governments, as well as to the Hellenic and Arabic Orthodox Community of Alexandria. He then blessed the Vasilopita of the Patriarchate.

     Present at this festive gathering were the Honourable Consul General of Greece in the Great City, Mr. Christos Kapodistrias, representatives of the Hellenic and Arabic Orthodox Communities of Alexandria and of all the Hellenic Societies and Associations.

    On 1st January 2012  His Beatitude officiated at the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Cathedral  of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Alexandria and conducted the Doxology for the beginning of the New Year, accompanied by His Grace Gabriel Bishop of Mareotis and the holy clergy.

    At noon on the first day of the New Year he visited the elderly at the Kaniskerion Old Age Home of Alexandria to whom he gave gifts and blessings and attended the festive lunch.