The deliberations of the Holy Synod continued on 8th October 2009, with the briefing of the Hierarchal Corps by the Metropolitans, who represent the Alexandrian Church in inter-Orthodox, inter-Church and inter-Christian dialogues, conferences and councils.
This was preceded by the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Patriarchal Chapel of Ss Theodoroi by His Eminence Sergios of the Good Hope, as well as the arrival of His Eminence Athanasios of Cyrene, Exarch of the Patriarchal Throne in the Church of Russia, who, in the presence of His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarcha of Alexandria and All Africa and the Members of the Holy Synod, expressed his gratitude that the Diocese of Cyrene was elevated to a Metropolis with himself as Metropolitan. His Beatitude praise his Eminence’s fruitful service as exarch and awarded him the honourable distinction of the Cross of the Order of St Savvas with a Star for his completion of ten years service as a hierarch.
The deliberations of the Holy Synod then began. His Eminence Sergios of the Cape of Good Hope, representative of the Patriarchate at the 4th Presynodal Pan-Orthodox Conference in Chambessy from 4th-6th June 2009 on the topic of the Diaspora, spoke about this conference.
His Eminence Seraphim Metropolitan of Johannesburg and Pretoria spoke on “The course of Dialogue with the Anglicans to this day, problems, prospects, proposals”. Also, together with His Eminence Ieronymos of Mwanza, he briefed the Holy Synod regarding the activities of the Pan-African Council of Churches.
His Eminence Damaskinos of Accra (Ghana) spoke on the topis: “The Patriarchate of Alexandria and the World Council of Churches, problems, prospects, proposals”.
Also, His Eminence George of Zimbabwe and His Eminence Nishola of Ermopolis briefed the Hierarchs on the general progress of the Middle Eastern Council of Churches.
His Beatitude then declared the deliberations of the Holy Synod closed and thanked all the Hierarchs of the Alexandrian Throne for their tireless efforts and their laborious work on the African continent, emphasizing that the central point of missionary activity remains the spiritual organization and quality development of life in Christ of our suffering African brothers and sisters, as well as concern for the orphaned children, the fight against disease and education.
In his reply, Elder Metropolitan Dionysios, Patriarchal Vicar General, praised the tireless paternal care of the Venerable Primate for his clergy and the Christian people of the Church of Alexandria.
At noon, the Honourable Mr. George Diakofotakis, Consul General of Greece in Alexandria, hosted an official lunch at the Consular Residence in honour of His Beatitude and the Members of the Holy Synod.
On the evening of the same day, His Beatitude together with the Members of the Holy Synod, officiated at the Service of Great Vespers in the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, in Alexandria. The homily was delivered by Elder Metropolitan Dionysios of Leontopolis, who spoke about the person and pastoral and missionary activity of His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, on the completion on 9th October 2009 of five years since his unanimous elevation to the ancient Patriarchal Throne of the Apostle and Evangelist Mark.
