HIS BEATITUDE ARRIVES IN ZIMBABWE

            On 7th October 2011, the Venerable Primate of the Orthodox Church in Africa, His Beatitude Theodoros II, was warmly welcomed by both the Greek and Egyptian diplomatic authorities in Harare, capital of Zimbabwe, when he arrived at the start of a lengthy missionary journey to this Southern African country.

            His Beatitude was welcomed by His Eminence Seraphim, Metropolitan of Zimbabwe and Angola, as well as by the Ambassador of Egypt Mr Hashem Balil, the Charge d’ Affaires of the Greek Embassy in Harare Mr Stephanos Ioannides, as well as the Charge d’ Affaires of the Egyptian Embassy Mr Hosham Basari.

            Also welcoming the Alexandrian Primate and representing the Hellenes of Zimbabwe were the Chairman of the Hellenic Community of Harare Mr John Koumides, the Lady of the Churches Mrs Ariadne Psillos, the Chairlady of the Federation of Hellenic Communities of Zimbabwe Mrs Eleni Koumidou, the Chairman of the Hellenic Cypriot Brotherhood of Zimbabwe Mr Kostas Klostris, the Chairman of the Cephalonian Society Mr Panagis Theotokatos, the Chairlady of the Hellenic Ladies of Zimbabwe Mrs Despina Zaverdinos and the Honourary Chairman of the Hellenic Community Mr John Stougiannides.

            Accompanying the Alexandrian Primate on this trip is the Patriarchal Vicar of Cairo, His Grace Nikodimos, Bishop of Nitria, who for many years served as the Parish Priest in the 2nd largest city in Zimbabwe, Bulawayo, while the Exarch of the Patriarchate of Alexandria in Cyprus, Father Athenodoros Papaevripiades will also be accompanying him.

           This afternoon the Patriarch of Alexandria is expected to visit the missionary centre of Agios Nektarios in Harare and from there he will go immediately to the Metropolis where he will have a meeting with Metropolitan Seraphim; tonight he will attend a dinner hosted in his honour by members of the Community in Harare.

           On Sunday, at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, the Venerable Primate will celebrate the 7th anniversary of his election and elevation as patriarch of Alexandria (9.10.2004)