On Saturday 11th December 2010, His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, accompanied by His Grace Gabriel Bishop of Mareotis and Patriarchal Vicar of Alexandria arrived in Johannesburg to officiate at the Enthronement Ceremony of the newly-elected Metropolitan Damaskinos of Johannesburg and Pretoria, formerly from Accra
On Sunday 12th December 2010, His Beatitude conducted a Patriarchal Divine Liturgy in the Holy Cathedral of Ss Constantine and Helen in Johannesburg, concelebrated by Their Eminences Alexandros Nigeria, Sergius of the Good Hope, Ioakeim of Zambia and Malawi and Gregory of Cameroon as well as Their Graces Ioannis of Mozambique and Gabriel of Mareotis.
Immediately following the end of the Liturgical Synaxis, in a very emotional atmosphere, the ceremony of the Enthronement of His Eminence Damaskinos, Metropolitan of Johannesburg and Pretoria took place according to the Order of the Alexandrian Church.
His Beatitude addressed the enthroned Hierarch, speaking of the spiritual ties by which they are bound, as His Eminence Damaskinos is the first Bishop to have received his office from His Beatitude following his election to the Apostolic and Patriarchal Throne (9.10.2004). He also praised his productive pastoral and missionary service in the Holy Metropolis of Accra (27.10.2004 – 7.10.2010).
His Eminence Damaskinos of Johannesburg and Pretoria gave his inaugural address and expressed his gratitude to the Venerable Primate and the members of the Holy Synod of the ancient Patriarchate for the love and trust they have shown him in giving him the service of this great ecclesiastical province of the Throne.
A festive reception was held in the Adjacent hall of the Hellenic Community of Johannesburg and in the evening His Eminence hosted an official dinner.
The function was attended by His Grace Markos of the Coptic Orthodox Church of South Africa, His Excellency Mr. Spyridon Theoharopoulos Ambassador of Greece in South Africa, His Excellency the High Commissioner of Cyprus in South Africa Mr. Argyros Antoniou, the Consul General of Greece in South Africa Mrs Gounaris, the honourary Consul General of Cyprus Mrs Elena Haralambous, Mr Harry Gouvelis co-ordinator of SAE Africa-Asia, Mr George Baladakis Chairman of the Office Bearers of the Throne in South Africa, Vice Chairmen of the Federation of Hellenic Communities, the Cyprus Brotherhood, Societies and Associations, the directors and educators of Hellenic Schools, diplomats and state officials, et al.
