HIS BEATITUDE KIRILL PAYS A VISIT TO THE HOLY MONASTERY OF ST GEORGE IN OLD CAIRO
On Monday 12th April 2010, His Beatitude Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia visited the Monastery of St George in Old Cairo, accompanied by His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa.
The Venerable Primates were welcomed by His Grace Niphon Bishop Babylonos, Hegumen of the Holy Monastery.
In his address, the Primate of the Russian Church said, among other things: “Today is the third day of my visit to the land of Egypt and it is surrounded by fraternal love and heartfelt hospitality. It is another opportunity for us to confirm that the bonds of love with which our Patriarchates are bound, remain steady and unbreakable”.
“These brilliant days which we have spent in Egypt, will always be in our hearts. However, we wish to leave something on this land that will remind all of our visit here. Your Beatitude, I ask that you accept these bells that we brought from Russia for the monastery, which were created in a workshop in the city of Voronez…The sound of these bells will remind people of our love, despite the fact that we are so far away. Also, I pray that the sound of these bells will draw people to this monastery”.
On his part, His Beatitude the Patriarch of Alexandria replied emotionally: “Most Holy One, St George has performed yet another miracle! St George today has its own new bells. Every day, every hour, here we witness a great miracle, because St George lived here three whole months and there is great blessing in this place!”.
“Your Beatitude, every time we perform the Divine Liturgy, your bells will ring and will be heard to the outskirts of Cairo. The sound which will reach the clouds I pray will reach Moscow saying a great big thank you to the Russian Church”.
The Primates then went to the tomb of the late Patriarch Petros of Alexandria, where they conducted the Trisagion for the repose of his soul. The Venerable Primates also toured the centuries old Holy Monastery and then sat at the monastic refectory.
Finally, His Beatitude Kirill Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia declared: “I leave filled with experiences and in great emotion due to the hospitality of Abraham given me by Theodoros II, Patriarch of Alexandria”.
Present at the official visit of the Venerable Primate of the Russian Church were His Excellency the Ambassador of Russia in Egypt Mr. Mikhail Bogdanov, His Excellency the Ambassador of Cyprus Mr. Konstantinos Leontiou, the Honourable Greek Chargé d’ Affaires Mr. Dimitrios Zevelakis, the Honourable Consul General Mr. Gregory Vasilokonstantakis, the Chairman of the Hellenic Community of Cairo Mr. Christos Kavalis and other dignitaries.