On 4th March 2008, His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa welcomed to the Patriarchal See His Eminence Philaret of Minsk and Bielorussia, who is on a pilgrimage to Alexandria.
Addressing the Russian Hierarch, His Beatitude remembered the paternal interest shown by His Eminence Philaret when he was Chairman of the Council of External Affairs of the Moscow Patriarchate, when His Beatitude Theodoros was serving in Odessa and Moscow as Exarch of the Ancient Patriarchate of Alexandria and all Africa in Russia. He also remembered the valuable assistance given by His Eminence on the sudden passing if His Beatitude Nicolas VI during an official visit to Russia. His Beatitude ended by expressing his love for the Patriarch Alexei of Moscow and All Russia and bestowed on His Eminence the highest distinction given by the Patriarchal Throne of St Mark.
In his reply, His Eminence thanked His Beatitude for the honour bestowed on him, mentioned the many years of friendship which bind him with His Beatitude Theodoros and praised the multifaceted missionary efforts on the African continent. He also bestowed on him the highest award of the Church of Bielorussia.
His Beatitude then took His Eminence Philaret and his entourage on a conducted tour of the Patriarchal Palace and hosted a lunch in his honour during which commemorative gifts were exchanged.
