INAUGURATION OF THE CATHEDRAL OF THE HOLY ARCHANGELS BY HIS BEATITUDE IN MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE

            On Sunday 16th February 2014, the third day of the visit of His Beatitude to the Republic of Mozambique, Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa conducted the inauguration of the beautiful and historic Cathedral of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel in the capital, Maputo, together with His Eminence Damaskinos, Metropolitan of Johannesburg and Pretoria and the local Bishop, His Grace Ioannis.

During Communion, the Patriarch spoke from his heart to all those present, thanking each person, for the friendly hospitality in the beautiful country of Mozambique and gave particular thanks to the local Bishop His Grace Ioannis, for his love of the Patriarchate and the love shown to him personally.

Following efforts by His Grace Ioannis Bishop of Mozambique, the Roman Catholic Church gave a piece of the relics of the holy, glorious Apostle and Evangelist mark, Founder and Enlightener of the Church of Alexandria, which has been placed in an elaborate silver reliquary. Visible emotional for this important gift to the Alexandrian Church, the Patriarch wholeheartedly thanked the donors and assured all present that the holy relic will be placed in the sacristy of the Patriarchal Chapel, to be venerated during the feast day of the Apostle, on 2th April every year.

Present at the Eucharistic gathering were their Excellencies the Ministers of Justice, Mrs. Maria Benvenida Levi, of Culture, Mr. Armando Artur Joao, of Health, Mr. Alexandre Manguele of the Mozambique Government, the Greek representatives comprising His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece Mr. Akis Gerontopoulos, the Parliamentarian of Zakynthos for SYRIZA and Deputy Chairman of the Council of Friendship between Greece and Mozambique Mr. Stavros Kontonis and the Director General of International Relations of the Greek Parliament Mrs. Panagiota Miliou, local Parliamentarians, Ambassadors of many countries and representatives of religious Communities.

Following the services, a festal reception was hosted in the Missionary Centre of the Diocese, and on the afternoon of the same day, His Beatitude had a meeting at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Mozambique with the Russian Ambassador Mr. Andrey V. Kenasrsky, with whom he discussed issues of mutual interest.

Archim. Daniel Biazis