On Sunday 11th October 2015, His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, on his return from his pastoral visit to the Holy Metropolis of Zimbabwe, and so concluding his visit to South Africa, stayed for one day in Johannesburg and conducted the Liturgy at the Holy Church of St Sergius of Radonezh , of the Russian Community in South Africa.
Present at the Divine Liturgy were Their Excellencies the Ambassadors of Greece, Belarus, Azerbaijan, as well as representatives of the Embassies of Russia and Serbia, who were overseas, Mr. Alekos Baladakis the Archon of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and many Russians who live in South Africa.
Speaking of the popular Saint of Russian Orthodoxy, the venerable Sergius of Radonezh, the Patriarch spoke in Russian addressing words of love and edification.
He also mentioned the strong bonds which for many centuries have united the Ancient Patriarchate of Alexandria with the Patriarchate of Moscow, expressing gratitude and good wishes both to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow as well as to the mighty President of Russia, Mr. Vladimir Putin, both of whom support the missionary effort throughout the African continent in many ways.
Following the dismissal of the Eucharistic Gathering, a reception was held in the church grounds, and on the evening of the same day His Beatitude departed fopr Alexandria.
