THEOPHANY IN ALEXANDRIA AND THE VISIT OF THE NEW GOVERNOR OF ALEXANDRIA TO THE PATRIARCHATE

On 6th January 2016, His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, together with His Grace Meletios, Bishop of Naucratis, Hegumen of the Holy Patriarchal Monastery of St Savvas in Alexandria, officiated at Orthros and conducted the Festive Divine Liturgy and the Service of the Great Blessing of Water, at the Holy Church of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Alexandria, in the presence of His Excellency the Ambassador of Greece to Egypt, Mr. Christodoulos Lazaris, the Honourable Consul General of Greecce in Alexandria, Mr. Emm. Kakabelakis, representatives of the Hellenic Community, the Cypriot Brotherhood, Hellenic Associations and Societies of the Great City and many faithful Christians.

Immediately afterwards, His Beatitude officially welcomed to the Patriarchal See the new Governor of Alexandria, Mr. Mohamed Ahmed Abd el Zaher, together with the Director of Police Mr. Mohamed el Sherif, as well as a large group of high-ranking staff and officers of the Great City.

Addressing his noble visitor, His Beatitude emphasized the excellent relations of friendship and peace between Christians and Muslims in the Land of the Nile and stressed the traditionally very good cooperation between the countries of Egypt and Greece.

In his reply, the Governor thanked the Venerable Primate for the welcome and the Greeks for all that they have contributed historically to Egypt, hoping that the presence of Hellenism will be strengthened again in Alexandria. He was then immediately taken on a conducted tour of the Archaeological Museum in the Patriarchal Palace.

At noon His Beatitude the Patriarch, conducted the ceremony of the Sanctification of the Waters at the Hellenic Naval Club in Alexandria, in the presence of the new Governor of the Great City and gave commemorative gifts to the swimmers who brought out the Precious Cross from the sea.

In conclusion, the Chairman of the Naval Club Mr. Edmond Kasimatis hosted a lunch in honour of the Patriarch, the Authorities and the entire Hellenic Community.