On 22nd October 2010, His beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa received in the Patriarchal See a large group of officers and non commissioned officers from the Greek Presidential Guard, the army, the navy and the air force, as well as others accompanying them, under the Leadership of Major General John Gougoustamos, who are visiting Egypt for the anniversary function of the battle of El Alamein.
Addressing His Beatitude major General Gougoustamos praised the missionary activities of the Alexandrian Church and its venerable Primate, to whom he gave a military emblem.
During his reply, His Beatitude spoke of the arduous task of serving our suffering African brothers and sisters and expressed his gratitude to the Hellenic armed forces who support this effort in many ways (transportation of humanistic aid to Africa, donation of bells for churches under construction, etc). In conclusion he made an honourary award of the Patriarchal emblem to the major General.
The Hellenic representatives which will be present on 23rd October 2010 at the anniversary functions in El Alamein, Egypt, are accompanied by Reverend Protopresbyter Nikitas Velegrakis, Director of the Religious Army General Staff, Commander Mr. Andrew Eliopoulos and Captain of the Navy Mr. P Pastouseas, Military Attaché of the Greek Embassy in Egypt.
