VISIT OF HIS EMINENCE THE ARCHBISHOP OF AMERICA TO THE PATRIARCHATE OF ALEXANDRIA

On Saturday, May 6, 2023, the His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, welcomed to the Patriarchal See of Alexandria the His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, head of a large group of Greek pilgrims from the USA .

Addressing His Eminence, His Beatitude spoke about the history of the Alexandrian Church, about its productive presence on the African continent, as well as about the excellent relations between the Presbyterian Patriarchates of Constantinople and Alexandria. He also underlined the cordial relations between Egypt and the United States, noting the undivided support of His Excellency thePresident of the Arab Republic of Egypt Mr. Abdel Fattah Al Sisi of the Patriarchal Throne of Saint Mark. He also mentioned his recent trip to the USA and his meeting with His Excellency President Joe Biden. In conclusion he praised the inspired multilateral efforts of His Eminence the Archbishop of America, to whom he expressed grateful thanks for his practical support for the general missionary and humanitarian work of the Second Throne Patriarchate.

In his reply, His Eminence Elpidophoros expressed the emotion he feels being at the See of the Ancient Church of St Mark, with its precious Apostolic heritage and its two-thousand-year history, while also emphasizing the importance of its missionary work, as well as the unshakable historical ties of the Patriarchal Thrones of Constantinople and Alexandria.

This was followed by an exchange of commemorative gifts and a tour of the grounds of the Patriarchal Palace. Finally, His Eminence and his clerical companions attended a Patriarchal meal.

Present during the visit of His Eminence Elpidophoros Archbishop of America, were Their Eminences Metropolitans George of Guinea, Patriarchal Representative in Athens, Panteleimon of Naucratis, Chief Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Second Throne Patriarchate and Narcissus Patriarchal Vicar of Alexandria.