On the morning of October 8, 2024, the solemn events of thanksgiving by the faithful community of the Patriarchate of Alexandria commenced, offering praise to the Lord, the Founder of the Church, and paying special tribute, respect, and recognition for the fruitful pastoral and missionary work of its leader, Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of his enthronement on the revered Patriarchal and Apostolic Throne of Saint Mark.
Initially, the Patriarch held private audiences in his office with bishops who had arrived from their ecclesiastical jurisdictions across Africa, expressing their united love and respect for their venerable leader.
Addressing the bishops, the clergy, and the partners in the Church’s missionary work, the Patriarch expressed his heartfelt gratitude, praising their sacrificial spirit, unwavering faith, and indiscriminate and devoted dedication to the ancient Church of Alexandria and the vulnerable people of Africa. He described them as “the most precious spiritual jewels that adorn the emblematic Patriarchal crown of the Pope of Alexandria, representing the praise, certainty, and invaluable legacy of generations of faithful souls who, through their martyrdom, have spiritually fortified the Alexandrian Church throughout the ages. A Church of saints, Apostles, martyrs, and witnesses, maintaining an unbroken presence and activity for two millennia, remaining humble, steadfast in faith, and unwavering in its mission.”
Following this, the Patriarch met with the members of the Brotherhood of the Order of “Saint Mark.” During the gathering, the President of the Brotherhood, Professor Theodore Panagopoulos, Grand Archon Protonotarios, highlighted the dedication and diligent efforts of the members. In turn, he received expressions of appreciation and gratitude from the Patriarch, who then introduced and gave the floor to the attending Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne, Rev. Martin Ritsi, Head of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) and clergyman of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Fr. Ritsi spoke about the vital contribution of the OCMC to the missionary efforts, while the Patriarch also extended thanks to Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and his predecessors for their generous and practical support in the challenging endeavor of spreading the light of the Gospel among the peoples of the “Continent of the Future.”
The audience session concluded with a meeting with members of the spiritual movement Agape Hellas.
Mr. Emmanouil Toufexis, the Director, addressed the gathering, stating: “… Our common mission, to ‘proclaim and demonstrate the Gospel through our actions,’ unites us in the same purpose. Both Agape Hellas and the Jesus Film Project are committed to sharing the message of Christ in ways that resonate with people’s languages, cultures, and contexts. We believe this collaboration offers a unique opportunity for our Orthodox Church to expand its evangelistic outreach and humanitarian efforts, particularly on the African continent, in partnership with a global network of organizations that share similar values and missions.”
A Partnership with Purpose “However, this partnership extends beyond Agape Hellas or the Jesus Film Project. Through us, you will gain access to a broader network of Christian humanitarian organizations that share your vision. This network spans the globe, offering a range of resources such as multimedia tools, humanitarian aid, and spiritual catechetical programs. We believe that through our collaboration, the Orthodox Church can strengthen its influence, expand its reach, and deepen its presence in regions and communities in need, both spiritually and materially.”
“In addition, we are pleased to present the discipleship material we have developed, titled ‘A Deeper Understanding of Jesus Christ,’ in collaboration with Metropolitan Ignatios of Demetrias and Almyros. This material is designed to guide believers into a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Christ, which we believe will be particularly valuable for your Metropolises. Additionally, we have various digital tools available to support this effort, providing modern and effective ways to spread the Gospel.”
The Patriarch concluded by expressing his gratitude to Metropolitan Ignatios of Demetrias, who initiated the approach between the two parties and assured the present members of a fruitful and spirit-filled collaboration that promises to strengthen their efforts.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
