From January 20 to 23, 2025, the Chief of the General Staff of the National Guard of the Republic of Cyprus, Lieutenant General Georgios Tsitsikostas, paid an official visit to Cairo. During his visit, he held bilateral discussions with the Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces, General Ahmed Khalifa, with the aim of expanding military cooperation between the two nations.
Pilgrimage to the Patriarchal Monastery of St. George
On Wednesday, January 22, Lieutenant General Tsitsikostas made a pilgrimage to the historic Patriarchal Monastery of St. George in Old Cairo. The following day, Thursday, January 23, he visited the Patriarchal Vicariate in Cairo, where he was warmly received by Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, Theodoros II.
At the grand and historic entrance of the Rotunda of the East, the Chief was welcomed by the Abbot of the Monastery, Metropolitan Savvas. The Abbot led the distinguished guests into the monastery’s Catholicon, where Lieutenant General Tsitsikostas lit a candle and reverently venerated the miraculous icon of St. George.
During the tour, Metropolitan Savvas highlighted the monastery’s rich historical journey, emphasizing its role as a meeting point of harmony and coexistence for different peoples, cultures, and religions. He underscored the monastery’s significance as a living testament to the Greek Orthodox presence in Egypt.
Visit to the Monastery’s Museum
The visit continued with a tour of the monastery’s catacombs, which house its museum. The Abbot presented the museum’s significant and valuable exhibits to the guests, providing insights into the monastery’s cultural and religious heritage.
Exchange of Gifts
The visit concluded with an exchange of commemorative gifts in the Throne Room. Metropolitan Savvas conveyed the warm wishes of Patriarch Theodoros II to Lieutenant General Tsitsikostas, further strengthening the bonds between the Church and the Cypriot National Guard.
This visit highlighted the deep historical ties between Cyprus and Egypt and underscored the enduring significance of Greek Orthodox heritage in the region.
Source and photos: ekkairo.org / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
