On March 16, 2024, Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa held an official visit with a delegation of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) consisting of the Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs and his distinguished associates.
The purpose of the visit was to provide the Patriarch with comprehensive details about the anniversary events scheduled for this year to commemorate the 50th anniversary of its foundation, along with discussing the participation of the Alexandrian Church in these events. Specifically, the aforementioned events will focus on the theme of refuge and the historical route of the Holy Family in Egypt.
This was followed by a comprehensive discussion on pressing issues in the wider Middle East region, including the conflict in Gaza, humanitarian aid efforts for those affected, and the pursuit of peace. The Patriarch also provided the MECC delegation with detailed information about the Patriarchate’s overall pastoral, missionary, and humanitarian efforts in Africa. He highlighted the challenges faced, including attempts to spiritually corrupt indigenous Christian communities and undermine or eradicate decades of sacrificial ministry by Patriarchate clergy. These efforts have been dedicated to illuminating and relieving the souls of thousands across the African continent for the glory of God.
The meeting ended with an exchange of commemorative gifts, as well as a tour of the Patriarchate. Metropolitan Panteleimon of Ptolemaida, Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate, and Metropolitan Narcissus of Pelusium, Patriarchal Vicar of Alexandria, attended the visit.
Following this, the Patriarch received Protopresbyter Joseph Darus, a clergyman of the Holy Archdiocese of Alexandria and Head of the Arab Orthodox community of Daher in Cairo. The Patriarch conveyed his congratulations and satisfaction for Protopresbyter Joseph’s completion of his postgraduate studies with an “excellent” grade at the Theological School of the University of Balamand in Lebanon, and for embarking on his doctoral thesis.
