On Wednesday, 30 September 2026, a delegation of the Orthodox Philanthropic Order of Saint George the Great Martyr and Trophy-Bearer visited Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa at the Patriarchal Seat.
The Order is based in the United States of America, and its members come from various countries. It carries out significant charitable and humanitarian work, with particular concern for supporting the Churches and Christian communities of the Middle East, especially in our times, when the protection of human dignity, human rights and religious freedom has acquired particular importance.
The Patriarch warmly welcomed the delegation, led by the President of the Order, Konstantine Pandolfi. He thanked them for their presence in Alexandria and congratulated them on their wide-ranging charitable and social contribution.
During the meeting, the Primate of Alexandria gave an extensive briefing on the great missionary, philanthropic, social, educational, and humanitarian work of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa, carried out daily across the entire African continent.
He referred in particular to the operation of schools and educational institutions, medical, healthcare and social facilities, and the creation of public-benefit projects, as well as the multifaceted support of those in need, without distinction of origin, race or religious belief. He emphasized that service to every human being is a practical expression of the Gospel of love and an integral part of the mission of the Orthodox Church in Africa.
The Patriarch also stressed that the Patriarchate of Alexandria, faithful to its centuries-old tradition, has always surrounded with paternal care and ecclesiastical protection those institutions, brotherhoods and orders whose purpose is to strengthen the work of the Church and relieve human suffering, encouraging every sincere initiative that serves unity, solidarity and practical Christian love.
He also did not fail to express his warm thanks and gratitude to the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, praising his steadfast concern for upholding the principles of peaceful coexistence, as well as the important role Egypt plays in promoting peace, stability and the protection of the Christian presence in the wider Middle East.
Addressing in particular those members of the Order present who hail from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Patriarch spoke warmly of His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, highlighting the longstanding role of the Hashemite leadership in defending the Christian presence in the Middle East, protecting the Christian Holy Places, and promoting interfaith dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims.
The Patriarch noted that, at a time when the wider region is being tested by wars, conflicts and divisions, preserving the centuries-old Christian presence in its ancestral homelands is a precious legacy for the peace, stability and coexistence of the peoples of the Middle East.
For his part, the President of the Order, Mr. Konstantine Pandolfi, expressed, on behalf of the delegation, his warm thanks to the Patriarch for the cordial, fatherly welcome and the expressions of love and honor.
He stressed that the members of the Order follow, with deep respect and special interest, the multifaceted work of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and the tireless ministry of Patriarch Theodoros II, particularly toward suffering and afflicted peoples, praising his devotion to peace, reconciliation, solidarity and the defense of human dignity.
As an expression of honor and recognition of the Patriarch’s great contribution and service, the members of the delegation decorated the Patriarch himself with the Grand Cross of the Orthodox Philanthropic Order of Saint George the Great Martyr and Trophy-Bearer, as a humble token of appreciation for his great contribution.
The Patriarch expressed his warm thanks for this honorary distinction, noting that every honor bestowed upon him is reflected upon the historic Church of the Apostle and Evangelist Mark and upon its clergy, missionaries and collaborators, who serve daily, often under particularly difficult conditions, humanity and the Gospel of love.
Reciprocating this gracious gesture, the Patriarch conferred upon the President of the Order the honorary distinction of Commander with Star of the Order of Saint Sabbas the Sanctified, in recognition of his contribution and his dedication to the aims of philanthropy and service to one’s fellow human beings.
The Patriarch wished the President and all the members of the Order health, strength and every blessing from God as they continue their mission, expressing his hope that communication and cooperation with the Patriarchate of Alexandria will bear abundant fruit for the benefit of the Church and of suffering humanity.
The meeting concluded in a particularly cordial atmosphere, with an exchange of commemorative gifts and the bestowal of the Patriarchal blessing upon all members of the delegation.
Also present at the meeting were Bishop Damaskinos of Mareotis, Patriarchal Commissioner of Alexandria, and clergy of the Patriarchal Court.
