A landmark agreement of strong historical and symbolic significance has been concluded between the Public Properties Company of Greece (ETAD), a subsidiary of Greece’s National Fund, Growthfund, and the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa for the concession lease of the historic Averofeio Parthenagogeio (Averofeio Girls’ School) in Alexandria, Egypt.
The concession agreement, which provides for a long-term lease of 20 years, was signed by ETAD’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Iro Hadjigeorgiou, and Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa. Also present at the signing were Bishop Damaskinos of Mareotis, Patriarchal Commissioner of Alexandria, and ETAD officials.
The agreement aims to transform the historic building into a modern educational institution under the auspices of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, dedicated to the study and promotion of Hellenism. Plans include the establishment of a Higher School of Philosophical and Humanistic Studies, featuring departments of History, Archaeology, Greek Philosophy, Greek Literature, Pedagogical Studies, and Teacher Training.
The historic building, covering 7,370 square meters and located on Sidy El Mitwally Street and Sesostis Street in Alexandria, has long stood as a symbol of the Greek presence in Egypt. Through this initiative, the educational and cultural footprint of Hellenism in Africa is expected to be significantly strengthened while also giving new life to a landmark property deeply connected with the Greek diaspora.
ETAD CEO Iro Hadjigeorgiou described the concession as a decision of “high historical and national symbolism,” emphasizing that the School represents “a living imprint of the intellectual and educational tradition of Hellenism in Alexandria.”She noted that reopening the building as a higher educational institution reconnects it with its historic mission while integrating it into a contemporary international academic framework.
“This agreement demonstrates that public property can serve as a driver of cultural influence, knowledge, and international cooperation,” she said, expressing gratitude to Patriarch Theodore II and his collaborators and expressing hope that the new academic institution would become “a new Lighthouse of Alexandria for education and culture.”
Patriarch Theodore II described the moment as both historic and hopeful. “Today is a day of historical memory but also of promising prospects,” he said. “With deep emotion and sincere gratitude to my homeland, Greece, we accept the concession of the historic Averofeio Girls’ School, a building that stands as a living symbol of the flourishing, education, and spiritual radiance of Hellenism in Alexandria.”
The Patriarch stressed that the initiative symbolizes the enduring unity between Orthodoxy and Hellenism and the long-standing friendship between Greece and Egypt. He also pledged that the building will be renovated with respect for its history and transformed into a center of knowledge, dialogue, and cultural exchange.
“The historic building will become a bridge between Greece and Egypt, between past and future, between memory and creativity,” he said, adding that Alexandria, city of Alexander the Great, the Lighthouse, and the Great Library, can once again become a center of education, dialogue, and culture.
The Patriarchate expressed gratitude to the Greek state and ETAD for their cooperation, praying that the project will serve future generations and contribute to peace, understanding, and collaboration among peoples.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
