With the blessing and presence of Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria, the official opening of the International Conference titled “Alexandria and the West: Ecclesiastical History and Geopolitics” took place on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the Conference Hall of the Patriarchal Library of Alexandria.
The conference is organized by the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa, in collaboration with the Hellenic Institute of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Studies of Venice, and brings together university professors, researchers, and scholars from Greece and abroad.
At the opening session, the Patriarch warmly welcomed the participants to the See of the Apostle and Evangelist Mark, noting that Alexandria has historically been a meeting point of cultures, religions, and peoples, as well as a bridge between East and West.
He emphasized that the ancient Patriarchate of Alexandria has been, is, and will continue to be a living link between different traditions, serving peace, dialogue, coexistence, and the witness of the Gospel throughout the African continent, stated Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria.
At the same time, he referred to the Patriarchate’s contemporary mission in Africa, noting that the Church of Alexandria carries out a wide range of spiritual, social, and humanitarian activities, fostering cooperation with states, international organizations, and ecclesiastical institutions for the benefit of the peoples of the continent.
His Beatitude also expressed warm thanks to the Egypt and its leadership for the environment of security, respect, and protection provided to the Patriarchate and its work.
The first session was chaired by Professor Emmanouil Karageorgoudis, Dean of the Faculty of Theology of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
At the opening ceremony, greetings were also delivered by the Consul General of Greece in Alexandria, Ioannis Pyrgakis, while a recorded message from the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, Ioannis Loverdos, was played. Greetings were also addressed by the President of the Greek Community of Alexandria, Andreas Vafeiadis, and the President of the Hellenic Institute of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Studies of Venice, Professor Vasileios Koukouzas.
This was followed by the keynote lecture of Associate Professor Panagiotis Tzoumerkas, entitled “Alexandria and the West: Convergences and Divergences.” In his presentation, he examined the historical relations between the Alexandrian tradition and the Western world, highlighting points of convergence, divergence, and mutual influence over the centuries. His well-documented presentation generated strong interest and constructive discussion among the participants.
All participants highlighted the importance of the conference in presenting the historical identity of Alexandria, promoting the long-standing presence of Hellenism in the city of Alexander the Great, and strengthening ties between Greece and Egypt.
The conference continues with presentations and discussions of high academic interest, shedding light on ecclesiastical history, relations between East and West, and contemporary geopolitical challenges in the wider Mediterranean and African regions.
It is noted that on the previous morning, the group of professors visited the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, where they were warmly received by its officials and had the opportunity to meet with the Deputy Director of the Library as well as the Director of its museums.
On the same day, at noon, His Beatitude received the professors in audience at the Throne Hall of the Patriarchal See, where views were exchanged on issues related to dialogue, contemporary challenges, and matters of common interest, followed by an exchange of commemorative gifts.
The conference is expected to serve as an important milestone in promoting academic research, inter-Christian dialogue, and geopolitical understanding of the wider region, reaffirming the leading role of the Patriarchate of Alexandria as a spiritual and cultural beacon of Africa and the Mediterranean.
