A delegation from the Anastasios G. Leventis Foundation paid an official visit on Wednesday, January 21, to Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa.
The delegation was led by Mrs. Fotini Papadopoulou, Trustee of the Leventis Foundation. The Patriarch, visibly moved, warmly welcomed the distinguished visitors and spoke with gratitude about the long-standing and fruitful cooperation between the Patriarchate of Alexandria and the Leventis Foundation. He underlined the Foundation’s consistent and substantial support for the Patriarchate’s multifaceted pastoral, missionary, and philanthropic work across Africa.
Special reference was made to the preservation and restoration of 110 Patriarchal manuscripts, a major project carried out several years ago with the financial support of the Leventis Foundation, in collaboration with the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. The Patriarch highlighted this initiative as a decisive contribution to safeguarding the historical and spiritual heritage of the Patriarchate.
Addressing Mrs. Papadopoulou personally, he also conveyed his heartfelt thanks to the people of Cyprus, as well as to the Cypriot Red Cross, for their longstanding expressions of solidarity, love, and tangible support for the charitable mission of the Patriarchate of Alexandria.
The Patriarch further paid tribute to the many years of humanitarian service offered by Mrs. Papadopoulou, who has been an active member of the Cypriot Red Cross since 1973, serving its principles and goals with dedication, consistency, and profound love for those in need.
In recognition of her valuable contribution and the enduring support of the Leventis Foundation, the Patriarch awarded Mrs. Fotini Papadopoulou the Golden Cross of the Order of the Lion of the Patriarchate of Alexandria.
On behalf of the delegation, Mrs. Papadopoulou warmly thanked the Patriarch for the high honor and for his cordial and fatherly reception. She praised the extensive and multifaceted work carried out by the Patriarchate of Alexandria throughout the African continent and spoke with emotion about her previous visit to the Patriarchate years ago.
At the same time, she assured the Patriarch that the Anastasios G. Leventis Foundation continues, with consistency and love, to support the mission and diverse activities of the Patriarchate.
Following the meeting, the Patriarch received the delegation at the Patriarchal Office, where, in an atmosphere of mutual respect and cordiality, matters of common interest were discussed, along with prospects for future cooperation.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
