On Sunday, May 15, 2022, Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa had a meeting with the Minister of Tourism and Culture of Egypt, Khaled Anani, in the area of the centuries-old pilgrimage sites of ancient Nitria (King Mariout).
During this important meeting, the Patriarch was informed about the beginning of restoration works of the four most historic Orthodox monasteries of Upper Egypt (Minya) following a decision by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi from the Egyptian state, in order to develop pilgrimage tourism, with particular emphasis on the steps of the Holy Family during Jesus’ flight to Egypt.
In the framework of the above pilgrimage/travel program, the Minister also announced the inclusion of the Holy Patriarchal Monastery of Saint George in Old Cairo (ancient Babylon in Egypt) as a place of final refuge and protection of the Holy Family.
The Patriarch expressed the deepest gratitude of the Presbyterian Church of Alexandria to the Republic of Egypt and its President for this great move of unity, solidarity, and progress for the benefit of all parties involved.