The Metropolitan George of Guinea celebrated his first Divine Liturgy in Mauritius, the remote island of the Indian Ocean formerly known as Saint Mauritius, following his appointment as Patriarchal Exarch of Mauritius by Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria. The appointment was formally issued on October 8, 2025.
Prior to the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Athanasios of Togo, Benin and Burkina Faso read aloud to the faithful the Patriarchal Sigillion confirming the appointment.
In his address, Metropolitan George expressed his deep gratitude to the Patriarch of Alexandria for the trust placed in him to undertake the spiritual guidance of the small Orthodox flock of Mauritius, particularly at a time when the Patriarchate’s long-standing peaceful presence on the island is being tested. He pledged to devote all his strength to honoring the legacy and sacrifices of the late hierarchs of the Patriarchate of Alexandria who served the region with self-denial, specifically mentioning the late Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Zimbabwe and Metropolitan Nektarios of Madagascar, as well as the tireless efforts of Metropolitan Ignatios of Antananarivo and Central Madagascar.
Metropolitan George conveyed to the congregation the patriarchal blessings, heartfelt wishes, and paternal love of Patriarch Theodore II, and warmly thanked Bishop Athanasios for his presence. He also reflected on the salvific message of the Twelve Days of Christmas, wishing that the new year would be brighter, creative, peaceful, and spiritually fruitful. Using a vivid image, he expressed the hope that “the warm sun of the island may warm the hearts of all people, just as the straw in the humble manger of Bethlehem warmed the Divine Infant.”
Immediately after the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the two hierarchs officiated at the funeral service of Presbyter Athanasios Matthew Maurice Richard Daniel, who passed away on Christmas Day.
Addressing the bereaved family and the spiritual children of the late priest, Metropolitan George offered words of comfort and expressed gratitude to all who supported him and his family during the time of trial and after his repose. He emphasized that the departed clergyman remained faithful to the Patriarchate of Alexandria until the end of his life and did not succumb to any inducement or pressure from those described as intruders, in contrast to members of the church’s administrative committee. He concluded by thanking Bishop Athanasios for his presence and for his long-standing friendship with the late priest and his family.
