The Orthros (matins) and Great Hours of Christmas were solemnly celebrated at the Holy Patriarchal Monastery of Saint Savvas in Alexandria.
Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa presided over the sacred services.
During the ceremony, Metropolitan Germanos of Tamiatheus, as the Head of the Holy Monastery, led the procession of the holy gifts symbolizing the journey of the Three Magi from Persia who followed a shining star to offer holy gifts to our Lord. The replica of these Holy Gifts was graciously offered to the Patriarchate of Alexandria by Archimandrite Parthenios, the Abbot of the Holy Monastery of St. Paul from Mount Athos.
Following the divine services, the Patriarch performed the Rasophoria (monastic tonsure) for the seminarians of the Patriarchal School of Alexandria “Athanasios the Great”. In his heartfelt address, the Patriarch imparted paternal guidance, encouraging them to honor the sacred cassock and to become messengers of the Holy Gospel in their native lands. He emphasized the enduring commitment of the Patriarchate, which for centuries has ardently sown the seeds of the Lord’s teachings throughout the African continent.
Text translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
