In an atmosphere of profound emotion, prayer, and gratitude, the Patriarchate of Alexandria commemorated on Thursday, July 23, 2026, the 30th anniversary of the repose of the late Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, Parthenios III († July 23, 1996).
The memorial service was held at the Patriarchal Monastery of St. Sabbas the Sanctified, in Alexandria, where Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa presided over the Divine Liturgy. Before the conclusion of the service, Patriarch Theodore celebrated the memorial service for his predecessor, whom he described as both his spiritual father and mentor.
Addressing the faithful, Patriarch Theodore reflected with deep personal emotion on the enduring influence of the late Patriarch Parthenios.
“Thirty years have passed since my Father and Patriarch closed his eyes to this world and opened them to the unending light of God’s Kingdom,” he said. “Yet, for me, his voice has never ceased to be heard. I still feel his presence here in our spiritual refuge at St. Sabbas.”
The Patriarch recalled his recent pilgrimage to Amorgos, the Greek island where Patriarch Parthenios reposed, saying that praying at the site of his death reminded him that the great Fathers of the Church never abandon their spiritual children.
“He was not only my predecessor on the Throne of St. Mark,” Patriarch Theodore said. “He was the father and teacher who showed me the way and the man who believed in me.”
He recalled receiving “the spiritual pearl of the episcopacy” from Patriarch Parthenios and treasured one piece of advice that became the guiding principle of his ministry: “Do not seek many things; God knows what He will give you and when He will give it to you.”
Patriarch Theodore said his predecessor taught him to serve rather than to be served, never to seek recognition from others, and to trust in Divine Providence even when human reason suggests there is no hope.
Reflecting on Patriarch Parthenios’ legacy, Theodore II described him as a visionary churchman whose horizons extended far beyond his own time.
“He saw the Alexandrian Church not as a historical relic of the past, but as a living Church for the whole world—a bridge between peoples, cultures, and Churches,” he said. “He believed in dialogue, reconciliation, justice, and peace. Above all, he believed in God and in the workers of His Gospel.”
The Patriarch also emphasized Parthenios’ profound attachment to Egypt, noting that he was born in Port Said and possessed a deep love for both the country and its people. At the same time, he opened the paternal embrace of the Patriarchate to the entire African continent, laying the foundations for the missionary expansion that continues today.
“Whenever I travel across the vast countries of Africa, whenever I look into the eyes of a child, whenever we lay the foundations of a church, a school, a clinic, or a well, I feel that we are continuing the legacy of those who taught us that the Church exists to serve, to heal, and to give hope,” he said.
Concluding his tribute, Patriarch Theodore turned toward a photograph of the late Patriarch and offered a heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving.
“Father Parthenios, today, before this holy altar, I repeat what my heart has said ever since the grace of God led my steps to you: Thank you. Thank you for your trust, your love, your blessing, and for showing me the path.”
Patriarch Parthenios III, born Aris Koinidis in Port Said on November 30, 1919, was elected Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa in 1987 and shepherded the Church until his repose on July 23, 1996. Widely respected throughout the Christian world, he played a significant role in inter-Christian dialogue, the rapprochement of Churches, the encounter of cultures, and in strengthening the Patriarchate of Alexandria as a force for peace, justice, reconciliation, and missionary witness throughout Africa.
Following the Divine Liturgy, Patriarch Theodore visited the classrooms of the Patriarchal School of St. Athanasius of Alexandria, located within the Monastery of St. Sabbas. He congratulated the students on their diligence and commitment to their studies before presenting each of them with a laptop computer to support their education, particularly their participation in distance-learning courses taught by professors from outside Egypt.
