A Patriarchal Divine Liturgy was celebrated with great solemnity on Sunday of the Holy Fathers, May 24, 2026, at the Community Church of Saint Alexander of the Greek Community of Lusaka and Surrounding Areas (Makeni), presided over by Theodore II of Alexandria.
The Patriarch was concelebrated by Metropolitan John of Zambia and Mozambique, Bishop Sylvester of Jinja and Eastern Uganda, and clergy of the Holy Metropolis of Zambia.
The presence of the Patriarch of Love was described as a special blessing and source of spiritual strength for the Greek and Orthodox community of Lusaka, whose faithful welcomed their spiritual father with deep emotion, reverence, and filial devotion.
During the Divine Liturgy, Patriarch Theodore spoke about the struggle of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council to preserve the true faith of the Church. He emphasized that seventeen centuries later, the Church continues to enjoy the spiritual fruits of their sacrifices and steadfast defense of the Gospel truth.
The Patriarch stressed that this truth, born through prayer, tears, sacrifice, and confession of faith, did not remain confined to one era or place but spread throughout the centuries “even to the farthest corners of the blessed African land.”
He also highlighted the decisive contribution of the great Fathers of the Alexandrian Church, especially Saint Athanasius the Great, whom he described as the tireless defender of Orthodoxy and a pillar of the Church of Saint Mark.
Referring to the missionary work in Zambia, Patriarch Theodore expressed joy that in places where the name of Christ was once unknown, prayer is now heard, the Holy Cross is raised, and new communities of faith are flourishing. He noted that Africa remains “a great embrace of love and hope” for the Patriarchate of Alexandria.
Before the conclusion of the service, the Patriarch awarded the Cross of Saint Sabbas the Sanctified to Mr. George Liakopoulos, President of the Greek Community of Lusaka, in recognition of his contribution to Hellenism and support for the missionary work of the Metropolis of Zambia.
The Patriarch later met with representatives of Orthodox communities in Lusaka and neighboring regions to discuss the future of Orthodoxy and the strengthening of spiritual and communal life in the area.
An official reception in honor of Patriarch Theodore II followed at the Greek Center, concluding the fourth day of his pastoral visit to Zambia in an atmosphere of spiritual joy and heartfelt emotion.
