Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria sang the national anthem and shouted “Long live Greece!” at the Church of the Annunciation of Alexandria, which was empty of people. He then performed the Doxology service on the occasion of the Feast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, which is celebrated on the 25th of March.
Only a few clergymen attended the service: Metropolitan Narkissos of Naucratis, the Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod, Archimandrite Nikodimos Totkas, and Geron Skevofylax, Archimandrite Pavlos Iosifidis.
The service was performed behind closed doors due to the precautionary measures taken by the Egyptian government and the Patriarchate of Alexandria to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. He said, “It was as if everybody was here with us today. Even if we were so few, it was as if there were thousands of people with us. Numbers are not important to us. On the contrary, the hearts, the tears, the hope, and the expectations are the things that actually matter.” He added, “Our nation and all mankind beg the invincible champion, the Theotokos, for help in these difficult times. We are her children and she is our Mother. She knows to love and forgive. Happy Independence Day to all of you!”
Finally, Patriarch Theodore II wished all the best to the Greek community in Alexandria and concluded, “We will get through this! Good days will come again. Our Most Holy Lady will remember that we remained humble. May she save all of us!”
Source: ANA-MPA
