On January 6, 2025, during the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy on the Feast of the Epiphany at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Alexandria, Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa announced two significant administrative decisions regarding the Patriarchal Cathedral of Alexandria.
The Patriarch declared the completion of the tenure of Metropolitan Narcissus of Pelusium as Patriarchal Vicar of Alexandria, a role he had faithfully served since September 14, 2016. Patriarch Theodore expressed profound gratitude for Metropolitan Narcissus’s devoted and zealous service in fulfilling his duties in Alexandria, acknowledging his fruitful contributions to the Great City.
Archimandrite Damaskinos Alazrai, previously Abbot of the Holy Patriarchal Monastery of Saint George in Old Cairo, was appointed as the new Patriarchal Vicar of Alexandria.
Patriarch Theodore praised Archimandrite Damaskinos for his exceptional efforts in restoring the Monastery of Saint George and its surroundings. This included the aesthetic refurbishment of the renowned Church of Saint George, the restoration of the adjacent Greek Orthodox Cemetery with its funerary monuments of significant artistic value, and the establishment of a heritage center and conference venue. These efforts transformed the monastery into a prominent pilgrimage and cultural destination for visitors from around the world.
Archimandrite Damaskinos, born Joseph Alazrai in Kuwait in 1987, is of Jordanian descent. He is an accomplished theologian and scholar, holding:
- A degree in Theology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens,
- Postgraduate studies in Systematic Theology,
- A Doctorate in Philosophy from the Swiss International University,
- A Diploma in Counseling and Psychology from the Mediterranean College of Athens,
- And he is a doctoral candidate at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
His ordination as Deacon took place in 2008 under the then-Bishop of Diavleia, now Metropolitan Damaskinos of Didymoteicho, Orestiada, and Soufli. In 2009, he was elevated to Archdeacon, and in 2011, he was ordained Presbyter, receiving the title of Archimandrite the same day.
In 2014, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew bestowed upon him the title of Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne. From 2015 to 2019, he served in the Vicariate of the Palestinian and Jordanian Orthodox Communities under the Holy Archdiocese of America, where he also pursued advanced English studies.
In 2020, Archimandrite Damaskinos was enthroned as Abbot of the Holy Patriarchal Monastery of Saint George in Old Cairo by Patriarch Theodore II. He also served as Secretary General of the Council of Churches of Egypt from 2020 to 2022, representing the Patriarchate in this capacity.
Archimandrite Damaskinos is fluent in Greek, English, and Arabic, reflecting his broad cultural and academic background.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
