On November 17, 2024, Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Monastery of St. Sabbas the Sanctified. At the conclusion of the service, he awarded the Golden Cross of St. Sabbas to Captain Konstantinos Varouxis of the Hellenic Navy and his wife, Captain (Medical Corps) Angeliki Balta, in recognition of their service in Egypt upon completing their tenure as liaisons between the Hellenic and Egyptian Naval Forces.
In his address, Patriarch Theodore expressed profound gratitude to the honored couple for their invaluable collaboration on issues concerning the Patriarchate. He praised Captain Varouxis for his dedicated service, which strengthened the cooperation between the naval forces of Greece and Egypt, and congratulated him on his new position at the Greek Ministry of National Defense.
The Patriarch commended the couple’s commitment to Greek heritage, Orthodox faith, and family values, describing them as exemplary representatives of the Hellenic Navy. He concluded with a heartfelt blessing: “Wherever you are called to serve, I am confident that you will always offer much. Thank you, congratulations, and my paternal blessing. Long live Greece! Long live Egypt! Long live the glorious Hellenic Navy!”
In his response, Captain Varouxis thanked the Patriarch for the honor and the Alexandrian community for their warmth and love. He expressed admiration for the multifaceted work of the ancient Patriarchate of Alexandria across Africa, emphasizing the dedication of its leadership and collaborators, who tirelessly uphold the Church’s mission despite challenges.
