On Sunday, February 23, Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa presided over the first-ever Patriarchal Divine Liturgy in South Sudan. The service took place in the courtyard of the Chapel of St. Panteleimon, located within the polyclinic of Dr. Linderman. Concelebrating with him was Metropolitan Georgios of Guinea.
In his homily, the Patriarch expressed his deep emotion and gratitude to God for guiding his steps to the long-suffering land of South Sudan. He reflected on the once-thriving presence of Hellenism in the region, highlighting its historical contributions to trade and the development of Sudan. He praised the resilience of Greek Orthodox families, particularly those from Mytilene and Lemnos, who have remained in the region despite the persistent challenges of conflict, insecurity, and widespread poverty.
The Patriarch also commended the Greek children of South Sudan who continue to speak the Greek language, reaffirming his commitment to ensuring the preservation of their cultural and linguistic heritage. He pledged to appeal to the Ministries of Education in Greece and Cyprus to immediately dispatch a teacher to South Sudan—a long-standing request of both the Greek Community and local authorities.
Recognizing the humanitarian efforts in the region, he extended his heartfelt gratitude to those who care for orphaned refugee children of Greek descent. In particular, he honored Dr. Linderman for his unwavering dedication to both his medical mission and his support for orphans and the Patriarchate’s work in the capital. As a token of appreciation for his selfless service, Patriarch Theodore II awarded Dr. Linderman the Golden Lion of the Patriarchate. Additionally, he announced that the Patriarchate would soon launch a special relief program for South Sudanese lepers, as leprosy remains the country’s second most deadly disease after malaria.
The Patriarch also expressed his gratitude to Dr. Nathan Hoppe, the representative of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC), for his continuous support of the Patriarchate’s work across Africa. He acknowledged the devotion of the faithful who attended the Divine Liturgy despite the cold temperatures and personally thanked each one for their presence and dedication.
Before concluding, he addressed Bishop Constantine, urging him to remain steadfast in his mission in this difficult region of Africa. He encouraged him to draw strength from the example of the great ascetics of the desert, emphasizing perseverance in the face of adversity.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menkytas
