Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa presided over the Third Stasis of the Salutations to the Most Holy Theotokos on Friday, April 2, 2021, in Panagitsa, Ilioupolis.
The Patriarch of Alexandria dedicated the day to doctors and nurses who take care of COVID-19 patients but also to those who lost their loved ones.
Patriarch Theodore also spoke about the Salutations to the Virgin Mary which were written in Constantinople and sung in Hagia Sophia. As for Africa, he said they are performed in 260 languages as reported by ekkairo.org.
“In the face of the love of the Most Holy Theotokos, in front of the mystery of the Incarnation of the Word of God, all philosophies, all sciences are silent and in silence, they chant ‘Rejoice, O unwedded Bride’,” said the Patriarch, adding that Christians and Muslims refer to the Virgin Mary with reverence and admiration.
Video and photos: Giannis Fourtounas