On Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at the Church of St. Nicholas in Kolwezi, a Presanctified Divine Liturgy was celebrated, officiated by Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa.
In his speech, the Patriarch referred to the work that has been carried out for 50 years in the Holy Metropolis of Katanga, praised the efforts, sacrifices, and struggles of His Eminence, Mr. Meletios, and that over the years, His Eminence kept the Church of Katanga unadulterated in various challenges and trials.
Addressing the Priests, the Patriarch of Alexandria referred to the important work they are doing and that they are genuine children of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, whom it called to continue to serve their homelands undisturbed, overlooking the modern spiritual Cyclops and Laestrygonians.
He thanked all, clergy and people, for their preparation and hard work, in order to welcome their spiritual Father with great love and respect.
Shortly before the dismissal, the Patriarch was moved to perform a six-year memorial service in memory of his mother Cleopatra. The Patriarch of Alexandria was accompanied by the Metropolitans Nicodemus of Memphis, Meletios of Katanga, Chariton Bishop Kosmas of Constantia, as well as the Patriarchal Commissioners, of Kisangani, Arch. Fr. Polykarpos Diamantopoulos and Archim. Fr. Timotheos Tumba, Patriarchal Commissioner of Goma.
After the end of the Presanctified Divine Liturgy, Patriarch Theophilos attended the festive event prepared by the children of the schools of the Holy Metropolis.
Many children marched in front of the Patriarch with great respect and joy, recognizing in this way their Spiritual Father as the legitimate and canonical Patriarch of the Alexandrian Church.
Afterwards, Patriarch Theophilos performed a Trisagion service in front of the tomb of the late Fr. Kosmas Grigoriatis. Addressing the flock, he praised the work done by Fr. Kosmas, and the end of this great spiritual work was sealed prematurely with his death.
He then headed to the hospital of the Holy Metropolis “Kosmas and Damianos”, where he praised the work done by the doctors of the hospital in difficult conditions and urged them with the same zeal and with much love to help and take care of the patients.
Also, the Patriarch accompanied by the Consul General of Greece Gerasimos Dounis headed to the women’s monastery of the Holy Metropolis and performed a Trisagion service to the blessed Theano Mousdelekidou, who had dedicated her life to missionary work.
