The message of peace, as Alexandria puts it into practice, by hosting foreign communities and “marrying” cultures, from ancient times until today, was highlighted by Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa, speaking last night at a large event of the emblematic Library of the city, a cosmopolitan city, as he characterized it.
One word, a description, which the Alexandrian prelate took from the very title of the event “the cosmopolitanism of Alexandria”, wanting to emphasize that “Alexandria is a city full of history. “God loved Alexandria,” he said, “because Alexander the Great took flour and drew its borders. “Pigeons accompanied him to show that he will always be eternal and blessed,” the Patriarch said.
Tonight, a Greek word is used: “cosmopolitan”, added Patriarch Theodore. “And Alexandria is a cosmopolitan city that will live on in eternity,” said the Patriarch of Alexandria wishing Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi “for his dreams to come true.”
Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria, referring to Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus, described them as “countries of peace and love”, speaking at this event that highlighted the history of the parishes that inextricably linked their presence with the city of Alexandria, with contributor to the event and special advisor to the director of the Library of Alexandria as well as Gen. Secretary of the Greek community of Alexandria, Dimitris Kavouras, to translate from Greek to Arabic.
It should be noted that this important event of the Alexandria and Mediterranean Research Center (Alex Med) of “Bibliotheca Alexandrina”, which took place in the Library of Cultures Square, was in the context of highlighting the dialogue of cultures, especially between the countries of the region of the Mediterranean, reaffirming for the city of Alexandria that it is a “marriage” of cultures.
In fact, the Patriarch of Alexandria addressed the director of the Library of Alexandria, Dr. Feki, describing him as a “man full of light, spirit, and love” but also to the governor of Alexandria, General Mohamed El Sharif, to whom he wished all to make Alexandria even more beautiful.
The Alexandrian prelate, who was accompanied by Archimandrite Elpidophoros of Limneos, concluded by speaking to all those who participated in this event, outside the Library overlooking the Mediterranean Sea: “You must be proud for living in Alexandria. Thanks for the hospitality. Alexandria loves, hosts, hopes, and gives peace.”
It should be noted that during the event, the film “A Nation by Choice” was presented, which was completed through the cooperation of the European Program of International Relations of the National Media Authority and the European Union. A film, which presented young foreign communities of “cosmopolitan” Alexandria, who chose to live in Alexandria, the cradle of Mediterranean culture, as mentioned.
Finally, for his part, the director of the Library of Alexandria, Dr. Mustafa El Feki, spoke about the importance of this event, which confirms that the famous Library of Alexandria is a great cultural center and a beacon that transmits the universal values of tolerance, understanding, and dialogue between peoples.
The diplomatic representation at the event and the presence of the officials were very important, after the presence of the Governor of Alexandria, General Mohamed Al-Sharif, Lord Yashar Helmy, the Ambassador of Armenia, the Consul General of France, the Consul General of the Al-Azhar Muslim Center, as well as of the Coptic and Armenian Churches.
The Greek community was represented by the Vice President of the Hellenic Community of Alexandria, Andreas Vafiadis, and the Secretary-General of the Presbyterian Organization, Dimitris Kavouras, the director of the Alexandria branch of the Hellenic Foundation for Culture, Stavroulos Alexandria Group, Lilika Thlivitou.
Source: ANA-MPA
