Following the Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Monastery of Saint Sabbas the Sanctified in Alexandria on Thursday, July 23, Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa bestowed the Grand Cross of Saint Sabbas the Sanctified upon the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Poly Ioannou, in recognition of her valuable contribution to the ancient Patriarchate of Alexandria as she concludes her diplomatic service in Egypt.
In his address, Patriarch Theodore warmly thanked Ambassador Ioannou for the sincere affection and unwavering support she demonstrated toward the missionary and spiritual ministry of the Patriarchate throughout her tenure. He described her as a trusted companion and steadfast supporter of the Patriarchate’s work. The Patriarch also expressed his gratitude to the Republic of Cyprus and, in particular, to President Nikos Christodoulides for their continued support and love for the second-ranking Patriarchate of Orthodoxy.
Reflecting on the enduring historical and spiritual ties between the Patriarchate of Alexandria and Cyprus, Patriarch Theodore also highlighted the excellent relations among Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt, emphasizing that their trilateral cooperation serves as a pillar of peace, security, and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. He expressed the hope that this partnership would continue to grow for the benefit of the peoples of the region and the promotion of peaceful coexistence and mutual cooperation.
Deeply moved by the distinction, Ambassador Ioannou thanked the Patriarch for the honor and for the close cooperation they had enjoyed throughout her diplomatic mission. She remarked that she had always regarded Patriarch Theodore as a true spiritual father, whose love, wisdom, and pastoral care would remain a lasting source of inspiration in her future diplomatic service.
During the meeting, the Ambassador also presented Patriarch Theodore with a letter from the President of the House of Representatives of Cyprus, Annita Demetriou, thanking him for the congratulatory message he had sent following her re-election. In her letter, Demetriou expressed appreciation for the Patriarch’s blessings, describing them as a source of encouragement in carrying out her responsibilities. She also conveyed the gratitude of the Cypriot people for the Patriarch’s steadfast support for Cyprus and his unwavering commitment to a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus issue, while reaffirming the Parliament’s continued support for the missionary work of the Patriarchate of Alexandria throughout Africa.
Marking Egypt’s National Day, commemorating the Revolution of 23 July 1952, Patriarch Theodore extended his heartfelt wishes to the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, as well as to the Egyptian people and state institutions, praying for peace, prosperity, and continued progress for the country.
The celebrations concluded with a reception at the guest hall of the Patriarchal Monastery of Saint Sabbas, where the Patriarch, clergy, and guests expressed their appreciation for Ambassador Ioannou’s distinguished diplomatic service and the strong cooperation that had flourished during her years in Egypt.
