On Monday, February 9, 2026, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, Theodore II, conferred the “Golden Lion of the Order of the Lion of Alexandria” upon the distinguished Jordanian journalist Fuad Al Karsheh, in recognition of his many years of responsible and high-ethos service in journalism, his strong social sensitivity, and his steadfast support for the Christians of the East, particularly the Orthodox Church.
The award ceremony took place at the Patriarchal See in Alexandria, in the presence of the honoree’s wife, Mrs. Sophia Razzouq, in an atmosphere of reverence, spiritual emotion, and mutual esteem.
In his address, Patriarch Theodore praised Mr. Al Karsheh’s professional integrity, seriousness, and multifaceted journalistic contribution, emphasizing that his work goes beyond the mere recording of current events and contributes meaningfully to the shaping of consciences, social cohesion, and a responsible public discourse.
The Patriarch made special and extensive reference to his deep, long-standing, and lived love for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, noting that from his youth his spiritual fathers instilled in him respect and love for the Holy Places and especially for the blessed land of Jordan—the land of the Lord’s Baptism and of the historic coexistence of peoples and traditions.
He underlined the enduring and historic role played by the successive Kings of Jordan in safeguarding the Holy Churches, protecting the Christian presence, and promoting peaceful coexistence and dialogue in the wider Middle East. With particularly warm words, he spoke of King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, highlighting the wisdom, prudence, and deep sense of historical responsibility with which he serves as custodian of the Holy Places and as an international voice for peace, justice, and human dignity.
Within this context, the Patriarch referred to the Amman Message (Risalat Amman), describing it as an internationally recognized initiative of King Abdullah II that promotes mutual respect among religions, rejects religious extremism, and grounds dialogue in human dignity and peace. He noted that the spirit of the Message is in harmony with the centuries-old Orthodox witness of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, as well as with the spirit of peaceful coexistence in Egypt under the wise leadership of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, an example of stability, dialogue, and respect for religious diversity in the region.
The Patriarch also spoke with great respect of Prince Hassan bin Talal, who for decades has served the cause of interreligious dialogue and the spiritual bridging of cultures.
He further emphasized the active and decisive role of the Patriarchate of Alexandria in both the Middle East Council of Churches and the Egyptian Council of Churches, in the service of peace and common Christian witness.
Patriarch Theodore noted that his acquaintance and spiritual relationship with Mr. Al Karsheh and his family marks twenty years this year, during which a bond of mutual trust and respect has been built. Through the honoree, he conveyed his warm greetings to Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and All Palestine and others.
Visibly moved, the Patriarch also expressed his gratitude to the blessed land of Jordan, noting that it has offered the Patriarchate of Alexandria two distinguished hierarchs who serve with ethos and deep ecclesial consciousness: Metropolitan Narkissos of Pelusium and Bishop Damaskinos of Mareotis.
In his response, Mr. Fuad Al Karsheh expressed his deep emotion and gratitude to the Patriarch, conveying the sincere wish of many prominent figures of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan that the Patriarch would visit their country again. Patriarch Theodore accepted the invitation with great joy and affirmed that, God willing, he intends to arrange a new visit to Jordan in the near future.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
