Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa opened another door of interfaith and intercultural dialogue, inaugurating the Patriarchal Center for Studies and Dialogue in the Holy Monastery of St. Georgios in Cairo.
The Patriarch first officiated the Orthros and the Divine Liturgy, praying together with Metropolitans Nikolaos of Ermoupolis and Georgios of Guinea. The services were attended by the presence of representatives from all religious denominations and a large number of believers.
The Patriarch of Alexandria led the faithful in front of the Patriarchal Center for Studies and Dialogue, where he presided over the consecration, as he said, opening with joy and hope the door of fellowship and love between people of all ethnicities and religions.
This was followed by a presentation of the site by the Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Saint Georgios in old Cairo, Archimandrite Damaskinos, and a screening of an interesting documentary on the history of the Holy Patriarchal Monastery of Saint Georgios.
“I dedicate this Academy with all my heart to my late predecessor whom I succeeded in Cameroon and then in the Patriarchal throne, in eternal memory of Peter VII.”
With these words, the Patriarch honored his predecessor and shared with the audience his vision and hope for this new project, which he said with emotion that children from all religions and from all countries will talk here.
His reference to his recent missionary trip to Africa was also moving, where, as he said, it taught him once again how basic and important it is for people to see each other face to face. To be able to hold each other’s hands, meet eyes, open hearts and smiling faces. And so all the solutions to all the problems will be found. For, as the Patriarch mentioned, there are no unsolved problems.
He also thanked from the bottom of his heart the great benefactor of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, Athanasios Martinos, who contributed to this great work, as well as the President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi for the permission and valuable help.
On the feast day, a reception was held in the Throne Hall of the Holy Monastery with the Patriarch exchanging wishes and love with all those present.