On March 9, Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria visited the historic Averofeio Parthenagogeio in Alexandria to carry out the first on-site inspection following the recent concession of the building to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria.
The concession of the historic property was formalized through an agreement signed in Athens on March 4 between Patriarch Theodore II and Iro Chatzigeorgiou, Chief Executive Officer of the Greek Public Properties Company (ETAD). The agreement marks an important development aimed at strengthening education, research, and the cultural presence of Hellenism in Africa.
During the visit, the Patriarch carried out an initial assessment of the building’s condition, which has suffered significant deterioration due to years of abandonment. The purpose of the inspection was to identify the necessary restoration works so that technical and architectural studies for the building’s rehabilitation can begin without delay.
The imposing complex, covering approximately 7,370 square meters and located at 31 Sidy El Mitwally Street and 1 Sesostis Street in Alexandria, stands as one of the most important monuments of the Greek educational and cultural presence in Egypt. For decades, it served as a major center of learning and intellectual life for the Greek community in the historic city founded by Alexander the Great.
The building’s previous renovation took place in 1992, when it was adapted to host the Greek Commercial Center of Alexandria. The restoration was carried out during the patriarchate of Patriarch Parthenios III of Alexandria and with the generous support and presence of the then Prime Minister of Greece, Konstantinos Mitsotakis.
Among the officials present at that time was the current President of Greece, Konstantinos Tasoulas, who then served as head of the Greek Export Promotion Organization.
The restoration and reopening of the historic building form part of the broader vision of Patriarch Theodore II to strengthen education, research, and the cultural presence of Hellenism in Africa, with the aim of establishing a modern center for education, culture, and dialogue.
Through the revival of the Averofeio Parthenagogeio, the Patriarchate of Alexandria seeks once again to highlight its historic role in promoting knowledge and culture while building bridges between peoples and traditions.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
