Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa marked the 36th anniversary of his episcopal ordination on June 17, 2026, offering heartfelt reflections on his ministry and the mission of the Patriarchate of Alexandria.
Patriarch Theodore was ordained Bishop of Cyrene on June 17, 1990, by his predecessor, the late Patriarch Parthenios III. To commemorate the anniversary, he celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Church of Saint Sabbas the Sanctified in Alexandria, the same sacred altar where generations of Alexandrian Patriarchs have celebrated the Holy Eucharist and preserved the Apostolic Succession.
Following the service, the Patriarch spoke emotionally about the anniversary, recalling with gratitude the day of his ordination and the guidance he received from Patriarch Parthenios III.
“Today marks thirty-six years since that blessed day of June 17, 1990. There were few faithful present, but the grace of the Holy Spirit was abundant,” he said. “I turn my thoughts with gratitude to the one who ordained me and taught me to love, not to expect others to serve me, but to serve God first and then my brothers and sisters.”
Reflecting on more than four decades of uninterrupted service to the ancient Patriarchate of Alexandria, Patriarch Theodore shared a spiritual message centered on hope, patience, and trust in Divine Providence.
He noted that the good often works silently, while negative news travels quickly, emphasizing that many of God’s blessings are frequently taken for granted. He highlighted the immense missionary challenges facing the Church in Africa, where communities continue to seek churches, schools, hospitals, clergy, and catechists despite limited resources.
“A whole continent opens its arms to the Gospel,” he said. “The field is vast, the workers are few, and the cross is heavy. Yet the Church of Saint Mark has never waited for ideal conditions to begin its work.”
The Patriarch stressed that the history of the Church is written not by spectators but by those willing to sacrifice themselves in service to Christ and others.
“The greatest works of God continue to be accomplished quietly, by a few people, with much faith and even more love,” he concluded.
A festive reception in honor of the Patriarch followed in the Throne Hall of the historic Patriarchal Monastery. Among those present at the Divine Liturgy were Metropolitan Hierotheos III of Lemnos and Agios Efstratios, who is currently visiting the Patriarchal See of Alexandria, and Bishop Damaskinos of Mareotis, Patriarchal Vicar of Alexandria.
