Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa participated on Monday, May 25, 2026, in the official celebrations marking Africa Freedom Day in Lusaka, Zambia, in an atmosphere of deep emotion, high symbolism, and historic significance.
The celebrations, dedicated to the struggles and sacrifices of the peoples of Africa for freedom, dignity, and unity, were held at the Civic Centre of the Zambian capital in the presence of political and military authorities, members of the diplomatic corps, and numerous officials, under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema.
A particularly historic and symbolic moment occurred during the wreath-laying ceremony at the African Freedom Monument. According to official protocol, only the President of the Republic is accompanied during the laying of a wreath. This year, however, Patriarch Theodore II received the exceptional honor of being placed immediately after the President in the order of ceremony and was likewise accompanied by an Olympian carrying the wreath, highlighting the special esteem shown toward the Patriarchate of Alexandria and its longstanding mission across Africa.
The Patriarch’s participation was widely seen as recognition of the enduring contribution of the Patriarchate of Alexandria to the African continent through missionary, educational, philanthropic, and humanitarian work, including the establishment of schools, hospitals, and mission centers in remote regions of Africa.
Meeting with President Hichilema
Following the ceremony, President Hakainde Hichilema welcomed Patriarch Theodore II to the Presidential Palace for a private meeting held in a spirit of mutual respect and cordiality. The meeting reaffirmed the strong ties between the Republic of Zambia and the Patriarchate of Alexandria, as well as the appreciation of the country’s leadership for the Orthodox Church’s missionary and humanitarian ministry.
During the meeting, Patriarch Theodore II bestowed upon President Hichilema the highest honorary distinction of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, expressing gratitude for the President’s support of the Church’s spiritual, charitable, educational, and social work in Zambia, carried out under the leadership of Metropolitan Ioannis of Zambia and Mozambique.
The Patriarch also expressed gratitude to Greece and Egypt for their longstanding support of the Patriarchate’s missionary work throughout Africa, emphasizing the historic bonds linking both countries with the African continent.
For his part, President Hichilema thanked the Patriarch for his visit and praised the longstanding contribution of the Orthodox Church and the Greek community to the development and social cohesion of Zambia.
The fifth and final day of the Patriarchal visit to Zambia concluded with what was described as a historic testimony to the living relationship between the Patriarchate of Alexandria and Africa — a relationship built on sacrifice, love, service, and solidarity with the peoples of the continent.
