On the morning of June 25, 2025, Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa met with Archbishop George of New Justiniana and All Cyprus at the Archbishop’s Palace in Nicosia.
In a spirit of brotherly love and unity, the meeting focused on developments in the war-torn Middle East and the alarming conditions affecting the safety of Christian communities there. This was particularly relevant in the wake of the horrific terrorist bombing of the Greek Orthodox Church of Prophet Elijah in Doueilaa, Damascus, on Sunday, June 22. The bombing deeply shocked the faithful. The discussion also addressed the challenges and obstacles of missionary work throughout the African continent, which remains entirely within the canonical jurisdiction of the Patriarchate.
The two primates jointly condemned the aforementioned act of blind hatred and religious fanaticism that led to the martyrdom of twenty-five Orthodox Christians and injured dozens of others during a Sunday Eucharist gathering. The two leaders expressed solidarity with the Patriarchal Throne of Antioch and its Patriarch, John X, as well as with the Throne’s faithful. They reaffirmed their commitment to Christian unity, love, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence among the peoples of the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean. They also reaffirmed their commitment to productive cooperation and progress through works of peace.
Afterwards, the Patriarch visited the grave of the late Archbishop of Cyprus, Chrysostomos II. There, he officiated a memorial service for the repose of his blessed soul. This was a lasting expression of gratitude for the departed Primate of the Holy Church of Cyprus. Chrysostomos II wholeheartedly supported the Apostolic mission in Africa. He courageously defended the rights of the Second Throne Patriarchate. He was a true fellow worker, authentic brother, and genuine friend of the Throne and its revered Primate.
Later that day, the Patriarch visited the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Nicosia, where he met with Ambassador Mohamed Zaazou. During the visit, the Patriarch expressed his joy at being present at the diplomatic mission of “our blessed homeland, Egypt, which has honored us with its citizenship, while Cyprus, the island of heroes, fights for its just cause.” He continued: “Our God-trodden homeland, the Land of the Nile, has never closed its heart or borders to anyone. On the contrary, it has always offered a safe life to anyone in need – especially to our Lord Jesus Christ himself, who, in the embrace of his holy mother, sought refuge in the fertile land of the Nile.”
The Patriarch then asked the Ambassador to convey the ancient Patriarchate’s grateful thanks, as well as his own personal thanks, to President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt for his tangible support, respect, and beneficent love. He also praised the importance of strategic cooperation among Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus, which he said is becoming a valuable pillar for establishing lasting peace and stability in the region.
The Patriarch was accompanied during these meetings by Bishop Nikodimos of Nitria, Exarch of the Patriarchate of Alexandria in Cyprus, and Archimandrite Athenodoros Papaevripiades.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
