On Saturday, August 1, 2026, before the conclusion of the Resurrectional Vespers for the Ninth Sunday of Matthew and the Feast of the Translation of the Relics of St. Stephen the Protomartyr and Archdeacon, Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa officiated at the Rite of the Lesser Schema for novice Mjad Mitri, who received the monastic name Porphyrios in honor of St. Porphyrios, Bishop of Gaza.
On the occasion, the Patriarch spoke with emotion about the Holy Land, particularly Gaza, the homeland of the new monk’s ancestors and the city where his patron saint served.
He offered a fervent prayer for peace throughout the world, with a special supplication for the people of war-torn Gaza, and conveyed his heartfelt greetings to Archbishop Alexios of Tiberias, Patriarchal Vicar of Gaza.
Addressing the newly tonsured monk, Patriarch Theodoros offered paternal spiritual guidance, emphasizing that the Church of St. Mark, “Mother and Nourisher” of the peoples of Africa, has the sacred mission of forming new workers for the Gospel who will serve the People of God with a spirit of sacrifice.
He encouraged the new monk to preserve his monastic calling with humility, remain faithful and obedient, and strive to become a worthy laborer in the Gospel and an authentic servant of Christ’s love.
The Patriarch also expressed his gratitude to the monk’s parents for offering their son to the Church, describing such a dedication as a great blessing and a fruit of faith. He acknowledged the sacrifices, love, and Christian upbringing they had given him and prayed that, through the intercessions of the Most Holy Theotokos and St. Porphyrios of Gaza, God would grant them health, strength, and abundant grace.
Reflecting on his own monastic tonsure in 1973, Patriarch Theodore recalled receiving his late mother Cleopatra’s blessing at Agarathos Monastery shortly before being clothed in the monastic habit. He stressed that the blessing of one’s parents is a precious spiritual inheritance and a firm foundation for those who dedicate their lives to the service of the Church.
Among those attending the service were Metropolitan Germanos of Tamiatheus, spiritual father of the Patriarchal Monastery of St. Sabbas, Bishop Stephanos of Hippo, and Bishop Damaskinos of Mareotis, Patriarchal Vicar of Alexandria.
A large congregation of faithful, especially members of the Arabic-speaking Orthodox community of Alexandria, prayerfully participated in the service, marking the beginning of the “Summer Pascha” celebrations at the ancient Patriarchate of Alexandria.
