On Saturday, June 20, 2026, following the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Synaxis of the Theotokos known as the Hodegetria, Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa celebrated a Trisagion service for the repose of the soul of the late Metropolitan Theoleptos of Iconium. The memorial prayer took place at the Patriarchal Chapel of Saints Theodore within the Patriarchal Cathedral of Alexandria.
The Patriarch prayed for the repose of the departed Hierarch, expressing his human sorrow over the loss of a beloved brother and concelebrant of the Holy Church.
He made particular reference to the close bonds of friendship and brotherly love that united them from their years of study in Thessaloniki, where they shared a spiritual journey and developed a relationship of mutual respect and esteem that remained unbroken until the end of the late Hierarch’s earthly life.
With emotion, Patriarch Theodore recalled that Metropolitan Theoleptos was among the Hierarchs present at his enthronement on the Patriarchal Throne of St. Mark. He also referred to his visits to Constantinople over the years, during which the late Metropolitan always welcomed him with heartfelt warmth, brotherly affection, and sincere joy, continually expressing his respect and appreciation.
The late Metropolitan Theoleptos of Iconium was distinguished by his selfless service to every suffering person and to the Church, leaving behind a precious spiritual legacy and a blessed memory among all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
The Patriarchate of Alexandria joins in prayerful mourning with the Ecumenical Patriarchate, beseeching the Risen Lord to grant rest to the departed Hierarch “in the land of the living and in the tents of the righteous.”
It should be noted that Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa has sent a letter of condolence to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, expressing the sincere condolences of the Patriarchate of Alexandria on the repose of Metropolitan Theoleptos of Iconium.
The Patriarch also intends to appoint a representative of the Ancient Patriarchate of Alexandria to attend the funeral service of the late Hierarch and convey the condolences and support of the Alexandrian Church to the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
