The memory of the Holy Great Martyr George the Trophy-bearer was celebrated on Bright Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Patriarchal Monastery of Saint George in Old Cairo.
The Patriarchal Divine Liturgy was presided over by Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria, concelebrating with Metropolitans Nikolaos of Hermoupolis, Nikodimos of Memphis, Savvas of Nubia, and Narkissos of Pelusium, as well as Bishops Stephanos of Hippo and Damaskinos of Mareotis.
Representatives of the Embassies of Greece and Cyprus in Egypt, members of the Greek Community of Cairo, local officials, and many faithful attended the service.
During his address, Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria emphasized:
“For more than fifteen centuries, the Holy Monastery of Saint George in Old Cairo stands firm in its history and sanctity, with open arms, open gates, and above all, an open heart.
It is a place that welcomes every person, regardless of nationality or religion, inviting them to stand before the wonderworking icon of the Saint, to lay down the pain of their soul and the concerns of their heart, every request and every prayer, but also to offer thanksgiving and gratitude for the gifts, miracles, and blessings generously granted by this sacred place.
The Monastery is a living testimony to the tangible presence of Saint George, one of the great Saints of our Church. Especially in our time, when many people experience persecution, sorrow, and trials, the Saint stands as a shining example of courage and true faith.
The Great Martyr, who did not fear death, who endured suffering and torture, and who loved the Lord to the end, gives us all the message that the true victory is the victory over death and eternal joy in the Kingdom of God.
Saint George, as a universal Saint, also becomes a bridge between peoples and cultures, as well as a spiritual link between the Churches of Alexandria and Jerusalem. Thus, Old Cairo is spiritually united with Lydda in Palestine, in a unity of faith, love, and hope.
This blessed Monastery, which was fully renovated in 2015 thanks to the generous benefactors Athanasios and Marina Martinos and with the support of the authorities of Egypt, continues to be a living symbol of Christianity in the land of the Nile and a place of peaceful coexistence among peoples.
Many Muslim brethren also visit daily with reverence, seeking the blessing of the Saint, a fact that testifies that Saint George transcends borders and distinctions, becoming a bridge of love, peace, and unity.
His Beatitude Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria also made special mention once again of the fact that the festive greetings addressed to the Christians of Egypt by Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, as posted on his official social media account, were accompanied by an image of the Patriarchal Monastery of Saint George in Old Cairo.
This symbolic gesture, as he noted, constitutes yet another tangible sign of Egypt’s appreciation and love for the Greek Orthodox shrines of the country, highlighting the strong bonds of friendship and mutual respect between peoples.
Concluding, the Patriarch prayed that God, through the intercessions of Saint George, may abundantly grant His blessing, offering healing to the sick, comfort to the afflicted, strength to missionaries, and hope to all who seek peace.
He also thanked all those present, especially the Abbot of the Monastery, Metropolitan Savvas of Nubia, for the excellent organization of the feast.
It is noted that on the eve, a Great Festive Patriarchal Vespers was celebrated, presided over by the Patriarch and attended by a large number of faithful.
