Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa presided over the celebration of the Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross at the Church of Saints Constantine and Helen in Cairo on Monday, September 14.
The Patriarchal Divine Liturgy was concelebrated by Metropolitan Nikolaos of Hermopolis and Metropolitan Nikodimos of Memphis, together with Bishop Stefanos of Hippo and Bishop Damaskinos of Mareotis.
In accordance with the liturgical tradition of the feast, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was performed, followed by its veneration by the faithful.
Among those attending were Greek Ambassador to Egypt Nikolaos Papageorgiou, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Cyprus Onoufrios Oikonomidis, Consul General of Greece in Cairo Symeon Linardakis, President of the Greek Community of Cairo Christos Kavalis, representatives of Greek community organizations and numerous faithful.
Before the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Patriarch Theodore reflected on the significance of celebrating the feast at the historic Church of Saints Constantine and Helen, noting the close connection of the two Equal-to-the-Apostles saints with the Holy Cross.
“The Cross is not a sign of defeat, but of victory; it is not the end of the human journey, but the gateway to the Resurrection,” Patriarch Theodore said. “It is the sign that unites heaven and earth and reminds every person that beyond every Golgotha there is always the light of the Resurrection.”
The Patriarch also referred to his recent visit to Greece and his time with the faithful in Chios, Argolis and Mani. He thanked the local hierarchs, clergy and faithful, as well as representatives of state and local authorities, for the welcome and expressions of affection he received.
Patriarch Theodore stressed that from every place he visits in Greece, he carries back to Africa the prayers, love and blessing of the Greek people. He added that for two millennia the Patriarchate of Alexandria has remained a living bridge connecting Greece, Egypt and the African continent.
Concluding, the Patriarch prayed that the Precious and Life-Giving Cross would protect Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, Africa and the entire world, bring peace to peoples and give strength to all those facing trials.
