Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa said that the Thetokos remains close to those who seek her help and “knows the anxieties, tears and hopes of every person.”
The Patriarch spoke during the Divine Liturgy for the Dormition of the Theotokos, celebrated on August 15, 2026, at the historic Church of the Dormition in Alexandria.
Concelebrating were Metropolitan Georgios of Guinea and Mauritius and Bishop Damaskinos of Mareotis, Patriarchal Vicar of Alexandria. Many faithful attended the service.
In his sermon, Patriarch Theodore focused on the obedience and prayer of the Theotokos. He said that through her words, “Let it be to me,” she entrusted herself to the will of God and became a model of faith and devotion.
He also referred to the Flight of the Holy Family into Egypt, noting that the Panagia had walked on Egyptian soil while carrying Christ in her arms.
“Egypt became a refuge for Christ and the Panagia and remains a blessed land to this day,” he said, referring to the devotion of the Egyptian people to the Mother of God.
The Patriarch also spoke about the missionary work of the Patriarchate of Alexandria across Africa. He prayed for the children of the continent, those who are suffering and all who seek hope, consolation and peace.
He said that every church dedicated to the Theotokos becomes “a little Gethsemane” on the Feast of the Dormition—a place of prayer, hope and consolation.
“Even today, the Panagia is among us,” Patriarch Theodore said. “She hears our prayers, listens to the pain of our souls and receives everything that our hearts wish to entrust to her, but which human words are often unable to express.”
Concluding, he prayed that the Theotokos would protect Egypt, Alexandria and the whole of Africa, bring peace to the world and guide people towards Jesus Christ.
Before the dismissal, Patriarch Theodore conferred upon Archimandrite Fr Savvas Amirhom the distinction of Archimandrite of the Alexandrian Throne. Fr Savvas has served as parish priest of the church for almost four decades.
The celebration concluded with a procession of the Epitaphios of the Theotokos around the church.
Those present included Andreas Vafeiadis, President of the Hellenic Community of Alexandria; the presidents of the city’s Arabic-speaking Orthodox communities; and representatives of local organisations and associations.
