On the afternoon of Friday, August 14, 2026, Great Patriarchal Festal Vespers was celebrated in an atmosphere of profound reverence at the Holy Patriarchal Monastery of Saint Savvas the Sanctified in Alexandria, for the Feast of the Dormition and Translation to Heaven of the Most Holy Theotokos.
The service was presided over by Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa, assisted by Metropolitans Georgios of Guinea and Saint Mauritius and Germanos of Tamiathis.
Before the conclusion of Vespers, the Patriarch chanted the Encomia to the Most Holy Theotokos. A procession of the Epitaphios of the Mother of God then took place in the courtyard of the centuries-old Patriarchal Monastery, with the participation of the clergy and a large congregation.
Addressing the faithful, the Patriarch spoke with deep emotion about the Virgin Mary, the Mother of Christ and Mother of all humanity. He described her as the consolation of those who mourn, the hope of those undergoing trials, and a safe refuge for all who turn with faith to her maternal love.
The Patriarch noted that, amid the wars, conflicts, and human suffering confronting the world, the prayers of the faithful turn towards the Most Holy Theotokos, the Mother of all peoples. He called upon her to spread her maternal mantle over the world and intercede before her Son and our God for the long-awaited gift of peace.
“Today, from Alexandria, the city of Alexander the Great and Saint Mark, we raise our prayers to the Panagia, the Mother of us all,” Patriarch Theodore said.
“We ask her to wipe away the tears of children, comfort mothers who are suffering, protect the innocent, and enlighten the leaders of the world so that peace may prevail. The Panagia knows no borders or distinctions; her maternal embrace has room for every person and every nation.”
Concluding, His Beatitude prayed that the Theotokos would protect Egypt, Africa, and the entire world, granting peace to all peoples, consolation to those who suffer, and hope to every human heart.
