With deep spiritual joy and reverence, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the Patriarchal Monastery of Saint Sabbas the Sanctified in Alexandria, Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria presided over the monastic tonsure of the novice monk Irenaios.
The sacred service took place before the conclusion of the Presanctified Divine Liturgy.
In an atmosphere of prayerful devotion, the newly tonsured monk dedicated his life fully to God, receiving the monastic habit and entering the blessed path of monastic life—a journey of sacrifice, love, and complete devotion to Christ.
The new monk, originally from Iringa, Tanzania, is a graduate of the Patriarchal School of Saint Athanasios in Alexandria and has also studied the Greek language. His journey reflects the missionary work and pastoral care of the Patriarchate of Alexandria toward the peoples of Africa.
Deeply moved, Patriarch Theodore II gave him the name Irenaios, both in honor of Saint Irenaeus of Lyons and in memory of the late Metropolitan Irenaios of Kissamos and Selinos (†2013), highlighting with gratitude his significant missionary and visionary contribution.
In his paternal address, the Patriarch recalled the late Metropolitan Irenaios as one of the first Church figures to support young Africans studying in Greece. Among his spiritual children were the late Metropolitan Jonas of Kampala (†2021) and the current Metropolitan Innocentios of Sozousa. He also noted that the Orthodox Academy of Crete became, through the late hierarch, a place of hospitality and theological formation for many African students, as he prophetically foresaw that the future of Orthodoxy lies in Africa.
Addressing the new monk, Patriarch Theodore offered heartfelt spiritual guidance, encouraging him to preserve humility, remain obedient to the Patriarchate, and strive to become a worthy servant of the Gospel and a minister of Christ’s love. He emphasized that the Church of Saint Mark, as the “Mother and Nourisher” of the African peoples, is called to raise indigenous workers of the Gospel.
The Patriarch also expressed his gratitude to Metropolitan Agathonikos for his long-standing support in the spiritual formation of the new monk.
Also present in prayer were His Eminence Metropolitan George of Guinea and Mauritius and Bishop Damaskinos of Mareotis.
