With the blessing of Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa paid an official visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan from June 7 to 13, 2026, accompanied by Bishop Damaskinos of Mareotis, Patriarchal Vicar of Alexandria.
As part of his visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Patriarch Theodore II met on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, with Prince Hassan bin Talal at the Hassan Diwan in the Royal Palaces of Amman.
Also attending the meeting were Dr. Ahmad Al-Khalaileh, Imam of the Hashemite Royal Court; Dr. Taghreed Odeh, President of the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies; Khaled El Abyad, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; journalist Fouad Al-Karsha; as well as associates and advisers of Prince Hassan.
The meeting took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere, with discussions focusing on issues of common interest, as well as regional and international developments and the challenges facing the world today.
Both sides emphasized the importance of promoting constructive dialogue and mutual understanding among peoples and religions, as well as strengthening the values of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence as essential foundations for building more just, secure, and peaceful societies.
Particular emphasis was placed on the important role of Christian-Muslim dialogue in countering extremism and fostering a spirit of love, solidarity, and fraternity among contemporary societies.
His Beatitude expressed his appreciation for the historic role of the Hashemite Custodianship of the Islamic and Christian Holy Sites in Jerusalem, noting that it serves as an important safeguard for preserving the identity of the Holy City and protecting its unique spiritual and cultural heritage.
Reference was also made to the longstanding relationship between Prince Hassan bin Talal, a prominent figure in the Arab world, and the Patriarchate of Alexandria. This relationship spans more than three decades and is closely connected to the establishment of the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies in Amman in 1994 under Prince Hassan’s patronage. The Prince continues to serve as Chairman of the Institute’s Board of Trustees. The Institute remains an important center for dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding among different religious and cultural traditions.
During the meeting, His Beatitude asked Prince Hassan to convey his warm greetings and best wishes to King Abdullah II of Jordan, expressing his appreciation for the King’s efforts to support the Christian presence in the Middle East, protect the Holy Sites, and promote coexistence and interfaith dialogue.
His Beatitude also expressed his thanks and appreciation to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt, noting his support for stability in the region, the Christian presence in the Middle East, and the spiritual, educational, humanitarian, and social work of the Patriarchate of Alexandria in Egypt and across Africa.
The conversation also included references to several Church leaders who had personal and spiritual ties with both His Beatitude and Prince Hassan. Among those mentioned were the late Patriarch Parthenios III of Alexandria (†1996), the late Metropolitan Damaskinos of Adrianople (†2011), and the late Archimandrite Theodosios Hagiotaphites (†1991).
At the end of the meeting, His Beatitude invited Prince Hassan to hold the annual conference of the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies at the Patriarchate of Alexandria early next year, reflecting the cooperation between the two institutions and their shared commitment to dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
Both sides stressed that religions should serve as bridges of peace and love, and that the responsibility of religious and spiritual leaders is more important than ever in safeguarding human dignity and promoting a culture of mutual respect in a world that is in need of wisdom, understanding, and cooperation.
Later that day, His Beatitude visited the historic Raghadan Palace, where he was informed about its history and its significance to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
He then visited the Royal Hashemite Cemetery, where he laid a wreath at the tomb of the late King Hussein bin Talal.
In a statement, His Beatitude noted that: “King Hussein bin Talal left a lasting mark on Arab and world history through his wisdom, vision, and sense of responsibility. Today, his legacy is being carried forward by His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein and Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, who continue to promote moderation and service to humanity.”
During his visit to the Royal Hashemite Cemetery, His Beatitude was accompanied by Dr. Ahmad Al-Khalaileh, Imam of the Hashemite Royal Court, and senior officers of the Jordanian Armed Forces.
That evening, Khaled El Abyad, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, hosted an official dinner in honor of Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa.
Among those attending were Dr. Imad Hijazin, Jordan’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Jordan, and prominent figures from the country’s diplomatic and public life.
His Beatitude thanked the Egyptian Ambassador for the warm hospitality and expressed his joy at visiting Jordan.
He also highlighted the longstanding ties between Jordan, Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus, as well as the close spiritual and historical relationship between the Patriarchates of Alexandria and Jerusalem.
Through the Egyptian Ambassador, His Beatitude once again conveyed his gratitude to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt for his continued support of the Patriarchate of Alexandria’s development, educational, healthcare, and humanitarian programs in Egypt and across Africa.
During his conversation with Jordan’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, prospects for further cooperation in the fields of religious, cultural, and pilgrimage tourism were discussed, with a view to promoting the region’s spiritual and cultural heritage and strengthening ties between peoples.
The meetings concluded in a spirit of mutual respect and friendship, reaffirming the importance of cooperation between religious, cultural, and state institutions in promoting peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding.
The following day, Thursday, June 11, 2026, Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa visited the biblical Mount Nebo and the historic city of Madaba.
At Mount Nebo, the site where, according to the Bible, the Prophet Moses viewed the Promised Land, His Beatitude was welcomed by the Mayor of Madaba, Haitham Jweinat; the province’s Director of Tourism, Wael Al-Ja‘ayni; representatives of the Franciscan Custody; local officials; and clergy from the area.
At the site where the Prophet Moses is believed to have viewed the Promised Land for the last time, Patriarch Theodore II spent several moments in prayer. Looking toward the Holy Land, he prayed for peace in the world, for the peoples of the Middle East, for victims of war, and for all those suffering from poverty, illness, hardship, and abandonment. He also prayed for reconciliation, justice, and peace among peoples and nations.
He then visited the historic city of Madaba, one of Jordan’s oldest Christian cities, renowned for its Byzantine mosaics and especially for the famous Mosaic Map of the Holy Land, the oldest surviving cartographic representation of the region.
His Beatitude subsequently visited the historic Church of St. George, where this unique treasure of Christian heritage is preserved. On behalf of Archbishop Christophoros of Kyriakoupolis, Patriarchal Vicar in Jordan, he was welcomed by Archimandrites Raphael and Andreas, together with clergy from the Orthodox parishes of Madaba.
In his address, His Beatitude expressed his sincere thanks to Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre for their dedicated ministry in the Holy Land. He also praised the important role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and King Abdullah II in protecting and preserving the Christian and Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem.
His Beatitude once again stressed that Jordan serves as an example of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect between Christians and Muslims. He noted that the Church is called to serve humanity, promote unity, and share the message of love, reconciliation, and peace with the world.
He also invited Orthodox faithful from around the world to visit Jordan, the blessed land of Christ’s Baptism in the Jordan River, as well as Madaba, with its rich treasures of Christian history and heritage.
A particularly moving moment came when His Beatitude visited the clergy cemetery and served a Trisagion at the grave of the late Archimandrite Innocentios Hagiotaphites (†2025).
He spoke with emotion about their long spiritual friendship, noting that this year marks fifty years since they first met in the Holy Land. He also highlighted the late Archimandrite’s significant contribution to Jordan, especially in the construction of schools and the strengthening of Orthodox education.
Patriarch Theodore’s visit to Madaba highlighted the vibrant presence of Orthodoxy in Jordan and reaffirmed the strong spiritual ties between the Patriarchates of Alexandria and Jerusalem, as well as the faithful of the country.
That evening, Samer Kawar, Honorary Consul of the Republic of San Marino in Jordan and a prominent member of the country’s Orthodox community, hosted a dinner in honor of Patriarch Theodore II in Amman.
Among those present were Metropolitan Benedictos of Diocaesarea, the Ambassador of Greece to Jordan, Irini Riga—whom His Beatitude congratulated on a recent distinction bestowed upon her by Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem—the Ambassador of Georgia to Jordan, the Consul of Côte d’Ivoire in Jordan, the Consul of Malta in Jordan, members of the Jordanian Parliament, and other prominent figures from the country’s political, diplomatic, and social life.
The gathering took place in a warm atmosphere, with discussions focusing on peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and cooperation among peoples.
On Friday, June 12, 2026, Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa visited the Jordan River, where he presided during the Divine Liturgy celebrated at the Chapel of St. Mary of Egypt within the Monastery of the Holy Theophany.
The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Archimandrite Meletios Hagiotaphites in the presence of the monastery’s abbot, Metropolitan Benedictos of Diocaesarea.
Following the service, His Beatitude expressed his gratitude to God for granting him the opportunity to pray at this holy place. He also thanked Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem for his hospitality and brotherly love, wishing him health and strength in his ministry to the Holy Land.
His Beatitude then presented Metropolitan Benedictos of Diocaesarea with the distinction of Grand Commander of the Order of Saint Sabbas the Sanctified, in recognition of his many years of service in the Holy Land, his friendship with the Patriarchate of Alexandria, and his dedication to welcoming and guiding pilgrims from around the world.
He later visited the facilities of the new Orthodox University in the Jordan River area, where he was given a tour by the University’s President, Protopresbyter Fr. Bishara Dahaber.
Afterwards, Patriarch Theodore II celebrated the Baptism of the newborn nephew of Bishop Damaskinos of Mareotis.
Following the baptism, His Beatitude remained for some time on the banks of the Jordan River in prayer and thanksgiving. He prayed for peace, reconciliation, and the spiritual renewal of the world at the place where Christ was baptized.
This visit marked the conclusion of Patriarch Theodore II’s pilgrimage to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which he has now visited for the third time in recent years.
During his stay, he visited several holy sites, held important meetings, and conveyed a message of peace, solidarity, and fraternity to the peoples of the Middle East. He also expressed his appreciation to the Jordanian leadership for its continued commitment to peaceful coexistence and the protection of Christian holy sites and communities in the region.
