On Friday, July 10, 2026, Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa visited the Holy Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Minas in Heraklion, accompanied by Archbishop Eugenios of Crete.
During the visit, the Archbishop briefed the Patriarch on the progress of the restoration and renovation works at the Holy Metropolitan Cathedral. The Patriarch expressed his satisfaction with the project’s progress and commended all those contributing to the preservation and enhancement of this historic cathedral.
The Patriarch subsequently visited the Old Church of Saint Minas, where he offered a memorial prayer for the repose of the soul of his blessed predecessor, the late Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria, Nicholas VI, on the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of his repose.
He also paid tribute to the late Patriarch’s life and ministry, highlighting his significant contribution to the history and mission of the Patriarchate of Alexandria.
Thereafter, the Patriarch proceeded to the headquarters of the Holy Archdiocese of Crete, where he met with the Archbishop of Crete.
During their meeting, the Patriarch thanked the Archbishop for his warm hospitality and for the enduring support that the Church of Crete has consistently extended to the Patriarchate of Alexandria. He also expressed his appreciation for the pastoral, spiritual, and charitable ministry being carried out by the Church of Crete and wished the Archbishop continued good health and strength in the fulfilment of his archiepiscopal ministry.
For his part, the Archbishop of Crete warmly welcomed the Patriarch, emphasizing the strong bonds that unite the Church of Crete with the Patriarchate of Alexandria and reaffirming his support for the Patriarchate’s important missionary work across the African continent.
The visit took place in a spirit of warmth and brotherly fellowship, reaffirming the close ties of cooperation and fraternal love between the Holy Archdiocese of Crete and the Patriarchate of Alexandria.
