On Thursday, October 9, 2025, Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa presided over the Patriarchal and Synodal Divine Liturgy at the Holy Patriarchal Monastery of Saint Savvas the Sanctified in Alexandria.
Those in attendance included the Ambassador of Greece to Cairo, Mr. Nikolaos Papageorgiou; a representative of the Embassy of Cyprus in Egypt; the Consul General of Greece in Alexandria, Mr. Ioannis Pyrgakis; a representative of the Hellenic Community of Cairo; and representatives of the Arabic-speaking Orthodox communities of Egypt, including Mr. Clade Nakas. Also present were the Defense Attaché of Greece in Egypt, Captain Stergios Poulos; Captain Chrysostomos Rangos, representing the Hellenic Navy Association of Alexandria; the Education Coordinator; the President of the Orthodox External Mission Brotherhood of Thessaloniki, Charalambos Metallidis; Petros Papasarandopoulos, a publisher and author and the nephew of Saint Chrysostomos; and the presidents of various associations and institutions of the great city, among others.
October 9th of each year is a day of celebration for the Patriarchate of Alexandria. It marks the anniversary of the election and enthronement of Pope and Patriarch Theodore II, on the Patriarchal Throne of Saint Apostle and Evangelist Mark.
The festive atmosphere of the day was highlighted by the Patriarch’s official signing of the Patriarchal and Synodal Acts, including our Father among the Saints Sylvester of Crete, Patriarch of Alexandria, and our Venerable and God-bearing Father Chrysostomos, the Missionary of Africa, in the hagiological diptychs of the Church.
Elder Metropolitan Theophylaktos of Caesarea delivered the day’s festal address, speaking about the lives and works of the newly canonized saints. Before dismissing the Divine Liturgy, the Patriarch praised the virtues and ministry of Saints Sylvester and Chrysostomos—two new saints who unite the glorious historical past with the living missionary present of the Patriarchate of Alexandria—in an atmosphere of deep emotion and joy.
He also expressed his heartfelt thanks to the Synodal Hierarchs for participating in this year’s Holy Synod sessions. He bid them farewell with paternal blessings and exhortations as they returned to their missionary metropolises and dioceses throughout the Orthodox vineyard of Africa.
Finally, the Patriarch honored the president, Mr. Charalambos Metallidis, and the members of the Orthodox External Mission Brotherhood of Thessaloniki, founded by Saint Chrysostomos, for their steadfast and multifaceted support of the Patriarchate’s diverse and vital work.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
