The Ancient Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa marked the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea by dedicating 2025 to Saint Athanasius the Great, the renowned theologian of the Alexandrian Throne.
Following the session of the Holy Synod of the Hierarchy of the Throne of Saint Mark, a festive event was held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, in the courtyard of the Greek Square in Alexandria, home to the Greek Consulate General and the Greek Community of Alexandria. The celebration was attended by Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria, hierarchs, diplomats, clergy, lay collaborators, and pilgrims from Greece.
The event was marked by the fraternal presence of Coptic Patriarch Tawadros II, who spoke warmly of Patriarch Theodoros II, praising him as a Patriarch of love, humility, and missionary spirit, and commending the Patriarchate’s charitable and pastoral work across Africa.
Organized and presented by Bishop-elect Damaskinos of Mareotis, Patriarchal Commissioner of Alexandria, the celebration included a documentary on the life and teachings of Saint Athanasius and a tribute to the 20th anniversary of Patriarch Theodoros II’s election and enthronement. Musical performances were offered by the Byzantine choir of the Patriarchate and the youth choir of the Coptic Church.
In his response, Patriarch Theodoros II expressed heartfelt thanks to Patriarch Tawadros II for his brotherly presence and the spirit of cooperation and unity between the two Patriarchates in Egypt. He also awarded him the Golden Cross of Saint Mark, the highest honor of the Alexandrian Patriarchate.
The evening concluded with a reception attended by all participants, reflecting the atmosphere of joy, fraternity, and inter-Christian solidarity.
