On Tuesday, 28 July 2026, marking the ninety-first (91st) anniversary of the repose in the Lord of the late Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria, Meletios II (Metaxakis), a Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Sacred Patriarchal Monastery of Saint Sabbas the Sanctified in Alexandria, presided over by Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa.
Before the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the Sacred Memorial Service was celebrated for the repose of the soul of the late Primate, who fell asleep in the Lord in Alexandria on 28 July 1935, leaving an indelible mark upon the history of the Church of Alexandria.
Each year, Pope and Patriarch Theodore II pays the due honour to his departed predecessors, acknowledging their invaluable contribution to the life and journey of the Apostolic Throne of Saint Mark.
Patriarch Meletios II was one of the most distinguished ecclesiastical figures of the twentieth century. During his Patriarchate in Alexandria, he introduced profound administrative and ecclesiastical reforms, drafted the Organic Statute of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria, the Regulations of the Patriarchal Courts, and the provisions concerning marriage and divorce. Through a special decree, he established the ecclesiastical provinces of the Patriarchal Throne and was the first to officially bear the title “Patriarch of All Africa.” At the same time, he devoted particular attention to ecclesiastical education, founding the Ecclesiastical Teaching School “Saint Athanasios” in Cairo, while strengthening the spiritual, educational, and missionary work of the Patriarchate.
As a tangible expression of honour towards this great reformer of the Patriarchate, in February 2024, Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa unveiled the bust of Patriarch Meletios II in the courtyard of the Patriarchal Vicariate of Cairo, emphasising that his work and institutional contributions continue to this day to constitute a precious legacy for the Patriarchate of Alexandria.
It is also worthy of note that, in the Treasury of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria, personal episcopal relics and heirlooms of the late Patriarch Meletios II are preserved with reverence and devotion. Among them, a place of particular distinction is held by the historic enkolpion (pectoral cross) with which he was consecrated Metropolitan of Kition in 1910. This sacred item had belonged to the late Patriarch of Jerusalem, Nikodemos I, and constitutes a valuable testimony to ecclesiastical history and to the unbroken continuity of the Orthodox tradition.
The ecclesiastical journey of the late Patriarch Meletios II was a unique ministry of service, which led him from Jerusalem, where he was spiritually formed while serving the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, to the island of Cyprus as Metropolitan of Kition; thereafter to Athens as Archbishop of Athens; later to Constantinople, the Queen of Cities, as Ecumenical Patriarch; and finally to the City of Great Alexander, Alexandria, as Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa.
At every stage of his ecclesiastical path, he left an indelible mark, carrying forth the Truth of the Gospel, the Orthodox faith, ecclesiastical renewal, and creative service from the Holy City of Jerusalem to the See of the Apostle Mark.
The memory of the late Patriarch Meletios II does not represent for the Patriarchate of Alexandria merely a historical remembrance. It constitutes a living ecclesiastical experience and a precious legacy, which continues to illuminate the path of the Apostolic Throne of Saint Mark.
May his memory be eternal.
