On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the Consul General of the Republic of Lebanon in Alexandria, Abeer Ali, visited the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa, where she had a formal courtesy meeting with Patriarch Theodoros II.
Also present were Metropolitan Ignatios of Antananarivo and Northern Madagascar, Metropolitan Panteleimon of Ptolemais, Secretary General of the Holy and Sacred Synod, Metropolitan Petros of Aksum, and Archimandrite Damaskinos, Patriarchal Commissioner of Alexandria.
In his address, the Patriarch warmly thanked the Consul General for her visit and conveyed the Patriarch’s heartfelt wishes and blessings from a peaceful Egypt, praying for the establishment of peace in Lebanon, the entire Middle East, and the world, which continues to suffer from ongoing conflicts. He lamented that many regions of the world continue to be plagued by war, which brings suffering to human souls and spreads fear and hardship in people’s daily lives.
He also expressed his deep satisfaction with the completion of the electoral process that led to the election of the new President of Lebanon, noting that “these elections mark a brilliant new beginning and a step towards a balanced and smoothly progressing political life through the election of the President of the Republic of Lebanon, Mr. Joseph Aoun.” The Patriarch extended his heartfelt greetings and prayers for the success of the President’s goals and the prosperity of the noble Lebanese people.
He then briefly noted the historic journey and modern sacrificial ministry of the Alexandrian Church on the African continent, as well as the centuries-long presence of Hellenism in the city of Alexander the Great and the broader Middle East. He emphasized the security that is carefully provided for them and all citizens of the region.
The Patriarch highlighted the significant role of the Patriarchate of Alexandria in supporting the spiritual and humanitarian life of the Lebanese Orthodox community living in Egypt and throughout Africa.
He concluded by expressing the full solidarity of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa with Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East and his suffering flock, as well as with the leaders of all Churches and Christian communities in the Middle East.
In her response, the Lebanese diplomat expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome and praised the invaluable humanitarian and philanthropic work of the Patriarchate in Africa. In particular, she praised its efforts in establishing schools, healthcare facilities, centers for the elderly, orphanages, and other charitable institutions. Finally, she thanked the Primate of Alexandria for his fervent prayers for Lebanon and his sincere congratulations on the election of President Joseph Aoun.
A private meeting then took place at the Patriarchate during which matters of mutual interest were discussed, commemorative gifts were exchanged, and the Consul General was given a tour of the Patriarchal Palace.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
