The entrance into the New Year was celebrated with solemnity and spiritual joy at the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa, under the blessing of Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Theodore II, through sacred services and official events held both on New Year’s Eve and on New Year’s Day.
On Tuesday, December 31, New Year’s Eve, Patriarch Theodore presided over the Great Patriarchal Vespers at the Patriarchal Chapel of the Holy Theodores, within the Patriarchal Cathedral of Alexandria, assisted by hierarchs and clergy of the Patriarchal Court and the Patriarchal Vicariate of Alexandria.
Among those present were the Consul General of Greece in Alexandria, Mr. Ioannis Pyrgakis, and the President of the Greek Community of Alexandria, Mr. Andreas Vafeiadis.
Following the conclusion of Vespers, the traditional cutting of the New Year’s Vasilopita took place in the Throne Hall of the Patriarchate, in an atmosphere marked by joy and spiritual unity.
On behalf of the clergy and faithful, festive greetings were offered by Bishop Damaskinos of Mareotis, Patriarchal Vicar of Alexandria, who expressed filial love, profound respect, and gratitude toward the “Patriarch of Love.”
In his paternal and inspiring address, Patriarch Theodore referred extensively to the decisions of the Holy Synod of the Throne, which convened last October, as well as to the missionary and pastoral journeys planned for the coming year. He emphasized the Patriarchate’s continuous concern for strengthening missionary work throughout Africa, supporting the African faithful, and serving them in a spirit of love and peace. He also expressed his sincere gratitude to Greece, Egypt, and Cyprus for their steadfast support of the Patriarchate’s mission.
On Wednesday, January 1, the day on which the Church celebrates the Circumcision of our Lord Jesus Christ and commemorates Saint Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea, Patriarch Theodore presided over Orthros and the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at the Community Church of the Holy Archangels in Ibrahimia, Alexandria.
The Patriarch was joined by Metropolitan Germanos of Tamiathis and Bishop Damaskinos of Mareotis.
Present at the Divine Liturgy were the Consul General of Greece in Alexandria, Mr. Ioannis Pyrgakis, the President of the Greek Community of Alexandria, Mr. Andreas Vafeiadis, representatives of local associations and institutions, and a large gathering of faithful.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Patriarch Theodore offered the official Doxology for the beginning of the New Year, praying for peace throughout the world and reconciliation among nations.
Subsequently, the Consul General of Greece read the New Year’s message of Mr. Konstantinos Tasoulas, President of the Hellenic Republic, conveying the greetings and wishes of the Greek State to the Patriarchate of Alexandria, its clergy, and its faithful.
A particularly moving moment occurred during the reading of the message announcing the significant decision adopted and ratified by the 43rd General Conference of UNESCO, proclaiming February 9 as World Greek Language Day.
In his concluding remarks, Patriarch Theodore expressed the hope that the new year may be a year of peace, reconciliation, and justice for all humanity, stressing the urgent need for wars, injustices, and bloodshed to come to an end. He underscored that the Church must continue to serve as a beacon of hope, love, and consolation for every person who suffers.
The New Year celebrations at the Patriarchate of Alexandria concluded in a spirit of prayer, spiritual unity, and hope, sealing the beginning of the year with the Patriarchal blessing and the expectation of a more peaceful and just world.
