On the afternoon of Friday, July 4, 2025, Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa arrived in Kastoria as part of his official visit to the Holy Metropolis of Sisaniou and Siatista.
The Patriarch is staying at a residence within the jurisdiction of the Holy Metropolis of Kastoria.
At the entrance of the residence, he was warmly received by Metropolitan Kallinikos of Kastoria, who was accompanied by clergy and associates of the Metropolis.
During the brief welcoming ceremony, two children from Dispilio, Kastoria, presented the Patriarch with a bouquet as a gesture of respect and honor.
Metropolitan Kallinikos welcomed the Primate and his honorable entourage to the remote and blessed province of Kastoria. As a memento of the visit, he offered the Patriarch an icon of Saint Kallinikos, Bishop of Edessa, a local saint.
In his brief welcome remarks, the Metropolitan referred to the historical connection between Kastoria and the Patriarchate of Alexandria, noting that Saint Gerasimos Palladas of Crete, who had previously served as Metropolitan of Kastoria, once ascended to the Patriarchal Throne of Alexandria.
Finally, the Metropolitan expressed his wish that the Patriarch would enjoy moments of rest in the beautiful and hospitable Kastoria during his stay, which coincides with the days of his official visit to Siatista.
