Yesterday, September 8, 2022, on the feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, Madagascar welcomed for the third time its Spiritual Father, Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria and All Africa.
The Patriarch of Alexandria arrived at the Antananarivo International Airport in the capital of Madagascar at noon.
At the airport, Patriarch Theodore was received by the Honorary Consul of Greece and Cyprus in Madagascar, Mr. Panayiotis Taloumis, the Ambassador of Egypt to Madagascar, Mr. Usama Khalil, as well as diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs representing the President of the Republic of Madagascar, Mr. Andry Rajoelina.
The local Pastor, Metropolitan Ignatius of Antananarivo and Northern Madagascar, along with Bishop Prodromos of Toliara and Southern Madagascar, the clergy and the faithful people of God extended a warm welcome to the Alexandrian Primate.
In a motorcade they arrived at the Metropolitan Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Antananarivo, where the Doxology was held with the participation of all the clergy as well as delegations from all the parishes of the capital.
At the end of the Service, Patriarch Theodore expressed his joy, as after seven years God has called him to visit again the blessed island of Madagascar.
He called upon the faithful, the clergy and the people to remain faithful to the church from which they received Holy Baptism and the clergy were ordained, the Patriarchate of Alexandria.
He spoke to the faithful about the great feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, and inspired by the Virgin Mary, he spoke about every ordinary mother of Madagascar who with great effort raises her children under adverse circumstances.
“These ordinary mothers deserve honour and respect,” said Patriarch Theodore.
Metropolitan Ignatius of Antananarivo and Northern Madagascar, expressing the feelings of the entire congregation of the local Church, thanked Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria for his visit, he made a brief review of the spiritual and charitable work of the Holy Metropolis, and finally asked for the Patriarch’s blessing for the continuation of the work of the Church aiming at the spiritual benefit of the faithful.
Finally, in an atmosphere of joy and enthusiasm, the Patriarch departed from the Holy Church, so that he continue his missionary tour today in the Holy Diocese of Toliara and South Madagascar.
