by Archimandrite Stefanos of the Patriarchate of Alexandria
In a solemn ceremony held at the official Synodal of the Holy Patriarchal Monastery of St. George in Cairo, His Beatitude, Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa decorated the outgoing Consul General of Greece in Cairo, Mrs. Maria Zisi, with the Medal of the Order of St. Savvas the Sanctified.
In his address, the Alexandrian Prelate praised Mrs. Zisi for her work, which is a work of great responsibility, and thanked her for the excellent cooperation they had during the two years of her stay in Nile country. A cooperation that was not only in the formal framework of her duties.
He stressed that she had always been willing to handle the affairs of the Old Patriarchate and to support the Greeks of Cairo. He recalled her noble willingness to accompany Him on His departure for the great missionary journeys to Africa and on His return to give Him a hearty welcome and to ask Him with keen interest about the missionary activities that help our African brothers and sisters not only in their spiritual life but also in their human survival. (Establishment of schools, hospitals, and charitable institutions).
In her own way, she said that she strengthened the great friendship and cooperation between Greece and Egypt. The good communication with the representatives of Mother Greece in Egypt supports our Patriarchate and the ministers in it.
He thanked her because she was always and in good cooperation with His Patriarchal Commissioner in Cairo, Metropolitan Nicodemοs of Memphis, and with the Abbot Archimandrite Damaskinos. He cordially wished her soon to have good promotion and to continue with zeal her work, which is a national work. May St. George always accompany her in her life.
The Consul expressed with emotion her gratitude for the great honor received by the Patriarch. She assured Him that in the treasury of her heart she will keep His spiritual advice and experiences lived during her ministry in Egypt. His paternal love was great support for her, especially in difficult times. She asked for His Patriarchal Blessings for the continuation of her duties in the Diplomatic Corps of Greece.
The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem of our Greece.
Source: ekkairo.org
Photos: © Atef Musa
