On Monday, November 23, 2020, the third day of his Pastoral Tour in Kenya, Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa visited the Holy Diocese of Nyeri and Mount Kenya.
In the Diocese he was warmly welcomed by Bishop Neophytos of Nyeri & Mount Kenya and the entire holy clergy of the Diocese, numbering 80 Presbyters. After the established Doxology, an Artoklasia (Blessing of the Five Loaves) was performed. The Bishop of Nyeri welcomed the Primate of Alexandria and expressed the joy of his flock for his visit in such a difficult period for humanity and referred to the Missionary work of his Diocese and his latest achievements, which are 5 schools and 3 medical centers.
Then the Bishop of Nyeri introduced to the Patriarch of Alexandria his distinguished associates who are the elite of the region and who offer their services voluntarily and asked the Patriarch to pray daily for everyone so that they can quickly overcome the ordeal of the pandemic and start again all the activities of the church for the benefit of their fellow humans.
The Patriarch, deeply moved, expressed his admiration for the works achieved since the recent establishment of the Diocese, blessed all those present and addressed patriarchal words of love to the holy clergy, asking them, among other things, to always be next to their Bishop and to be proud because they belong to a historic and ancient Patriarchate which is the only one that has jurisdiction and ecclesiastical regularity in the region and throughout Africa.
Afterwards, the mothers and the Association of Orthodox Women presented an artistic program, strictly observing the measures and precautions against the spread of Covid-19.
Before his departure, the Patriarch visited the Monastic Hermitage that was erected next to the Diocese and which will soon host Kenyan Nuns.
On the way back he visited the farm of the Diocese which with the products it produces covers the operating expenses of the Orthodox Schools. The Patriarch was guided to all areas of the farm and was surprised by the respect and high standards with which the farm staff takes care of the animals.
Finally, he visited the Orphanage and School “Archbishop Makarios” of the “Sophia Foundation” which hosts 220 orphan boys and girls with the financial support of Marina Siakola from Cyprus.
Source: Patriarchate of Alexandria
