In recent days, Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa undertook a series of visits, personally inspecting landmark projects of the ancient Patriarchate in Egypt. This reaffirmed his unwavering personal commitment to the spiritual, cultural, and social presence of the Church of Saint Mark.
The Patriarch’s first stop was Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, where he reviewed the construction progress of the new Patriarchal Centre, also known as the ‘Centre of Friendship Among Nations’, as well as the Church of Saint John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria. This project is of particular importance for Orthodoxy and the Patriarchate in modern-day Egypt. He was given a thorough briefing by engineers and technical consultants on the progress of the works and expressed his emotion, saying that ‘the Church of Alexandria is acquiring a new spiritual and administrative centre in the country’s new capital’.
It should be noted that the renowned company Orascom, owned by the Sawiris family, is constructing both the church and the spiritual centre and is actively supporting this major undertaking.
Subsequently, the Patriarch visited the historic Church of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Alexandria, where he has been overseeing the complete restoration of the building. During his visit, he met with the team of architects and engineers to receive updates on the restoration work on the largest and most historic church of the Greek community in Alexandria. He expressed his satisfaction with the progress achieved thus far.
The renovation of the Holy Church is being carried out through the generous sponsorship of the Great Benefactor, Mr Athanasios Martinos, and is being carried out by the distinguished construction company Rowad with full respect for the church’s historic character, architectural identity and sacred nature.
On Wednesday, 6 May 2026, the Patriarch visited the historic Averoff Girls’ School building in Alexandria. This building was recently granted to the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa by the Hellenic Public Properties Company (ETAD) under a long-term agreement. There, he performed a blessing service to mark the official handover of the building to the Patriarchate and blessed the start of studies and procedures for renovating and restoring this emblematic complex, which is inextricably linked to the history of Hellenism in Egypt and education in Alexandria.
The Patriarch emphasised that the Averoff School is destined to become a new Centre of Education, Culture and Spiritual Presence of the Patriarchate, befitting its immense historical legacy.
Those present at the Blessing Service included Metropolitan Nikodimos of Memphis, Patriarchal Vicar of Cairo; Bishops Stephanos of Hippo and Damaskinos of Mareotis, Patriarchal Vicars of Alexandria; and representatives of Rowad, the construction company to which the Patriarch had entrusted the renovation study.
This major development, located near the Patriarchal Cathedral, has profound and multifaceted symbolism. It symbolises the unbroken unity of Orthodoxy and Hellenism, as well as the spirit of brotherhood, reconciliation and enduring cooperation between two peoples united by over two thousand years of shared history and friendship: Greece and Egypt.
Through his continuous personal involvement in these major projects, the ‘Patriarch of Love’, His Beatitude Theodore II, continues to guide the ancient Patriarchate of Alexandria into a new era of creativity and a dynamic presence in Egypt and across Africa.
Finally, it should be emphasised that the Patriarch prays daily to Almighty God, through the intercession of the Holy and Glorious Apostle and Evangelist Mark, asking that He strengthen all those who contribute to the work of the Patriarchate and grant them abundant Divine Grace.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
