On Thursday morning, January 29, 2025, Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa was received at the presidential palace by the President of the Republic of Panama, José Raúl Mulino Quintero.
The Patriarch arrived at the presidential palace, accompanied by Metropolitan Iakovos of Mexico, and was warmly welcomed by the Director General of Protocol of the Presidency and the Director of the President’s Private Office.
The meeting between the Patriarch, the President of Panama, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Javier Martínez-Acha Vázquez, took place at the historic Palacio de las Garzas. The President welcomed the Patriarch to Panama, emphasizing that the entire country, not just the city of Panama, is at his disposal. The President referred to the contributions of the Greek community to the country’s development and highlighted the significance of the Patriarch’s presence in Panama for the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Holy Metropolis of Mexico. He also mentioned his personal relationships and friendships with Greeks dating back to his time as a maritime law specialist. The President also expressed his gratitude that the Patriarch’s visit brought together all of the country’s religious leaders through their participation in the events held in his honor.
In his response, the Patriarch thanked the President for the warm welcome to Panama. He also expressed his appreciation for the President’s support of Metropolitan Iakovos and the Greek community. The Patriarch briefed the President on the Patriarchate’s missionary activities in Africa. Finally, he wished that the peaceful coexistence and mutual respect promoted by President Sisi in Egypt could serve as a model for all democratic nations. Finally, the President expressed his desire to visit the Patriarch at his See.
This was followed by a ceremony honoring the President in the historic Salon Amarillo. Those present at the ceremony included the President of the Council of Ministers; a Representative of the Judiciary; the Bishops and clergy of the Metropolis; the Consul of Panama in Philadelphia; Georgia Athanasopoulou; Spyros Athanasopoulos, President of the Greek Community; Archons of the Ecumenical Throne; the President’s Greek-descent associates; and the Archon Dikaiofylax of the Ecumenical Throne and legal advisor of the Metropolis of Mexico and the Caribbean, Sakis Kehagioglou.
Visibly moved, the President accepted the Grand Cross of Saint Sava as a token of gratitude for his service to Hellenism and Orthodoxy. He dedicated this honor to the people of Panama and to the historic relations between Greece and Panama.
Subsequently, the President hosted a reception in honor of the Patriarch, which was also attended by Chile’s newly elected President, José Antonio Kast.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
