The Pope and Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa had a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulidis, on Monday, September 14, 2020.
The Foreign Minister expressed his joy for the meeting, adding that it is a special honor for him.
Christodoulidis discussed a variety of interesting issues with the Patriarch of Alexandria, especially regarding the very important work done by the Patriarchate on the African continent and the ways in which Cyprus can contribute to it.
Because Cyprus and the Patriarchate of Alexandria have the same goals and the same intentions, not only the strengthening of Orthodoxy in Africa, but also the provision of aid to its inhabitants who are facing problems of survival.
Christodoulidis also informed the Patriarch of Alexandria that the Embassy of Cyprus is already operating in Ethiopia and the operation of the Embassy of Cyprus in Kenya is imminent.
Finally, Christodoulidis stated that his relations with the Patriarchate of Alexandria are very close as he himself derives from Alexandria.
For his part, the Patriarch of Alexandria expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who welcomed him with great love and respect, and wished him strength in his ministerial contribution to the national problem of Cyprus.
The Patriarch of Alexandria also referred to the expatriate Cypriots of Africa who greatly assist the Patriarchate in its missionary and humanitarian work both in Egypt and in the 54 states of Africa.
He also thanked Christodoulidis for the good relations promoted during his ministerial term between Cyprus and Egypt and especially with the President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
“I leave you, Minister, stronger, said the Patriarch, and I say a big thank you to Cyprus because, as in the past they came to us and helped us, the same thing continues now.”
Finally, he wished justice and peace upon Cyprus.
During the visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, the Patriarch was accompanied by the Bishops of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, Markos of Kisumu, and Nikodimos of Nitria.