On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa paid a courtesy visit to the new governor of Alexandria, Mr. Ayman Attia, at the city’s Governorate headquarters.
The meeting took place in an atmosphere of cordiality and mutual respect, reaffirming the historic ties between Alexandria and Hellenism, as well as the Patriarchate of Alexandria’s enduring presence in the city of Alexander the Great.
During the meeting, the governor expressed his special affection for Greece, a country he has visited several times with his family. He mentioned that he had learned several Greek words and expressions, which particularly moved the Patriarch.
The governor also spoke respectfully of the Greek teachers he had during his studies. As a native Alexandrian, he fondly remembered the Egyptian Greeks he interacted with during his youth in the city.
The Patriarch expressed his joy at this meeting and warmly congratulated the new Governor on assuming his high and responsible duties.
During their conversation, they discussed the Patriarchate of Alexandria’s plan to build a new hospital in Alexandria to provide relief and care to patients in the city.
They also discussed the recent concession of the historic Averof Girls’ School building to the Patriarchate of Alexandria. The aim is to establish a modern cultural center that will strengthen cultural ties between Greece and Egypt.
The Patriarch also expressed his gratitude to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt for his continued support and goodwill toward the Patriarchate of Alexandria.
He also informed the new Governor about the progress of construction on the Egypt–Greece–Cyprus People’s Friendship Center in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital. The center is located on a plot of land granted to the Patriarchate by the President of Egypt.
The Governor then extended a special invitation to the Patriarch to attend the major anniversary celebrations in Alexandria in early April, commemorating the city’s founding.
In turn, the Patriarch invited the Governor to visit the Patriarchal See. There, they will have the opportunity to inspect the historic Averof Girls’ School building and the plot of land near the Holy Monastery of Saint Savvas, where the new hospital is planned.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
