With profound emotion and joy, the Holy Metropolis of Zambia has announced the forthcoming pastoral visit of Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa to Zambia.
The Patriarchal visit will take place from May 21 to May 26, 2026, and forms part of the Patriarch’s pastoral tours across the African dioceses of the Alexandrian Throne.
During his six-day stay, the Primate will have the opportunity to observe firsthand the multifaceted missionary, social, and charitable work carried out in the Holy Metropolis of Zambia and Mozambique.
The program of the visit includes, among other events:
- An official meeting with the President of the Republic of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, at the Presidential Palace.
- The celebration of the Service of the Opening of the Doors (Thyra-noixia) of a new Holy Church at the newly established Missionary Center in Chirundu, in the Zambezi River region, a site of historical significance where, in 1831, the first Greek settlers from Malia, Crete, the Vlachakis family, arrived; this year marks 130 years of their presence and contribution in Zambia.
- The laying of the foundation stone for the construction of a new Holy Church in the city of Livingstone, near Victoria Falls.
- The proclamation of the opening of the proceedings of the Hellenic–Zambian Chamber Conference, to be held on Monday, May 25, at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, in the presence of a large business delegation from Greece.
- Participation in the official celebrations of African Union Day and the laying of a wreath at the African Unity Monument, in the presence of the President of the Republic.
- Meetings with local tribal leaders, members of the Diplomatic Corps, government ministers, representatives of local authorities, and the faithful of the Holy Metropolis.
As emphasized by the Metropolis of Zambia in its announcement, “the visit of the Patriarch constitutes a supreme blessing and a historic event for the Orthodox Church of Zambia, confirming the unceasing interest and paternal care of the Mother Church of Alexandria for her spiritual children on the African continent. At the same time, it is expected to further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Greece and Zambia on a spiritual, cultural, and economic level.”
A detailed program of the liturgical services and events will be announced shortly.
