On Sunday of the Blind Man, May 17, 2026, Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Patriarchal Monastery of Saint Sabbas the Sanctified in Alexandria. Concelebrating with him were Bishop Ignatios of Salona, Assistant Bishop of the Holy Archdiocese of Athens, and Bishop Damaskinos of Mareotis, Patriarchal Vicar of Alexandria.
Dr Pavlos Tsolakian, President and Governor of the Christian Knightly Order of the Temple of Jerusalem, was also present at the Divine Liturgy, accompanied by a large group of pilgrims and members of the Order from Greece who were undertaking a pilgrimage to the blessed land of the Nile.
In his sermon, the Patriarch referred to the miracle of healing the man born blind, offering a theological reflection on the deeper meaning of the Gospel passage. He emphasised that Christ is the true light of the world, illuminating not only the eyes of the body, but above all the heart and soul of every human being. He welcomed Bishop Ignatios of Salona with particular emotion, as he serves as the spiritual guide of the Order, and the two men share a long-standing spiritual friendship and genuine love in Christ.
The Patriarch expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and All Greece, and to the Church of Greece, for their enduring love, solidarity, and invaluable support for the Patriarchate of Alexandria’s multifaceted missionary work throughout the African continent.
He then warmly welcomed Dr Pavlos Tsolakian and his delegation, expressing his joy at their presence in Alexandria, the city of Saint Mark, which has been a beacon of Orthodoxy and Hellenism for centuries.
He also emphasised the importance of this pilgrimage as a symbol of spiritual unity, historical memory, and active love for the ancient Eastern Patriarchates.
On Monday, May 18, 2026, accompanied by Dr Pavlos Tsolakian, Bishop Ignatios of Salona and the group of pilgrims and members of the Order visited the Patriarchal See in Alexandria, where they were received by Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa.
After the meeting concluded and the gifts and honorary distinctions had been exchanged, the visitors were guided through the historic premises of the Patriarchate. They had the opportunity to become acquainted with the rich history, spiritual heritage, and enduring witness of the Apostolic Throne of Saint Mark on the African continent firsthand.
The visit concluded with an atmosphere of spiritual joy, deep emotion, and love. The Patriarch prayed that the Risen Lord would abundantly bestow his divine grace and blessing upon all. From this blessed land of Egypt, he also offered fervent prayers for world peace, the cessation of all hostilities between nations, and the triumph of love and solidarity among all people.
Throughout its long historical journey, and especially since the time of the late Patriarch Christophoros II of Alexandria, the Patriarchate of Alexandria has embraced various Christian orders and brotherhoods under its spiritual care, guidance, and protection. In the same spirit, the late Patriarch Nikolaos VI blessed the Order of Saint Constantine the Great, and the late Patriarch Petros VII bestowed his patriarchal blessing upon the Order of the Parabalani.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
