With Paschal joy, the Vespers of Love was celebrated on Easter Sunday at the Patriarchal Monastery of Saint Savvas the Sanctified in Alexandria, presided over by Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa.
Concelebrating with the Patriarch were Metropolitan Germanos of Tamiatheus and Bishop Damaskinos of Mareotis. Among those present were the Consul General of Greece in Alexandria, Ioannis Pyrgakis, and the President of the Greek Community of Alexandria, Andreas Vafeiadis.
In an atmosphere of deep Paschal joy, the katholikon of the monastery was filled with faithful from Alexandria, as well as pilgrims from Greece and other countries, who gathered to partake in the joy of the Resurrection and to receive the blessing of the Patriarch of Love.
The Gospel reading of the day was proclaimed by Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria in Greek and Russian, while the hierarchs and clergy read it in Arabic, Latin, English, French, and Swahili, expressing the unity of the Church.
Before the conclusion of the service, the Patriarch, visibly moved, addressed the faithful with paternal words, emphasizing that despite the trials and challenges facing the modern world, the Risen Christ once again comes to enlighten the hearts of people, as the Holy Light has shone forth from the All-Holy Tomb, bringing a message of hope and life.
At the same time, he urged the faithful to keep the flame of faith and the Resurrection alive in their hearts, so that they may become bearers of light, love, and peace in the world.
Furthermore, the Patriarch prayed that Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus may remain united, serving as a force of stability, peace, and cooperation in the wider Mediterranean region.
He also noted that the Easter greetings addressed to the Christians of Egypt by the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, as posted on his official social media accounts, were accompanied by an image of the Patriarchal Monastery of Saint George in Old Cairo.
This symbolic gesture, as the Patriarch pointed out, constitutes yet another tangible sign of Egypt’s esteem and affection for the Greek Orthodox shrines of the country, highlighting the strong bonds of friendship and mutual respect between the peoples.
Following the dismissal, the Patriarch distributed red Paschal eggs to the large congregation.
