On Sunday 2nd December 2007, His beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, officiated at the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Patriarchal Church of St Savvas the Sanctified in Alexandria, together with His Eminence Philemon Metropolitan of Kavasa and His Grace Gabriel Bishop of Mareotis, Patriarchal Vicar of Alexandria, in the presence of His Excellency the Former Ministers Messrs Savvas Tsitourides and Nicholas Tsartsionis, the Honourable Consul General of Greece in Alexandria Mr George Diakofotakis, and members of the Community.
Following the Liturgical Prayers His Beatitude performed the inauguration of the festive gift exhibition of the Alexandrian Lyceum of Greek Women, which is hosted within the buildings of the Holy Monastery of St Savvas.
Immediately thereafter, in the Throne Room of the Patriarchal palace, His Beatitude awarded Mr Tsitourides the Great Cross of the Apostle Mark. In his address, the Venerable Primate of the Church of Alexandria mentioned the significant contribution made by Mr. tsitourides, during his parliamentary tenure, to the re-operation and recognition after a period of 470 years, of the Patriarchal School of Alexandria, “Athanasios the Great”, whose objective is the preparation, education and forming of native staff and colleagues for the humanistic work of missions in Africa, through the teaching of Agriculture, Information Technology, Nursing and Theology.
In his reply the former Minister expressed his great satisfaction for the fact that His Beatitude Patriarch Theodoros II, succeeded in forming this educational institute, completed the enormous task of renovation the Patriarchal Palace, and also continues to co-ordinate the fruitful missionary activity of the Orthodox Church on the African Continent, in the three years since his elevation to the Throne.
Following this simple ceremony, which was attended by His Eminence Philemon, His Grace Gabriel, His Grace Spyridon, the Former Minister Mr Nicholas Tsartsionis, a reception was held.
