On Sunday 20th November 2022, the Commanders, officers and crews of the Greek warships “Elli”, “Navarino”, “Chios” and the Cypriot PGY “Alasia”, which are participating together with Egypt in the naval exercise under the name “Medusa”, being conducted in the eastern Mediterranean, paid a visit to the See of the ancient Patriarchate of Alexandria.
Welcoming the men of the Navy, His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa, emphasized the importance of the productive unity and unanimity that governs the harmonious relations between Greece, Cyprus and Egypt.
Referring to the historical course of the Alexandrian Church over the centuries, as well as to its modern missionary, pastoral and humanitarian work, he emphasized: “we will continue to guard the historical, national and spiritual Thermopylae, keeping unmoved and non-negotiable the legacy of our holy Predecessors from the time of the Enlightener of our Church, the Apostle and Evangelist Mark, until today so that no modern Nightmare, from wherever it may come, will succeed in betraying them.
Aligning ourselves with this solid tradition of our Fathers, from our second homeland, the most dear Egypt, we optimistically look to the hopeful future that is Africa, where we work tirelessly for a better tomorrow for its long-suffering children, filled primarily by the light of the Gospel and the Resurrection of Christ”.
For their part, the Commanders expressed the joy and blessing they feel in visiting the Patriarchal See, and also praised the sacrificial and quietly accomplished ministry of the Second Throne Church on the African continent, which the Navy will always honor and assist with its forces.
An exchange of commemorative gifts followed and a guided tour of the Patriarchal Mansion.
