Within the framework of Alexandria being appointed as the Tourist Capital of the Arabic world for the year 2010 and honouring the five day functions “Alexandrian Days of Cultural Heritage”, His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, accompanied by Mr. Apostolos Trifyllis, Director of the Patriarchal Library, visited on 27th September 2010 the famous Alexandrian Library. He was welcomed by the Honourable Dr Mohamed Awad, Director of the “Alexandria and Mediterranean Research Centre (Alex-Med)”, who told him about the challenges which are included in the preservation and promotion work of the cultural heritage of the city of Alexander the Great.
The contribution of Orthodoxy and Hellenism have a particular place in the historical memory of the city, made fundamental by the Second Throne Patriarchate. Significant works have already been completed, such as the renovation of the Patriarchal Mansion, the Patriarchal Library, the Holy Patriarchal Monastery of St Savvas the Sanctified, the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos and others. Other works are under development, such as the promotion of the Greco-Roman water reservoirs beneath the Patriarchal Residence and the maintenance of the spiritual treasures of the Patriarchal Library, a task for which His Beatitude had a private meeting with the Director of the Manuscript Centre of the Alexandrian Library, Dr Youssef Ziedan.
During the visit, His Beatitude was informed by the Honourable Mr Harry Tzala, head of the Hellenic Archaeological Mission which is undertaking marine excavations in the Alexandrian harbour, for the mapping and documentation of the sunken old Christian church which was built on the spot where the Apostle and Evangelist Mark was martyred.
