On 14th february 2008, His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa was welcomed to Madagascar with flags, dances, numbers of children who seek their hope in the future.
During the official welcome at the airport, the Primate of the Alexandrian Patriarchate was welcomed by His Grace Ignatios Bishop of Madagascar and the Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency Marcel Ranjeva. Egypt was represented by His Excellency the Ambassador of Egypt. Also present were all the Greek Diplomats, such as the Consul General of Greece Mr Panayiotis Taloumis, the Chairman of the Hellenic Community of Madagascar Mr Christos Spiliopoulos, the few Greeks still living on this tropical island od Southern Africa and all the Orthodox citizens.His Beatitude thanked everyone for the warm welcome, addressed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Madagascar, emphasizing that the Alexandrian Church is always close to this beautiful country and spoke of the important missionary work being undertaken over the past 15years. He also said that Hellenism flourished in the past decades in Madagascar end did significant work for Greece, Orthodoxy, our history and our culture.In the next few days, His Beatitude is expected to visit all the areas where the Holy Diocese of Madagascar has built churches, hospitals and schools, contributing to the upgrading of the life of the citizens.
He will officially declare the operation of a theological seminary in Alasora open, he will inaugurate a new ecclesiastical school in Toulear as well as two churches in Alasora and Abatolamby, together with four hospitals and will be recieved by the President of the country.
