On 6th January 2016, His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, together with His Eminence Narkissos, Patriarchal Vicar of Alexandria and His Grace Agathonikos, Bishop of Arusha and Central Tanzania, officiated at Orthros, conducted the festal Divine Liturgy and the Service of the Great Sanctification of Water, at the Holy Church of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Alexandria, in the presence of His Excellency the Ambassador of Cyprus in Egypt Mr. Haris Moritsis, the Honourable Consul General of Greece in Alexandria Mr. Emmanuel Kakavelakis, representatives of the Hellenic Community, the Cypriot Brotherhood, Hellenic Societies and agents of the Great City, as well as many God-loving Christians.
Immediately thereafter, His Beatitude the Patriarch officially received in the Patriarchal See the new Governor of Alexandria, Mr. Reda Farahat, accompanied by the Director of the Alexandrian Police, the Director of State Security, as well as a large group of high ranking staff and officers of the Great City. Addressing the noble visitor, His Beatitude highlighted the excellent relations of friendship and peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims in the Land of the Nile and underscored the traditionally great cooperation between the countries of Egypt and Greece. In his reply the Governor thanked the Venerable Primate for the welcome and the Hellenes for whatever they contributed historically to Egypt, saying that he hoped that the presence of Hellenism in Alexandria will be strengthened again.
At noon His Beatitude conducted the ceremony of the Sanctification of Waters at the Hellenic Naval Club of Alexandria, in the presence of the entire Greek Community and gave commemorative gifts to the swimmers who brought out the Precious Cross from the Sea. In conclusion, the Chairman of the Naval Club of Alexandria Mr. Edmund Kasimatis, hosted a lunch in honour of the Patriarch, the Authorities and the entire Hellenic Community.
