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PATRIARCHAL BLESSING ON THE PEOPLE OF THRACE

On 14th May 2014, on his visit to Thrace, His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, accompanied by His Eminence Anthimos Metropolitan of Alexandroupolis, visited the patients at the Institute for Chronic Illness, St Kyprianos, and gave them his blessing. He was then welcomed according to monastic custom Convent of the Holy Virgin at Makri in Evros. Following the Doxology he addressed words of spiritual support to the Nuns who were gathered for this reason in the Refectory of the Holy Monastery.

On the morning of 15th May 2014, His Beatitude visited the Offices of the Holy Metropolis of Alexandroupolis on his way to leaving the city, met with the staff as well as with the Members of the Ladies’ Association who contribute to the philanthropic efforts of the Metropolis. He also visited the Metropolis’ Nursery blessing the infants and babies there.

Heading towards Kavala, His Beatitude paid brief visits to Komotini and Xanthe following invitations by the local Metropolitans, and also attended the Graduation Ceremony of the Seminarians of the Ecclesiastical High School in Xanthe. Despite the unofficial character of his visit, it is worth noting that he was warmly welcomed by the Authorities, the Clergy and crowds of citizens of the two Thracean cities. In Xanthe His Beatitude had the opportunity to meet with thirty family members from his mother’s side, who is from the village of Dafnona. This meeting gave rise to memories of nostalgic moments from his childhood, when he used to visit the old city of Xanthe.