The Feast of the Circumcision of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the memory of Saint Basil the Great were celebrated festively at the Church of Saint Basil in the village of Nyamihuru, near the Missionary Centre in Kidamali Iringa. People from the surrounding villages gathered to celebrate together with Bishop Agathonikos of Arusha and Central Tanzania.

The meeting with the Bishop filled the souls of the faithful with joy. Everyone’s faces were shining and after the Divine Liturgy, during the celebratory meal, they had the opportunity to talk with Bishop Agathonikos.

The New Year’s meal was offered by Aikaterinis Vogiatzi and Chrysis Goridou, in memory of her parents George and Maria and her sister Evanthia.

Source: ierapostolikistegi.gr

At the Holy Community Church of Saints Constantine and Helen, the Grand Ecclesiarch of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa, Archimandrite Stephanos, presided over the first Divine Liturgy of the year alongside Archimandrite Joachim, accompanied by the melodious chants of Alexandros Rigakis, Protopsaltes of the Greek Community of Cairo.

The Divine Liturgy drew esteemed attendees, including the Greek Ambassador to Egypt, Nikolaos Papageorgiou, and Mrs. Despina Tzova from the Embassy’s Office of Economic and Commercial Affairs, along with devout members of the community. Notably, Egyptians residing in Greece visited Cairo for a brief holiday and participated in the service.

In his sermon, Fr. Stephanos spoke of the remarkable and multifaceted life of Saint Basil the Great, highlighting his theological eminence, philanthropy, asceticism, and scholarly contributions. The presence of a sacred relic—a fragment from Saint Basil’s skull, a treasure safeguarded for centuries in the Patriarchal Sacristy in Hamzawi—held a central place in the Temple.

Fr. Stephanos encouraged humility in worship, entreating the Great Hierarch of our Church, St. Basil, to intercede for spiritual advancement among the faithful. Conveying the wishes and love of Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria and All Africa, as well as Metropolitan Nikodimos of Memphis, he concluded his address.

The customary cutting of the Vasilopita followed the Divine Liturgy across Cairo’s temples. During this ritual, Greek Ambassador Nikolaos Papageorgiou extended New Year’s greetings, wishing everyone health, peace, and creativity. He also conveyed the greetings of political and state leadership to the attendees.

Article translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas

After the exchange of festive wishes and the rendition of traditional carols by the clergy of the Patriarchal Court, African students from the Patriarchal School of Alexandria ‘M. Athanasios,’ and Patriarchate staff to Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa in the Private Patriarchal Office, the Grand Vespers of the Feast of the Circumcision of the Lord and Basil the Great took place. The Patriarch officiated the liturgy at the Patriarchal Chapel of Saints Theodores.

Metropolitan Panteleimon of Naucratis and Metropolitan Narcissus of Pelusium were also present. In addition, Metropolitan Germanos of Tamiatheus, the Head of the Patriarchal School “Saint Athanasios,” Archim. Isaac Tsapoglou, and the other Greek and Arab clergy of the Archdiocese of the Great City.

Also present, Ex. Consul General in Alexandria Ioannis Pyrgakis, along with his spouse, the President of the Greek Community of Alexandria, Andreas Vafeiadis, the Captain and Association of the Greek Navy, Konstantinos Varouxis, along with his spouse, the President of the Greek Yacht Club Of Alexandria, and the Association of Greek Scientists “Ptolemy A” Lilika Thlivitou, and many others were also present.

Subsequently, the Patriarch blessed the vasilopita, cutting the first piece. He then extended the invitation to official representatives to partake, a Christian custom symbolizing the unity of all Egyptians in the City of Alexander.

In his address, the Primate of the Alexandrian Church highlighted the advancements in the challenging missionary work and called upon all to intensify their prayers for the peoples in need throughout Africa. He also urged for immediate cessation of war conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, where the living image of God is subjected to torture, destruction, and death – transcending race, faith, or language. Additionally, prayers were requested for the uninterrupted progress and prosperity of Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus.

He conveyed gratitude to his associates in the Patriarchal See, clergy, and laity. His well-wishes extended to the Consul General of Greece in Alexandria and the President of the Greek Community of Constantinople, with hopes for their continued success in their respective duties for the benefit of fellow citizens.

The Patriarchal Vicar of Alexandria, Metropolitan Narcissus, highlighted the personal struggle, gifts, dedication to duty, and the well-known virtues of generosity and love that surround every person. He also acknowledged the permanently positive attitude of the Patriarch towards the God-given gift of life.

Metropolitan Nikodimos of Memphis, the Patriarchal Vicar of Cairo, alongside priests from all the Churches of Cairo, joined the Patriarch. The hymns, sung by the Protopsaltes of the Greek Community of Cairo, resonated through the church. The Patriarchal Archon Archcantor, Mr. Tony Atala, and the Hieropsaltes (cantor), Mr. Ibrahim Musa, sung chants in Arabic, enriching the spiritual experience.

The Cathedral overflowed with attendees, uniting pious believers from the Greek Community and the Arabic-speaking Orthodox faithful. Together, they embraced the significance of the Son of God’s incarnation, especially amid the distressing reality of merciless conflicts affecting civilians in Palestine and elsewhere globally. This celebration serves as a beacon guiding our Christian morals, shedding light on humanity’s journey as a whole.

Metropolitan Nikodimos conveyed the Patriarchal encyclical, carrying a resounding message of peace to the congregation. In gratitude, the Patriarch expressed, “Thank you for gracing the house of God with your presence. Your presence strengthens me as I journey across Africa, carrying the message of peace.”

The Patriarch delivered a heartfelt address to esteemed guests, presenting them with commemorative gifts.

An annual tradition on Christmas Day is the official visit of Patriarch Tawadros II of the Coptic Christians, the pope of Alexandria and patriarch of the See of St. Mark, to the Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa. During this ceremonial meeting, the two Primates exchanged festive wishes.

At half past twelve, the Coptic Primate arrived at the Patriarchal Church, warmly welcomed by Metropolitan Nikodimos of Memphis. Patriarch Theodore cordially greeted and received him. The exchange of gifts followed, with Patriarch Theodore offering an elegant epitrachelion (stole) and gifts from Chios Island. The Coptic Patriarch presented him with icons of Coptic art and calendars for the new year.

The Egyptian media covered the doxology and the visit of the Coptic Patriarch, sending journalists and expressing particular interest in the Christmas festivities.

You can watch the reception of the Patriarch of Alexandria to the Coptic Patriarch in the video below:

Source: ekkairo.org  / Article translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas

Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa presided over the sacred services.

During the ceremony, Metropolitan Germanos of Tamiatheus, as the Head of the Holy Monastery, led the procession of the holy gifts symbolizing the journey of the Three Magi from Persia who followed a shining star to offer holy gifts to our Lord. The replica of these Holy Gifts was graciously offered to the Patriarchate of Alexandria by Archimandrite Parthenios, the Abbot of the Holy Monastery of St. Paul from Mount Athos.

Following the divine services, the Patriarch performed the Rasophoria (monastic tonsure) for the seminarians of the Patriarchal School of Alexandria “Athanasios the Great”. In his heartfelt address, the Patriarch imparted paternal guidance, encouraging them to honor the sacred cassock and to become messengers of the Holy Gospel in their native lands. He emphasized the enduring commitment of the Patriarchate, which for centuries has ardently sown the seeds of the Lord’s teachings throughout the African continent.

Text translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas

“In a world where people inflict harm, oppression, exploitation, and underestimate others, the seeds of true peace struggle to take root,” expressed the Patriarch in his message.

The ancient Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa, bearing pastoral responsibility for the entire African continent, has a profound understanding of the unjust exploitation and centuries-long suffering endured by the peoples it serves. The Patriarch underscored the exploitation of resources, instigation of conflicts among the vulnerable, and forced displacements they’ve experienced.

With a fatherly tone, the Patriarch shared a fervent blessing and encouragement: ‘And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ (Philippians 4:7). He urged the faithful to cultivate peace in their families, workplaces, social circles, and personal interactions, becoming ambassadors of peace in every aspect of life.

In his closing remarks, the Patriarch referred to the guidance of the apostle Paul: “Strive for peace, and ‘the God of love and peace will be with you’.” (2 Corinthians 13:11). He emphasized that this peace, born of the Nativity, is a profound gift from Jesus Christ.

Read the full Christmas message in Greek:

Source: ekkairo.org / Text translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas

Welcoming the Minister, Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria and all Africa expressed his joy for this visit, underlining the harmonious relations between Greece and Egypt, “which, cooperating harmoniously and constructively, also support the multifaceted work of the Patriarchate on the continent of the future, while affirming the strong example that peoples can live peacefully in the unifying area of the Mediterranean,” as he said.

At the same time, the Patriarch once again expressed the gratitude of the Church of Alexandria to the Greek and Egyptian State for their uninterrupted understanding of its humanitarian and social work in general. In the end, Patriarch Theodore awarded the Minister the highest honorary distinction of the Throne, the Grand Cross of St. Mark with a star.

In response, the Minister thanked the Patriarch of Alexandria for the warm welcome and the award of the honorary distinction and expressed the undiminished support of the Greek Government to the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa, underlining its role as “an important link with all African states and as a fervent supporter of peaceful creativity, progress, and brotherhood among peoples without discrimination.”

An exchange of commemorative gifts followed, as well as a special meeting of Patriarch Theodore with the Minister at the Patriarchal Office.

Present at the meeting was Metropolitan Panteleimon of Naucratis, Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod, Metropolitan Narcissus of Pelusium, Patriarchal Vicar of Alexandria, the Consul General of Greece in the Great City, Ioannis Pyrgakis, the President of the Greek Community of Alexandria, Andreas Vafiadis, the Captain of the Hellenic Navy, Konstantinos Varouxis, liaison of the Greek Navy with the Egyptian Navy, as well as high-ranking associates of the Minister.

On Sunday, December 17, 2023, Metropolitan Ieronymos of Kampala presided over a Hierarchical co-liturgy. Metropolitans Daniel of Axum and John of Zambia co-celebrated the Divine Liturgy.

The Hierarchs thanked Metropolitan John for the kind invitation and hospitality and wished him all the best for the 30th anniversary of his ordination as Presbyter (17/12/1993).

At the end of the Divine Liturgy, the two Zakynthian Metropolitans led the procession of the icon of Saint Dionysios around the Missionary Center, with the participation of the philharmonic orchestra of the Presidential Guard and all the Orthodox believers who came to receive the blessing of the Saint.

Immediately after the Divine Liturgiy, a Christmas celebration was held for the youth and the children of the Community. Boxes of sweets and gifts were distributed, parcels to support the needy families, local Zambian carols were chanted and a meal was offered to all the faithful.

The request came in due to the poor health state of Metropolitan Innocentios which has been inconsistent for close to four years now.

Born in 1967 in Eastern Uganda in the city of Jinja, Metropolitan Innocentios Byakatonda studied in the United States at the Holy Cross Hellenic College in Boston and for long has been involved in service to the Orthodox Mission in Africa in different countries such as Kenya, where he served as a Vicar General and left a notifiable impact on the growth of Orthodoxy in that country as well as having an instrumental role in the prosperity of Makarios III Orthodox Theological seminary in Nairobi.

He has served as the Hierarch of the Metropolis of Burundi and Rwanda for 11 years since November 21, 2012, when he was elected by the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa as Bishop of Burundi and Rwanda with the main sea in Bujumbura.

During his tenure, Metropolitan Innocientios continuously fronted the development of Orthodoxy in the countries he served.

The metropolitan will finally retire back to his home country in Uganda in the City of Jinja where he will continue providing words of wisdom and spiritual guidance. He will open up personal social media handles where he will continuously deliver his sermons, homilies, and other content.