Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria organized Iftar in the premises of the Patriarchate

on March 10, Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria held an Iftar in Alexandria in honor of engineers, architects and workers involved in the restoration of the historic Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. The event, traditionally held during the month of Ramadan after the end of the day’s fasting, took place in the courtyard of the Patriarchate of Alexandria. Among the guests at the event were Ioannis Pyrgakis, Consul General of Greece in Alexandria, Andreas Vafeadis, Chairman of the Greek Community of Alexandria, Ibrahim Al-Jamal, representative of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in Alexandria, Bishop Damaskin of Mareotia, Vicar of the Patriarch of Alexandria, as well as representatives of the Rowad construction company responsible for the restoration work.

Patriarch Theodore II expressed his deep gratitude to all those who are working tirelessly to restore this historic church. He emphasized that during Ramadan, the workers continue their work with the same dedication despite the difficulties of fasting. In his address, the Patriarch also thanked the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, for his constant support and goodwill towards the multifaceted mission of the Patriarchate of Alexandria.

In addition, the Patriarch expressed his sincere gratitude to Athanasios and Marina Martinos, major benefactors of the Patriarchate, whose generous contribution made it possible to begin the restoration of the Church of the Annunciation, a monument of great historical and spiritual significance for Alexandria. He also thanked Ioannis Pyrgakis, Consul General of Greece in Alexandria, and Andreas Vafeadis, Chairman of the Greek Community of Alexandria, emphasizing the fruitful cooperation between the Greek Community and the Patriarchate.

The Patriarch warmly welcomed the representative of Sheikh Al-Azhar, noting that his presence is a powerful symbol of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and brotherhood in Egypt. He concluded by thanking the owners of Rowad, especially architect Mohamed Mahlab, for their dedication and contribution to the important restoration project of the historic shrine. The guests, in turn, thanked Patriarch Theodore for the honorable invitation and hospitality.

Recall that on March 27, 2025, Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople participated in a Muslim Iftar. This time, a solemn dinner during the Muslim fasting period of Ramadan, the head of the Phanar spent in the company of Turkish President Recep Erdogan. The dinner took place against the backdrop of the ongoing anti-presidential protests in Turkey.