Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria marked the 36th anniversary of his episcopal consecration

On June 17, Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa marked the 36th anniversary of his episcopal consecration. On this occasion, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Alexandria celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the ancient Patriarchal Church of St. Savvas the Sanctified in Alexandria and addressed the faithful with a message about the ministry, the Church’s mission in Africa, and trust in God’s Providence.

According to the “Life of the Church” portal, the future Patriarch’s consecration took place on June 17, 1990. At that time, he was ordained a bishop of Cyrene by the late Blessed Patriarch Parthenius III of Alexandria.

The festive Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the very same holy altar where, for centuries, the predecessors of the current Patriarch of Alexandria had celebrated the Eucharist and ordained the bishops of the Church of Alexandria. Metropolitan Hierotheos III of Limnos and Saint Eustratius, who was visiting the Patriarchate of Alexandria, as well as Bishop Damaskinos of Mareotida, the patriarchal vicar in Alexandria, participated in the Liturgy in prayer.

After the service, Patriarch Theodore II recalled with gratitude the day of his consecration and the spiritual influence of Patriarch Parthenios III. According to the Primate, it was Patriarch Parthenios who taught him not to seek ministry for himself, but first and foremost to serve God, and then his neighbors.

“Today marks thirty-six years since that blessed day—June 17, 1990. There were few believers, but the grace of the Holy Spirit was immeasurable. I thank God that He has granted me the grace of the episcopate on this holy throne,” said Patriarch Theodore II.

Addressing the topic of more than four decades of uninterrupted service to the ancient Patriarchate of Alexandria, the Primate emphasized the importance of hope, patience, and trust in God’s Providence. He noted that good deeds are often performed quietly and unnoticed, whereas bad news spreads quickly.

The Patriarch paid special attention to the missionary work of the Church of Alexandria on the African continent. He reminded the audience that many communities are in need of churches, schools, hospitals, priests, and catechists. “An entire continent is opening its arms to the Gospel. The needs are immense, but there are few workers. The field is boundless, but there are few hands. The cross is heavy, but our shoulders are limited, ” he noted.

Patriarch Theodore II also emphasized that the Church of St. Mark the Apostle and Evangelist has never waited for ideal conditions to minister, but has moved forward thanks to people of faith and a spirit of self-sacrifice. According to him, the history of the Church was shaped not by outside observers, but by those who entered “the arena” as true ascetics and gave their lives to heal the wounds of others.

At the conclusion of the celebrations, a festive reception in honor of Patriarch Theodore II was held in the Throne Hall of the ancient Patriarchal Monastery.