June 2002
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THE PATRIARCH OF ALEXANDRIA IN DAR ES SALAAM On Thursday, May 30th, 2002, His Beatitude Petros VII, Pope & Patriarch of Alexandria & All Africa, departed from Bukoba to Dar Es Salaam. At the international airport of Tanzania's capital His Beatitude was welcomed by H.E. Proterios, Metropolitan of Dar Es Salaam; Mrs. Nagla El Husseiny, Ambassador of Egypt; Mr. G. Ferentinos, Honorary Consul of Greece; Mr. E. Maragkakis, President of the Greek Community of Dar Es Salaam; Mr. E. Konstantinidis, Vice President of the 'Pantagkaniki' Union of Greeks; local clergy and members of the Greek Community. At noon the Patriarch attended a luncheon hosted by H.E. Proterios. That evening he visited the Cathedral of St. Paraskevi and the Residence of H.E. Proterios. He also met in private with H.E. Proterios and Mr. Ferentinos. Among the various issues discussed were the progress of the missionary work in Tanzania and the publicity of the Orthodox Church in that area. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE PATRIARCH MEETS WITH THE PRESIDENT OF TANZANIA On Friday, May 31st, 2002, His Beatitude met with H.E. Benzamin William Mkapa, President of Tanzania. The Patriarch was warmly received by the President and his collaborators at the President's Palace. His Beatitude, during this courtesy visit, thanked the President of the country for the warm welcome; referred to the history of the Church of Alexandria and the missionary and charity work of the Orthodox Church in Tanzania under the auspices of H.E. Proterios; wished fast economical progress for the country and presented him an icon of the Theotokos. President Mkapa thanked the Patriarch for the blessing of his presence, for appointing H.E. Proterios as Metropolitan of Dar Es Salaam; referred to the two most important problems of the country (AIDS & poverty); expressed his appreciation for the contribution of the Orthodox Church to the social problems of Tanzania and asked the Patriarch to pray for peace and progress in the country. Later on His Beatitude met with H.E. Kleist Sykes, Mayor of Dar Es Salaam. That evening he attended a dinner hosted in his honor by Mr. Ferentinos. On Saturday, June 1st, 2002, the Patriarch met in private with H.E. Proterios, Mr. Ferentinos, the local clergy and community officials. At noon he attended a luncheon hosted by Mr. Alexandros Dembeniotis. During the luncheon, His Beatitude thanked all present for their respect of the historical Patriarchate and their contributory efforts in assisting the new Metropolitan in reorganizing the diocese. His Beatitude also referred to the renaissance of the Patriarchate and the progress of the missionary work in Bukoba. His Beatitude highlighted the necessity of missionary and charity work to aid the local people. Finally His Beatitude honored the following with the Cross of St. Mark: Mr. Alexandros Dembeniotis, Mr. Dimitrios Zimbaras, Mr. Achilleas Efstathiou and Mr. Konstantinos Samaras. That evening the Patriarch privately met with H.E. Chrysostomos, Metropolitan of Kition (Church of Cyprus) and H.E. Proterios. During the meeting H.E. Chrysostomos resolved to build the Church of St. Andronikos and St. Athanasia in the city of IRIGA. This is Fr. Kiriakos Prokopiou's initiative and this project will be funded by the community of Xylotymbos of the Larnaca district in Cyprus. Later on the Patriarch attended a dinner hosted in his honor by the Greek Community and the 'Pantagkaniki' Union of Greeks. Among the guests were Mrs. Nagla El Husseiny, Ambassador of Egypt and Mr. G. Ferentinos. During the dinner Mr. Emmanuel Marangkakis thanked the Patriarch for honoring them with his visit; for the establishment of the new diocese; for the election of a new Metropolitan and highlighted the contribution of the Patriarchate in Africa along with the efforts of the Greeks. He also spoke of the difficulties in preserving traditions that are Greek and Orthodox and marked the importance of the meeting with the President of Tanzania. His Beatitude expressed his thanks for their dedication to the Patriarchate. He then pointed to the ability of the Greeks, when they work in unity and benevolence, to succeed despite difficulties. Finally, His Beatitude assured them that better days would come as long as they work with faith and trust in God. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PATRIARCHAL LITURGY IN DAR ES SALAAM On Sunday, June 2nd, 2002, His Beatitude presided over the Patriarchal Liturgy at the Cathedral of St. Paraskevi in Dar Es Salaam. H.E. Proterios expressed his joy and emotion on behalf of the Orthodox faithful of Tanzania, highlighting the importance of this visit and the great blessing for the Patriarchate to have as head H.B. Petros. He then referred to important projects completed during the last five years under the Patriarch. His Beatitude expressed his thanks for the faithful's love of the Patriarchate. He then highlighted the role and the mission of the Patriarchate as the Mother Church, which he stated, is to spiritually guide the Greek, Arab and African Orthodox in Africa. His Beatitude referred to the missionary work in Dar Es Salaam and spoke of the hope, blessing and grace that the Africans receive form the Orthodox Church in Tanzania. The Patriarch then wished a fruitful life to the new Orthodox. Among the attendees were the Ambassador of Egypt, Community officials, representatives of other denominations and many Greek, Russian and African faithful. A reception followed in the Community Hall. Later on the Patriarch visited the Holy Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos in the city of KUDUSI. At noon he attended a luncheon hosted in his honor by Mr. Michael Kazamias and later a dinner hosted by Mrs. Stella Matheaki. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AT THE EMBASSY OF EGYPT IN DAR ES SALAAM On Monday, June 3rd, His Beatitude visited the Embassy of Egypt. He was warmly welcomed by H.E. Mrs. NAGLA EL HUSSEINY, Ambassador of Egypt and the rest of the staff. Mrs. Husseiny thanked the Patriarch for honoring the Embassy with his visit. She then marked the importance of the presence of the Patriarchate in Egypt and commented on the significant results of this Patriarchal visit for the Orthodox Church, not only in Tanzania but in Egypt as well, stating the publicity of his visit in the local media. The Patriarch thanked the Ambassador for her presence at all the events during his stay in Dar Es Salaam. His Beatitude asked her to extend his appreciation and gratitude to the President of Egypt and the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the protection that the Patriarchate receives in Egypt and presented her a silver tray. That evening His Beatitude had a meeting with Mr. G. Ferentinos at the Greek Consulate. Later on he attended a farewell dinner hosted in his honor by H.E. Proterios at the 'Parthenon' hall of the Greek Community. The Patriarch commented on the positive results of his visit in the country and the various meetings that took place during his stay in Dar Es Salaam. Further, he highlighted the contribution of the Orthodox Church and Hellenism towards Tanzania's progress. Finally, His Beatitude gave strength and courage to the Greeks to carry on their struggle; urged them to remain in this beautiful country where they were born and have achieved great things and assured them that better days would come. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTURE FROM DAR ES SALAAM On Tuesday, June 4th, 2002, the Patriarch completed his first pastoral visit to Dar Es Salaam and departed for Kenya. At the airport of Tanzania's capital, His Beatitude was ushered by H.E. Proterios, the Ambassador of Egypt, Mr. G. Ferentinos and others. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OFFICIAL VISIT OF THE PATRIARCH OF ALEXANDRIA IN GEORGIA (22 - 27, JUNE 2002) His Beatitude Petros VII, Pope & Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa is going to visit officialy the Orthodox Church of Georgia in June 22 - 27. On Sunday of the Pentecost Patriarch Petros and H.B. Ilias, Patriarch of Georgia are going to concelebrate at the Holy Cathedral of Svetiskhoveli in Tiblisi. During his stay in Georgia the Patriarch will meet with H.E. Edward Shevardnadze, President of Georgia. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE PATRIARCH OF ALEXANDRIA IN KENYA On Tuesday, June 4th, 2002, His Beatitude Petros VII, Pope & Patriarch of Alexandria & all Africa concluded his pastoral visit to Dar Es Salaam and departed for Nairobi. At the international airport of Nairobi he was welcomed by H.E. Makarios, Metropolitan of Kenya & Irinoupolis; H.E. Serafim, Metropolitan of Johannesburg & Pretoria; Mr. Ioannis Korinthios, Ambassador of Greece; Mr. Konstantinos Iliadis, High Commissioner of Cyprus; a representative of the Embassy of Egypt; local clergy; students of the Patriarchal Theological Seminary and local faithful form the tribe of the Masai wearing traditional Masai clothes. As soon as the Patriarch arrived at the premises of the diocese and the seminary in the Riruta area, he attended a Doxology service at the Holy Church of St. Makarios. H.E. Makarios welcomed the Patriarch by expressing his appreciation for the Patriarch's love, blessings and his frequent visits to the Seminary, which is the heart of the missionary work with students from all over Africa. Finally he asked the Patriarch to bless the students, clergy and the faithful so that they may follow the example of the Patriarchs of Alexandria and the ascetics of the desert. The Patriarch expressed his thanks for the warm welcome. He then referred to his pastoral visit to East Kenya and the exceptional achievements of the missionary work there. The Patriarch also expressed his wish for spiritual progress highlighted everyone's responsibility to remain faithful and devoted to the Orthodox tradition and finally, he emphasized his love for children and the duty of every person to follow them in their virtue. That evening the Ambassador of Greece hosted a dinner in honor of the Patriarch. Among the guests were the entourage of the Patriarch; H.E. Ionas, Metropolitan of Kampala; Mr. Kalonzo Musioka, Minister of Tourism and Mr. Evangelos Spyropoulos, President of the Greek Community of Nairobi. Mr. Ioannis Korinthios thanked the Patriarch for his presence and congratulated him for the magnificent missionary work of the Patriarchate on the African continent, which Mr. Korinthios pointed out was due to the Patriarch's own supervision and interest. His Beatitude expressed his thanks for the honor and love he received and his appreciation for the moral and financial support from Greece. The Patriarch asked Mr. Korinthios to extend his appreciation to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and then presented him with a silver tray. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEETING OF THE PATRIARCHAL SEMINARY BOARD On Wednesday, June 5th, 2002, the Patriarch presided over the meeting of the Board of the Patriarchal Theological Seminary 'Makarios III, Archbishop of Cyprus'. Among the various issues discussed and decisions taken were the following: 1. A list of names of the new students. 2. The new academic year which will start on September 1st and last until June 15th. 3. The students preaching which should be practiced at St. Makarios Church, which is on the premises of the Seminary. 4. The temporary hiring of Mr. Zakheos Ntzougke as professor. 5. The curriculum and the schedule for the Boarding house of the Seminary. 6. The inclusion of Hagiography, Missionary work, Confession and Pastoral theology as academic courses. 7. The amendment of the financial budget. At the meeting were: H.E. Chrysostomos, Metropolitan of Kition; H.E. Irineos, Metropolitan of Pelousion; H.E. Makarios, Metropolitan of Kenya; H.E. Ionas, Metropolitan of Kampala and all Uganda; H.E. Serafim, Metropolitan of Johannesburg & Pretoria; the Very Revd. Innokentios Byakatonda; the Revd. Fr. Silouanos Gitsiangka; the Very Revds. Ioakim Kontovas and Dimitrios Zacharegkas. That evening the Patriarch visited the Cathedral of Sts. Anargyroi in Nairobi. He also visited the Presbytery and offices that are under renovation. Later on he attended a dinner hosted in his honor by Mr. Refaat Anshari, the Ambassador of Egypt. Among the guests were Mr. Mamdouh Gabr, former Minister of Health; Mr. Alexander Ignatief, Ambassador of Russia; the High Commissioner of Cyprus and Mr. Salah Halimah, the Ambassador of Egypt in Somalia. His Beatitude thanked the Ambassador for this honor and presented him with a silver tray. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE PATRIARCH IN WEST KENYA On Thursday, June 6th, 2002, the Patriarch met in private with H.E. Ionas; H.E. Serafim; the Very Revd. Johannes Eco and the Very Revd. Themistoklis Adamopoulos. The focus of all the meetings was the missionary work in Africa. In the evening the Patriarch arrived in West Kenya by plane. At the airport of Kisumu he was welcomed by the local clergy and many faithful. Later on he attended special festivities in his honor. The Patriarch thanked everyone present for this honor and their love. He also thanked those who traveled from afar and congratulated them on their spiritual progress. That evening the Patriarch had a press conference with the local media. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE CHURCH OF ST. MARK IN CHAVOGERE On Friday, June 7th, 2002 His Beatitude presided over the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy and the consecration of the Church of St. Mark. Among the concelebrants were H.E. Chrysostomos, Metropolitan of Kition, the Patriarchal entourage from Alexandria and the Very Revd. Gerasimos Makris with the local clergy. In his sermon the Patriarch referred to the history of the Patriarchate and marked the importance of the consecration of a new church highlighting that this church is in the area that gave birth to the first Orthodox priests of the seminary. The Patriarch thanked the founders of the church and the group of twenty missionary volunteers from the USA who helped in the construction of two new schools in the area. Special festivities followed the Service. The Patriarch also urged the faithful to remain close to the Orthodox Church, which was founded in Africa by St. Mark 2000 years ago. Later on His Beatitude visited the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos in IGONYI. He also visited the city of KISUMU and finally returned back to Nairobi late in the evening. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE GRADUATION CEREMONY AT THE PATRIARCHAL SEMINARY On Saturday, June 8th, 2002 the Patriarch presided over the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at the Church of St. Mark on the premises of the Patriarchal Theological Seminary 'Makarios III, Archbishop of Cyprus'. During the Service he granted the rank of Archimandrite to Fr. Innokentios Byakatonda and the rank of Economos to Fr. Siluanos Cichanga. The graduation ceremony of the Patriarchal Seminary followed the Divine Liturgy. His Beatitude addressed the new laborers of the Gospel. In his address he referred to the history of the Patriarchate throughout the ages, marked the contribution of the seminary since its foundation 20 years ago and urged them to remain witnesses to the powerful presence of Orthodox life. During the ceremony, the Ambassador of Greece presented the graduates with their certificates of graduation from the Greek Ministry of Education. Among the speakers were H.E. Makarios and Mr. Kalonzo Musyoka, Minister of Tourism and Communication. Finally they presented scholarships to the students who had made the best progress. That evening the Patriarch met with the Mayor of Kisumu. The Mayor promised to offer a piece of land for the construction of a new Church. His Beatitude informed the Mayor that apart from the church, a school would be built on the same land. That evening Mr. Konstantinos Iliadis, High Commissioner of Cyprus, hosted a dinner in honor of the Patriarch. Mr. Iliadis remarked on the personality of the Patriarch and congratulated him for the missionary and social work of the Patriarchate on the African continent. His Beatitude thanked Mr. Iliadis for his kind comments and for the support that the Patriarchate receives from the Government of Cyprus. He then spoke of the historical affiliation between Cyprus and Alexandria, marked the luminary example of Archbishop Makarios and finally referred to his struggle in meetings with Church and Civil Leaders for a just solution to the Cyprus issue. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE PATRIARCH CONCLUDES HIS VISIT TO EAST AFRICA On Sunday, June 9th, 2002, the Patriarch presided over the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of Sts. Anargyroi. Among the faithful that participated were members of the Greek, Russian, Romanian and African communities. In his sermon His Beatitude indicated the need for communication between man and God who is the fountain of light. He assured everyone that the Patriarchate would always stand beside them like a lantern that would light their path and that without Jesus, life is empty with no effect and aim. Special festivities followed the service. The Patriarch distributed writing materials to the children. At noon the Greek Community hosted a luncheon in honor of the Patriarch. That evening the Patriarch visited the Institution of St. Clement of Alexandria. This institution looks after orphans and provides educational tools such as computers and teaches various skills such as sewing. Later on His Beatitude met in private with H.E. Makarios and local clergy. The missionary work in Kenya was the main issue discussed. Later on H.E. Makarios hosted a farewell dinner in honor of the Patriarch. Early Monday morning, June 10th, 2002, the Patriarch and his entourage departed for Cairo. That evening they arrived at the Patriarchal See in Alexandria. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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