Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Theodore II visited Port Said on the morning of July 17 to witness the completion of the extensive renovation of the Holy Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior.
Chrysanthi Skoufaridou, Vice President of the Hellenic Community of Cairo and Head of the “Churches and Cemeteries” Department, welcomed the Patriarch early in the morning, along with the Community Commissioner and Head of the “Technical and Maintenance” Department, Stelios Chalkias.
Skoufaridou and Chalkias gave the Patriarch a tour of the church, offering their insights and receiving his valuable suggestions based on his ecclesiastical experience and knowledge.
The Patriarch expressed his satisfaction and appreciation to Chrysanthi Skoufaridou for her dedicated supervision of the project, to Stelios Chalkias for the exemplary execution of the renovation, and to the President of the Hellenic Community of Cairo, Christos Kavalis, for the strong relationship maintained with the Patriarchate of Alexandria.
Skoufaridou updated the Patriarch on the progress of the renovation at the Holy Church of St. Catherine in Suez and thanked Metropolitan Savvas of Nubia for his support. She also acknowledged the prompt response and assistance of Metropolitan Nikodimos of Memphis and Metropolitan Narcissus of Pelusium in addressing community concerns regarding the church’s exterior color change.
Following the church visit, Patriarch Theodore and Father Antonios held a memorial service for Irene Philipou, a respected member of the Port Said community. Her son, Kamel Petrou, received the Patriarch’s blessings and words of comfort.
The day concluded at the restaurant “Kastan,” where the Patriarch was warmly welcomed. Guests enjoyed the scenic view of the Mediterranean and delicious seafood appetizers provided by the President of the Arab-speaking Christians of Port Said, Salama Aisa.
Photo: Ahmed Araby
Source: ekkairo.org / Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou