During a heartfelt and joyous ceremony, Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa inaugurated the 2024–2025 school year at the historic Tositsaio Primary School. The event took place on Thursday, September 12, 2024, and was met with excitement as students, teachers, and parents eagerly welcomed the Patriarch, seeking his blessing. Known for his warm demeanor, Patriarch Theodore II greeted everyone with a smile, engaging with children, parents, and educators on a personal level.
The ceremony commenced with the Patriarch conducting the Sanctification Service, offering prayers for a productive and successful school year. As a symbolic gesture, he sprinkled basil leaves dipped in holy water over the crowd, imparting his wishes for strength and health in the upcoming year.
Reflecting on his two decades as the leader of the Church of Alexandria, the Patriarch shared a poignant message:
“My children, it has been 20 years since I was called by our Lord to lead the Church of Alexandria. This is my home, the place I depart from and return to. Before me, I see thousands of children and schools across the continent of Africa, representing the future. Today, I see my child Markos here, and in his face, I see all the children of Africa. We estimate there are approximately 80,000 children in Africa whom we are striving to support for a better future. To all of you, whether born in Alexandria or our beloved Greece, I wish you great progress.”
The Consul General of Greece in Alexandria, Ioannis Pyrgakis, also conveyed his best wishes to the attendees, emphasizing health, academic achievement, and personal growth. He assured the community of the Consulate General’s continuous support for students, teachers, and parents, expressing hope for a fruitful academic year that equips the children with essential knowledge and education for their future success.
Source: ekalexandria.org / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
