On March 9, 2025, the Sunday of Orthodoxy, the Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa presided over the Divine Liturgy and the procession of the Holy Icons at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Alexandria.
Prayers for the Departed and the Persecuted
Before the conclusion of the Eucharistic gathering, a memorial service was offered for the repose of the souls of the departed benefactors, donors, presidents, and members of the historic Greek Community of Alexandria. The Patriarch also prayed for the innocent Christians worldwide who have lost their lives due to civil wars, armed conflicts, and religious intolerance.
The Significance of the Sunday of Orthodoxy
In his sermon, the venerable Primate of the Apostolic See of St. Mark reflected on the significance of the Sunday of Orthodoxy, commemorating the triumph of the veneration of Holy Icons. He emphasized the power of faith, which grants hope and strength to endure hardships, overcome adversities, and move forward with spiritual resilience.
“This reality is evident in the suffering land of Africa, where the Sunday of Orthodoxy is experienced daily as a victorious manifestation of the Holy Gospel and Christ’s Church. This triumph stands against the unseen and, more recently, the visible forces of ‘mercenary love’ that seek to keep humanity—the crowning glory of divine creation—enslaved by darkness, subject to fleeting agendas. But, my beloved children, my blessed children of Mother Africa, stand firm, stand courageously! The Lord our God, who works wonders, is alive!” the Patriarch declared.
Condemnation of Violence and Advocacy for Peace
Patriarch Theodoros expressed deep sorrow for the innocent victims of armed conflicts, particularly children left orphaned due to wars and political unrest. “In the tragic hours of grieving mothers, in the moments when life’s dreams are shattered, and in the horrors of captivity and death, our prayers, thoughts, and sincere love accompany the families of the victims, the wounded, and the inconsolable parents,” he stated.
“We stand firmly against all forms of terrorism, injustice, violence, war, lawlessness, and indifference. We serve only unity, love, reconciliation, dialogue, and brotherhood, as humble messengers of peace. May God be our helper and protector! Eternal be the memory of our unjustly slain brothers and sisters across the world. Let the triumph of the restoration of Holy Icons in the 9th century become, in the 21st century, a triumph for the restoration of the most precious living icon of God—humanity itself,” the Patriarch concluded.
