From January 20 to 23, 2025, Lieutenant General Georgios Tsitsikostas, the Chief of the General Staff of the National Guard of the Republic of Cyprus, conducted an official visit to Cairo. The purpose of his visit was to enhance military cooperation between Cyprus and Egypt through bilateral discussions with General Ahmed Khalifa, the Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces.
Pilgrimage to the Patriarchal Monastery of St. George
During his visit on Wednesday, January 22, Lieutenant General Tsitsikostas visited the Patriarchal Monastery of St. George in Old Cairo. The following day, on Thursday, January 23, he also visited the Patriarchal Vicariate in Cairo, where he received a warm welcome from Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, Theodoros II.
Upon arrival at the Rotunda of the East, the Chief was greeted by Metropolitan Savvas, the Abbot of the Monastery. Lieutenant General Tsitsikostas then proceeded to the monastery’s Catholicon, where he lit a candle and paid his respects to the miraculous icon of St. George.
Metropolitan Savvas provided insights into the monastery’s historical journey, highlighting its role as a symbol of harmony and coexistence among different cultures, peoples, and religions. He emphasized the monastery’s significance as a testament to the Greek Orthodox presence in Egypt.
Visit to the Monastery’s Museum
The Chief’s tour included a visit to the monastery’s catacombs, where the museum is located. The Abbot showcased the museum’s valuable exhibits, offering a glimpse into the cultural and religious heritage of the monastery.
Exchange of Gifts
The visit concluded with an exchange of gifts in the Throne Room, strengthening the bonds between the Church and the Cypriot National Guard. Metropolitan Savvas conveyed Patriarch Theodoros II’s warm regards to Lieutenant General Tsitsikostas, further solidifying the relationship between the two entities.
This visit underscored the deep historical connections between Cyprus and Egypt, highlighting the enduring importance of Greek Orthodox heritage in the region.
Source and photos: ekkairo.org / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas