On Sunday, December 1, 2024, Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa visited Krugersdorp, where he led the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Apostle Andrew.
The annual festival, hosted by the Cyprus Brotherhood of South Africa in honor of Apostle Andrew, is the largest celebration of its kind in the region, bringing together communities, federations, and unions from across South Africa. Alongside the Patriarch were Metropolitan Damaskinos of Johannesburg and Pretoria, Metropolitan Georgios of Guinea, Archimandrites Timotheos Kapsalis and Athinodoros Papaevripiadis, and Presbyter Fr. Stylianos Nathaniel, the parish priest. Distinguished guests included Greek Ambassador Mr. Georgios Aravositas, High Commissioner of Cyprus Mr. Antonis Mandritis, Ukrainian Ambassador Mrs. Liubov Abravitova, other dignitaries, and hundreds of pilgrims.
During the Divine Liturgy, the Patriarch honored Metropolitan Damaskinos for his 20 years of service as a hierarch. He presented him with a Cross as a token of appreciation, highlighting that Metropolitan Damaskinos was the first bishop he ordained after becoming Patriarch.
The Patriarch also awarded the Grand Cross of Saint Mark to High Commissioner Antonis Mandritis and the Star of Saint Mark to Steven Savvidis, a Great Benefactor of the Community. Additionally, he appointed Christos Sofos as Archon Protopsaltis. The service concluded with the procession of the icon of Apostle Andrew and the traditional artoklasia.
As part of the festivities, the Cyprus Brotherhood commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus with speeches. Mr. Arvanitis and High Commissioner Mandritis emphasized the ongoing quest for justice and the repatriation of refugees. Mr. Mandritis urged the international community to address the illegal occupation of Cyprus with the same concern as the invasion of Ukraine.
In his speech, Patriarch Theodore II offered prayers for Cyprus, Ukraine, Gaza, and all war-affected regions. He encouraged unity, creativity, and joy among the Greek community, commending their enthusiastic participation in the festival. As a gesture of gratitude, he gifted the President of the Cypriot Community with an icon of Panagia Agarathos.
The celebrations continued with a festive table featuring traditional Cypriot cuisine. Dance groups, including children and adults, performed traditional Greek and Cypriot dances, adding a lively and joyful atmosphere to the event.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
