On Sunday, March 23, the Patriarchal Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in Cairo was filled with reverence and splendor as Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa led the Divine Liturgy and exalted the Holy Cross.
Metropolitans Nicholas of Hermopolis, Nicodemos of Memphis, Savvas of Nubia, and Bishop Stephanos of Hippo joined the Patriarch in the celebration. After the Divine Liturgy, a procession of the Holy Cross took place within the Cathedral.
Following the service, Patriarch Theodore distributed “cross-flowers” as a blessing to the faithful. He raised the Cross once more and spoke emotively, declaring, “May this Holy Cross be a source of love, mercy, and forgiveness, washing away our weaknesses and revealing our love. Alongside the Holy Cross, the Most Holy Theotokos accompanies our tears and blesses our homelands – Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus.”
The Patriarch expressed his deep compassion for Africa, a continent close to his heart: “But my deepest affection is for afflicted Africa. Let the Holy Cross symbolize love for those in need, those who are hungry and homeless. Our Church stands in solidarity with all those who are struggling.”
In a message of love and unity to the world, Patriarch Theodore concluded, “Life is short and beautiful, and we must cherish it and live it fully. Many blessings to all.”
Source and photos: ekkairo.org