January 1, 2025, saw the new year ushered in with a Divine Liturgy and a Doxology at the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Alexandria. Metropolitan Panteleimon of Ptolemais presided over the Divine Liturgy, with the Hierarchical Head of the Church, His Beatitude Patriarch Theodore II, and Metropolitans Narcissus of Pelusium and Germanos of Tamiatheus officiating.
After the Liturgy, a Doxology was conducted to mark the beginning of the new year. Notable guests in attendance included the Consul General of Greece, Ioannis Pyrgakis, and the President of the Greek Community of Alexandria, Andreas Vafeiadis, along with other community members.
In his address, Patriarch Theodore II extended warm wishes for love, peace, and health in the upcoming year. He also announced that 2025 would be dedicated to the memory of Saint Athanasius the Great, Archbishop of Alexandria and a prominent theologian of the First Ecumenical Synod.
The celebrations continued with the traditional cutting of the Vasilopita at the Cathedral. Patriarch Theodore blessed all present and expressed his gratitude to Metropolitan Panteleimon for his hospitality.
The day concluded with Patriarch Theodore II visiting the “MANNA” Nursing Home of the Greek Community of Alexandria, where he spent time with the residents and shared a meal. Accompanied by Metropolitan Narcissus of Pelusium, the Consul General of Greece, and the President of the Greek Community, the visit highlighted the close bond between the Church and the Greek diaspora in Alexandria.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
