Highest Honor Conferred: Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bestows Golden Cross of St. Mark on Pope Tawadros II
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Gerges Mounir Hanna – OCP News Service – 11/10/2025
Cairo – Egypt: In an extraordinary expression of deepening fraternal ties, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark (Coptic Orthodox), attended the grand celebration marking the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325 AD) and the Year of Saint Athanasius the Great.
The celebration, hosted by His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa (Greek Orthodox), served as a powerful scene of unity between the two ancient sister Churches in the land of St. Mark.
The Land of Athanasius: A Shared Theological Legacy
The solemn event took place at the Greek Club of Alexandria, attracting a distinguished assembly of diplomatic, academic, and ecclesiastical figures. The program focused heavily on the enduring legacy of Saint Athanasius the Great, the 20th Patriarch of Alexandria, whose valiant defense of the Orthodox faith at Nicaea was central to the commemoration.
The ceremony featured powerful artistic moments, including a joint musical performance uniting Byzantine and Coptic spiritual hymns, alongside a documentary celebrating the life and teachings of Athanasius.
The Golden Cross of Saint Mark: A Mark of Unity
The highlight of the evening was the formal exchange of honors, which underscored the spiritual bonds between the two Alexandrian Sees.
In a profound gesture of esteem and brotherly recognition, His Beatitude Patriarch Theodoros II conferred upon Pope Tawadros II the Golden Cross of Saint Mark, the highest honor bestowed by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria.
Patriarch Theodoros II offered the accolade in recognition of Pope Tawadros II’s dedication to Christian unity, his love, humility, and his faithful witness to their shared mission in Egypt.
In reciprocity, Pope Tawadros II expressed his profound joy at the invitation and his congratulations to the Greek Orthodox Patriarch on his 20th anniversary of patriarchal service, presenting him with a commemorative model of St. Mark’s Cathedral in Abbassia as a token of appreciation.
The encounter between the two spiritual leaders affirms the common Alexandrian heritage and confirms that the Spirit of Nicaea still inspires a radiant image of love and spiritual harmony among the sons of St. Mark today.
OCP News Service
