Serbian Patriarch’s Canonical visit to the Patriarchate of Alexandria

12/10/2012

His Holiness Archbishop of Pec, Metropolitan of Belgrade-Karlovac and Serbian Patriarch Irinej, accompanied by Their Graces Bishops, Jovan of Sumadija and Andrej of Remesiana, protopresbyter-staurophor Milutin Timotijevic, rector of the Seminarz of Sts. Cyrill and Methodius in Nis, and deacon Aleksandar Sekulic began on October 5, 2012 his first visit to the Patriarchate of Alexandria after the electon and enthronement.

His Holiness and the official delegation in Cairo were welcomed by His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theorodos II of Alexandria and All Africa accompanied by His Grace Bishop Nikodim of Nitrea, the Patriarch’s vicar in Cairo, after which they went to the historical monastery of Saint George. There they were welcomed by hegumen – HIs Grace Bishop Niphon of Babilon with the priesthood.

After the solemn doxology, His Beatitude Patriarch of Alexandria held an inspiried sermon wishing Patriarch a warm welcome to His Holiness Irinej, Serbian Patriarch.

On Saturday, October 6, 2012 His Holiness Irinej, Serbian Patriarch has a meeting with His Beatitude Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa, at the ancient seat of the Archbishopric. On this occasion the Patriarch had an opportunity to visit the Patriarchate court, Library and Alexandrian monastery of Saint Sabbas the Sanctified, where is located the school of Alexandrian Patriarchate “Saint Athanasius”. His Holiness visited also the famous Library of Alexandria.

The same day His Holiness met with high diplomats of the Republic of Greece in Alexandria.

In the afternoon hours, His Holiness, along with other members of the delegation of the Serbian Church, attended the solemn vesper service at the Cathedral church devoted to Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos.

On Sunday, October 7, 2012 the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy was served with the concelebration of two Patriarchs, His Beatitude Theodoros II, Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa and His Holiness Irinej, Serbian Patriarch.

After the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy, there was a feast day’s gathering at the Patriarch’s chambers and on this occasion His Beatitude Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa and His Holiness Serbian Patriarch exchanged gifts that symbolized two church cathedras.

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