Patr. Theodoros II Leads Historic Ecumenical Service in Panama

Photo: Photo by Arquidiócesis de Panamá

PANAMA CITY, PANAMA — His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, was warmly received at the Catedral Basílica Santa María la Antigua on January 29 for an ecumenical prayer service described by the Catholic Archdiocese of Panama as “historic.” The event brought together Orthodox and Catholic clergy and faithful, opening with a formal rite of reception led by Panama’s Metropolitan Archbishop, José Domingo Ulloa Mendieta, O.S.A., who welcomed the Patriarch to the “mother and spiritual heart” of the Church in Panama.

The service marked several milestones, including the First Centenary of the Archdiocese and the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea. Abp. Ulloa highlighted the Patriarch’s visit as a “prophetic sign” of unity amid a divided world, emphasizing that communion between Christians remains both possible and necessary. The faithful prayed under the intercession of Santa María la Antigua, venerated as the Theotokos in Orthodox tradition.

Accompanied by Metr. Iakovos of Mexico and other Greek Orthodox representatives, Patr. Theodoros II later received the “Francisco Javier de Luna Victoria y Castro” decoration from Universidad Católica Santa María la Antigua, expressing gratitude for chanting psalms in his native language and offering a prayerful wish for “peace, peace, and peace” in Panama.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Theodore II baptized 100 catechumens in Madagascar. 

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