First Liturgical Commemoration of St. Sylvester Held in Alexandria
The Patriarchate of Alexandria held the first formal liturgical celebration in honor of newly canonized St. Sylvester.
ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT — With solemn splendor, the first official liturgical commemoration of St. Sylvester, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria, was celebrated on February 19, 2026, at the Patriarchal Monastery of St. Savvas the Sanctified. The saint was formally inscribed among the Saints of the Church last October by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria.
The Divine Liturgy was presided over by Patr. Theodore II of Alexandria, joined by Metr. Germanos of Tamiathis and Bp. Damaskinos of Mareotis. Clergy of the Patriarchal Court and students of the Patriarchal School of St. Athanasios from across Africa were present, underscoring the pan-African significance of the occasion.
In his homily, Patr. Theodore reflected on St. Sylvester’s leadership of the Throne of St. Mark from 1569 to 1590 and his decisive role in preserving the Patriarchate’s archives and manuscripts. He also highlighted the saint’s Cretan roots and spiritual formation, as well as the publication of his liturgical service following his canonization.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Alexandria celebrated Patr. Theodore II's name day.
