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# Patr. Theodoros II Celebrates 22nd Anniversary of Election to Alexandrian Throne
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/patr-theodoros-ii-celebrates-22nd-anniversary-of-election-to-alexandrian-throne/
- Published: 2026-10-13T16:21:12.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-13T16:21:12.000Z
- Description: Numerous hierarchs and dignitaries attend in support of the longtime primate of the Alexandrian Church.
- Author: Victor Boldewskul Jr.
- Tags: #Category: News, Patriarchate of Alexandria, Patriarch Theodore II, Egypt, Ordination anniversary

**ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT —** Patr. Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa [celebrated the 22nd anniversary](https://orthodoxtimes.com/patriarchate-of-alexandria-marks-22-years-since-the-election-of-patriarch-theodoros-ii/) of his election with a Patriarchal and Synodal Divine Liturgy at the Monastery of St. Sabbas the Sanctified in Alexandria, Egypt, on October 9, 2026\. The celebration highlighted his missionary, pastoral, educational and charitable work across Africa, as well as the challenges facing the ancient Patriarchate.

Patr. Theodoros was unanimously elected the 126th Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa on October 9, 2004, when he served as Metropolitan of Zimbabwe. The anniversary celebrations began the previous evening with Great Patriarchal Vespers.

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Numerous hierarchs concelebrated in the Divine Liturgy presided over by Patr. Theodoros, including Metrs. Theophylaktos of Caesarea, Georgios of Guinea, Nikolaos of Hermopolis, Emmanuel of Diospolis, Nikodimos of Memphis, Savvas of Nubia, Narkissos of Pelusium, Chariton of Kananga, Nikodimos of Nigeria and Germanos of Tamiathis, along with eight bishops serving in Africa. Metr. Agathonikos of Arusha attended in prayer.

Dignitaries who were in attendance included Greek Ambassador to Egypt Nikolaos Papageorgiou, Cypriot Ambassador Elena Rafti, Greek Consul General in Alexandria Vasileios Zarbalis, representatives of the Greek communities of Alexandria and Cairo, Arabic-speaking Orthodox communities, diaspora organizations and numerous faithful.

As [reported](https://www.orthodoxianewsagency.gr/patriarxeia/patriarxio%5Faleksandrias/aleksandreias-theodoros-v%ce%84-22-xronia-patriarxikis-poreias-agapis-pistis-kai-prosforas-stin-afriki/) by Orthodoxia News Agency, Metr. Chariton of Kananga recalled Patr. Theodoros's 22 years of patriarchal ministry and commended his humility, prayerfulness, paternal love and self-sacrifice. He traced the Patriarch's journey from his native Crete through Odessa to the African continent, where he has devoted himself to strengthening the Church's missionary presence.

Among the achievements cited were the expansion of its African clergy, restored historic churches and institutions, development of education programs and strengthened missionary outreach across the continent. The hierarch also referred to the recent canonization of St. Chrysostomos Papasarantopoulos, a pioneer of Orthodox missionary work in Africa. 

Addressing the difficulties facing the Patriarchate's mission, His Eminence cited poverty and threats to peace. He stressed the need for unity and cooperation among the hierarchs and assured Patr. Theodoros of their continued support.

In response, Patr. Theodoros thanked Metr. Chariton for his address and recalled the circumstances surrounding his election in October 2004\. He spoke of a calling to accept God's will and undertake what he described as the heavy but blessed cross of patriarchal ministry.

The Patriarch expressed gratitude to the hierarchs who had traveled from across Africa, as well as to the diplomatic representatives of Greece and Cyprus, Greek communities, diaspora organizations, Arabic-speaking Orthodox communities and the faithful for their support.

Following the Divine Liturgy, a reception was held at the monastery in the Patriarch's honor. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew also telephoned Patr. Theodoros to convey his fraternal congratulations on the anniversary.

The celebrations concluded with renewed expressions of support for Theodoros's ministry and prayers for his continued leadership of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and its missionary witness throughout Africa.

Previously, the UOJ [reported](https://uoj.news/news/86491-alexandria-celebrates-patr-theodores-name-day/) that Alexandria celebrated Patr. Theodoros' nameday.