On Monday 6 January 2025, the Deputy Minister of National Defence, Giannis Kefalogiannis attended the Great Blessing of the Waters in Alexandria, Egypt, after accepting an invitation by His beatitude, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa, Mr. Theodoros II.
Mr. Kefalogiannis was accompanied by the Chief of Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Dimitrios Houpis and the Ambassador of Greece in Egypt, Mr. Nikolaos Papageorgiou. They attended the Divine and Consecration Liturgies in the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Alexandria, which were officiated by His beatitude, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa, Mr. Theodoros II.
Following, he proceeded to the facilities of the Greek Nautical Club of Alexandria for the Blessing of the Waters, where he greeted the President of the Club, Ms. Lilika Thlivitou. Then, the cutting of the traditional Vassilopita followed.
His beatitude, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa presented the Deputy Minister of National Defence with the Highest Award of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, the Grand Cross of Savvas the Sanctified, at the Apostolic and Patriarchal Throne of St. Mark.
In the framework of his visit to Alexandria, on 5 January 2025, the Deputy Minister visited the House of Konstantinos Kavafis, which operates as a museum, and the Library of Alexandria.
Next, he visited the Greek Community, where he was given a tour of the Hellenic Centre of the Community by its President, Mr. Andreas Vafiadis and its members.
In the Patriarchate of Alexandria, Mr. Kefalogiannis met His Beatitude the Patriarch in a particularly warm climate. After being briefed on the work of the Patriarchate he praised its multi-faceted contribution to the African continent.
After his visit, the Deputy Minister of National Defence stated:
“From Alexandria, Egypt, where the heart of Hellenism beats strongly, I would like to wish many happy returns for the Celebration of the Epiphany to Greeks all over the world.
I would like to express my admiration and the gratitude of the Hellenic State, for the great and multi-faceted social, spiritual, cultural, and humanitarian contribution of the Patriarchate of Alexandria.
Being presented with the Grand Cross of Savvas the Sanctified by His beatitude, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa, Mr. Theodoros II, is a great honour for me.
Greece will always stand beside the Patriarchate, which is a beacon of Hellenism and Orthodoxy both for Egypt and generally the whole continent of Africa, as well as the Greek Community of Alexandria, which constitutes an inseparable part of our friend, the Egyptian society”.
