Serbian Patriarch in canonical visit to the Patriarchate of Alexandria
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 Seminary 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 election and enthronement.
His Holiness and the members of the official delegation were welcomed in Cairo by His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theorodos II of Alexandria and All Africa together with His Grace Bishop Nikodim of Nitrea, the Patriarch's vicar in Cairo. Later on they visited the historical monastery of Saint George. There they were being welcomed by abbot - His Grace Bishop Niphon of Babilon with clergy.
After the solemn doxology, His Beatitude Patriarch of Alexandria held an address regarding the visit of His Holiness Irinej, Serbian Patriarch.
On Saturday, October 6, 2012 His Holiness Irinej had a meeting with His Beatitude Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa, at the ancient throne of the Patriarchate. On this occasion the Serbian Patriarch had an opportunity to visit the Patriarchate Residence, Library and the monastery of Saint Sabbas the Sanctified, where the school of Alexandrian Patriarchate "Saint Athanasius" is located. His Holiness visited also the famous Library of Alexandria.
On the same day His Holiness met with diplomats of the Republic of Greece in Alexandria.
In the afternoon, His Holiness, along with other members of the delegation of the Serbian Church, attended the solemn vesper service at the Cathedral church dedicated to the Annunciation of the Most Holy Mother of God.
On Sunday, October 7, 2012 the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy was celebrated by two Patriarchs, His Beatitude Theodoros II and His Holiness Irinej.
After the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy, there was organized a festal coctail party at the Patriarchal Residence. His Beatitude Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa and His Holiness Serbian Patriarch exchanged gifts that symbolized two churches' thrones.
Presbyter Vladimir Vranic
