Alexandria Patriarchate Library

The preservation of the extremely important Alexandria Patriarchate Library is a fact. With money by the National Bank of Greece, the renowned collections of the library were preserved by the experts of the National Bank's Cultural Foundation and are henceforth highlighted at the Alexandria Patriarchate Mansion, where the library's inauguration was held on Friday with pomp.

The collection totals 40,000 books and 7,000 old manuscripts and rear editions dating from 1460 to 1800.

In his address during the inauguration ceremony, Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Theodoros II, said "the codes of centuries, manuscripts which contain the history, doctrines and theology of Orthodoxy, but also old books, which record moments from the long-time cultural contribution of Egyptian Hellenism, but of our Nation as a whole, are shown anew in the scientific research so as to survive the decay of time and to pass on unharmed to the next generations."

The inauguration of the Alexandria Patriarchate Library took place in the presence of National Bank President Takis Arapoglou who is of Alexandrian origin.

The ceremony was also attended by the presence of Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Theodoros Kassimis, World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) President Stefanos Tamvakis, Alexandria Governor Adel Labib, many members of the Holy Synod of the Alexandria Patriarchate, diplomats and local officials.

During the welcoming of National Bank President Takis Arapoglou at the Hall of the Throne of the Patriarchate, Patriarch Theodoros II bestowed to Arapoglou the Grand Cross of Saint Mark, which is the highest distinction of the Alexandrian Church.(ΑΝΑ).

Source: http://www.ecclesia.gr/englishnews/default.asp