The Service of the Great Canon and Tonsure of a Monk by the Alexandrian Primate

On the evening of the 14th April, 5th week of Lent, during the Service of Small Compline the Great Canon was chanted at the Holy Patriarchal Monastery of St Savvas the Sanctified in Alexandria, conducted by His Beatitude Theodoros II Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, together with the Alexandrian Hierarchs, His Eminence Narcissus Metropolitan of Nafkratis, Patriarchal Vicar of Alexandria and His Grace Germanos Bishop of Tamiathus.

Prior to the Dismissal, His Beatitude the Patriarh, filled with emotion, tenured Deacon Kevin Madahana Luyali as a monk, giving him the name Joachim. Thereby honouring St Joachim I Panis, Patriarch of Alexandria and a virtuous and wise man of the church.

Fr Joachim was born and baptised in Kisumu, in Kenya. He completed his studies in his homeland and with great love and modesty he studied at the "Archbishop of Cyprus Makarios III" Patriarchal Academy in Nairobi, Kenya. He is defined by his modesty of character, but also the spirit of learning and above all obedience to the Father of all Africa, the Primate of the Church of Alexandria.

Source: Patriarchate of Alexandria