Orthodox Church leader jets into Zambia

Pope Beatitude Theodoros II of the Orthodox Church has commended President Rupiah Banda and his administration for putting in place prudent economic measures aimed at addressing the problems the country was faced with. Pope Beatitude Theodoros II expressed satisfaction with the leadership of President Banda and pledged that the Orthodox community will closely work with the Zambian government in ensuring that economic development was attained in the country.

He was speaking today when he arrived in the country to hold various festivities with the orthodox community residing in Zambia.

Pope Beatitude Theodoros II, who is also Patriarch of Alexandria, Egypt and All Africa, arrived in the country at about 14:15 hours Zambian time.

He was received at Lusaka's International Airport by officials from Foreign Affairs, Egyptian Ambassador to Zambia and Priests from the Orthodox Church.

Pope Beatitude Theodoros II is also expected to hold high level discussions with priests from the Orthodox Church and inaugurate projects that are implemented by the Orthodox community in Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces respectively.

Pope Beatitude Theodoros II last visited Zambia in 1994.