The Patriarchal Divine Liturgy of the Sunday of the Paralytic was celebrated on May 7th at the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Alexandria, Egypt. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America is currently visiting the Apostolic Patriarchate with more than 50 pilgrims from the Holy Archdiocese of America.
The Archdiocesan pilgrimages have provided an outstanding opportunity for the faithful of the Church to participate in spiritually edifying and didactic journeys to various venerable sites of the Orthodox Faith around the world. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros organized these initiatives, which have already brought about several successful, very well attended and memorable trips to the Sacred Center of Orthodoxy, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Cappadocia, as well as the Holy Land and Jerusalem.
I approach this podium full of emotion. Awarding a person is undoubtedly an honor for that person, but I think that this honor also belongs to those who decide on the award. It shows that they have those sensibilities to perceive the surrounding atmosphere, to appreciate events and to honor persons. For these reasons, allow me to dedicate this highly honorable distinction, the "Patriarch Athenagoras" award, to all those who fight day and night for the assertion of all kinds of rights. I approach this podium full of emotion. Awarding a person is undoubtedly an honor for that person, but I think that this honor also belongs to those who decide on the award. It shows that they have.
On Saturday evening, the Order of Saint Andrew, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, honored His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, with the Athenagoras Human Rights Award. The annual award ceremony, which recognizes “a person or organization which has consistently exemplified by action, purpose, and dedication, concern for the basic rights and religious freedom of all people,” also coincided with the eighteenth anniversary of His Beatitude’s enthronement to the See of St. Mark. On Saturday evening, the Order of Saint Andrew, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, honored His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, with the Athenagoras.
Your Beatitude – the beloved Sisterhood of Philoptochos was anxious to have this opportunity to be in Your presence, to receive Your Patriarchal blessing, and to hear from You of the wonders that are being accomplished within the Holy and Apostolic See of the Winged Lion. Your Beatitude – the beloved Sisterhood of Philoptochos was anxious to have this opportunity to be in Your presence, to receive Your Patriarchal blessing, and to hear from You of the wonders that.