Patriarch Theodoros: "Those of us who stayed in Alexandria, we do not abandon the temples that our ancestors gave us"translated

In an atmosphere of spiritual joy, a Patriarchal Divine Liturgy was held yesterday, Sunday, July 26, 2008, in the celebrating Holy Patriarchal Church of the Holy Holy Martyr Paraskevi of the Athlete, in the El Syouf area of Alexandria, pre-arch of A.Th. M., of the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa etc. Theodorou II. His Beatitude was flanked by the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Tamiatheos, Mr. Germanos, and the Most Reverend Bishop of Mareotis, Mr. Damaskinos, Patriarchal Commissioner of Alexandria.

"We do not abandon the temples that our ancestors gave us" Crowds of believers overwhelmed this historic pilgrimage, who came from every corner of Alexandria to honor the memory of the glorious Holy Martyr Paraskevi, to worship her miraculous icon and to invoke her embassies to the Lord.

In His speech, His Beatitude referred to the profound spiritual and historical importance of the Holy Patriarchal Church, which for decades has been and continues to be a place of prayer, hope and consolation for the Orthodox of Alexandria. He made special mention of the celebrated Saint Paraskevi, which the faithful...