Patriarch of Alexandria offered prayer for peace in war-torn Gaza

On Saturday, August 1, 2026, before the conclusion of the Resurrectional Vespers for the Ninth Sunday of Matthew and the Feast of the Translation of the Relics of St. Stephen the Protomartyr and Archdeacon, Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa officiated at the Rite of the Lesser Schema for novice Mjad Mitri, who received the monastic name Porphyrios in honor of St. Porphyrios, Bishop of Gaza.

On the occasion, the Patriarch spoke with emotion about the Holy Land, particularly Gaza, the homeland of the new monk’s ancestors and the city where his patron saint served.

He offered a fervent prayer for peace throughout the world, with a special supplication for the people of war-torn Gaza, and conveyed his heartfelt greetings to Archbishop Alexios of Tiberias, Patriarchal Vicar of Gaza.

Addressing the newly tonsured monk, Patriarch Theodoros offered paternal spiritual guidance, emphasizing that the Church of St. Mark, “Mother and Nourisher” of the peoples of Africa, has the sacred mission of forming new workers for the Gospel who will serve the People of God with a spirit of sacrifice.

He encouraged the new monk to preserve his monastic calling with humility,…