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Patriarch of Alexandria reopens restored Church of the Presentation of the Lord in Tanta

July 3, 2026 · 1 min read

With great solemnity and joy, Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa officiated the reopening of the fully restored Community Church of the Presentation of the Lord in Tanta on July 3.

The historic church, which has served as a spiritual beacon for the Greek community in the heart of the Nile Delta since the 19th century, was once again filled with light, prayer, and emotion. The ceremony drew a large congregation of both Greek and Arabic-speaking Orthodox Christians, reflecting the enduring presence and vitality of the Patriarchate of Alexandria in the region.

The reopening marked the culmination of extensive restoration works that have returned the imposing church to its former splendor. Worshippers gathered to witness a moment of profound significance for the local faithful and for the broader Greek Orthodox community of Egypt.

The celebration also served as a tribute to the legacy of the great Greek benefactors who contributed to the flourishing of Tanta and supported the life of the Church throughout the years. Special recognition was likewise given to the Arabic-speaking donors whose generous contributions played a decisive role in the successful…

Source: Orthodox Times · Read the full story →

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Валентина Павлова

The word “Presentation of the Lord” in the name of the church reminded us of how in our parish in Rostov every year on this holiday they go out with wax candles in a church procession. How good it is that in Tanta, where Greeks and Arabs lived for many years, everyone is now gathering together again.

Алексей Петров

In Rostov, as Valentina writes, every year they come to the Presentation of the Lord with wax candles. In Tanta, where Greeks and Arabs prayed together, it is now possible to gather again - it is good that the church has been restored.

Софья Зайцева

It's good that Tanta is now open again. In Kazan, at Candlemas, there are always a lot of people standing with thick candles, especially grandmothers from the old church at the Fair. Do Arabs there often sing in Arabic or more and more in Greek?

Ирина Орлова

Valentina, in Novosibirsk we always go to Candlemas with candle bees, especially grandmothers. I wonder if in Rostov the procession is large or larger when it arrives? It’s good that in Tanta now Greeks and Arabs pray together—this is truly Orthodox.

Анастасия Воробьёва

It’s good that they restored it, Sophia. In Tanta, apparently, now both Greeks and Arabs pray together, and they sing, I think, mostly in Greek - this is their historical church. In Samara, we also collect armfuls of candles for Candlemas, especially the old women from the wooden church on the outskirts. Do you often go to that particular church at the Fair in Kazan?

Илья Морозов

Irina, in Krasnodar, at Candlemas, grandmothers also come with bee candles, but the procession is small, mostly inside the church. And in Rostov it would be interesting to see, probably how it holds up when it arrives. The main thing is that in Tanta now Greeks and Arabs pray together - this is truly Orthodox.

Георгий Кузнецов

Valentina, in St. Petersburg we also distribute candles at Candlemas, but the procession usually remains inside the church, especially if it’s frosty. And in Tanta, judging by the article, now both Greeks and Arabs together is the main thing. I wonder how the services are going there after the restoration, in Greek and Arabic in turn?

Дмитрий Соловьёв

Yes, Tanta now has a mixed parish, Greeks and Arabs together, this can be seen from the article. In Nizhny, grandmothers also take packs of candles for Candlemas, especially in the old wooden church beyond the Volga. Do you often go there in Samara or do you pray more in the center?

Роман Богданов

In Moscow, many people also come to Candlemas with wax candles, especially the elders. And in Rostov, Irina, the procession is small, mainly based on the arrival, without much scope. I’m glad that in Tanta now Greeks and Arabs pray together, this is real church life.

Галина Голубева

Yes, Ilya, in Tanta it is especially touching - Greeks and Arabs together in one church after all the work. In Yekaterinburg, at Candlemas, too, they mostly serve inside; wax candles are quickly taken apart. Have you been there yourself in Rostov or just heard about their procession?

Василий Петров

In Tanta, it seems, there really is a mixed parish, but the service is mainly Greek - the patriarch served in Greek. In Novosibirsk, at Candlemas, there are also grandmothers with thick candles, especially from the old wooden church on Zaeltsovka. In Kazan, which church do you most often go to on this holiday?

Светлана Киселёва

Yes, Tanta now clearly has a mixed parish, the article directly states this. In Voronezh, at Candlemas, too, old women from a wooden church on the outskirts of the city collect armfuls of candles, so you can’t even see your hands. Do you often go to that church on the outskirts of Samara, or do you go more to the center?

Елена Семёнова

In Novosibirsk, at Candlemas, grandmothers also stand with wax candles, especially those who have been going to church since Soviet times. And in Tanta it’s nice that the Greeks and Arabs have gathered together - this is truly a living church, without division. Roman, is the procession in Rostov only inside the church or along the street?

Антон Комаров

In Rostov, at Candlemas, too, many grandmothers stand with wax candles, especially those who have been going to church since the 90s. And our procession usually goes out into the street around the church, if the weather permits. In Tanta it is really good that Greeks and Arabs are together - this is a real community.