Patriarch of Alexandria: The Cross is not a sign of defeat, but of victory

Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa presided over the celebration of the Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross at the Church of Saints Constantine and Helen in Cairo on Monday, September 14.

The Patriarchal Divine Liturgy was concelebrated by Metropolitan Nikolaos of Hermopolis and Metropolitan Nikodimos of Memphis, together with Bishop Stefanos of Hippo and Bishop Damaskinos of Mareotis.

In accordance with the liturgical tradition of the feast, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was performed, followed by its veneration by the faithful.

Among those attending were Greek Ambassador to Egypt Nikolaos Papageorgiou, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Cyprus Onoufrios Oikonomidis, Consul General of Greece in Cairo Symeon Linardakis, President of the Greek Community of Cairo Christos Kavalis, representatives of Greek community organizations and numerous faithful.

Before the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Patriarch Theodore reflected on the significance of celebrating the feast at the historic Church of Saints Constantine and Helen, noting the close connection of the two Equal-to-the-Apostles saints with the Holy Cross.

“The Cross is not a sign of…