The Patriarch of Alexandria arrived in Chios (VIDEO)

Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa arrived by air in Chios shortly after 10 a.m. on Friday, beginning a multi-day visit to the island that will conclude on Tuesday, September 1st, and includes a particularly rich program of religious, cultural, and institutional events.

Upon his arrival, the Patriarch of Alexandria was welcomed by Metropolitan Markos of Chios, Psara, and Oinousses, the Governor of the North Aegean Region, Kostas Moutzouris, and the Military Commander of the 96th Higher Military Command, Brigadier General Panagiotis Lymbereas.

The Patriarch is being accompanied on his visit to Chios by PASOK Member of the European Parliament, Professor Nikolas Farantouris, who was honored on the day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Lusaka, Zambia, with the Grand Cross of the Metropolis of Zambia and Mozambique of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, awarded by the Metropolitan of Zambia and Mozambique, Ioannis, in recognition of his contribution to the Orthodox communities of Africa.

In statements he made, Patriarch Theodore said that with his visit to the island he is fulfilling a personal vow. He also referred to the difficulties facing the…