Amidst an atmosphere of pervasive spiritual elevation and solemnity, the heart of Orthodoxy in Africa beat loudly on the eve of the great feast of the Mother of God. On the afternoon of Friday, August 14, 2026, the historic and centuries-old Holy Patriarchal Monastery of Saint Savvas the Sanctified in Alexandria was the epicenter of the glorious celebration, where the Great Patriarchal Solemn Vespers for the Dormition and Assumption into Heaven of the Most Holy Theotokos was celebrated.
The devout service was officiated by Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Theodore II, flanked by Metropolitan George of Guinea and Saint Mauritius and Metropolitan Germanos of Tamiatheos. In a deeply moving ritual, before the dismissal of Vespers, His Beatitude sang the Encomiums to the Virgin Mary, followed by the procession of the flower-adorned Epitaph of the Mother of God in the courtyard of the historic monastery, with the participation of the holy clergy and a multitude of devout believers who came to pay homage to the Mother of God.
The speech of the Alexandrian Primate to the congregation was deeply human, charged with obvious emotion and direct references to contemporary reality. Patriarch Theodore outlined the face of the Virgin Mary not simply as a religious symbol, but as the timeless Mother of all humanity, who is the safe haven for every sufferer and the inexhaustible consolation of those experiencing sorrow and uncertainty.
His Beatitude placed particular emphasis on the dark conditions that afflict the international community, underlining that in an era marked by devastating wars, conflicts and untold human suffering, resorting to the maternal love of the Theotokos is an imperative necessity. With heartfelt words, he called on the faithful to unite their prayers so that the Virgin Mary may spread her protective veil over the planet, interceding for the long-desired prevalence of peace.
Today, from Alexandria, the city of Alexander the Great and the Apostle Mark, we raise our prayer to the Mother of us all, Patriarch Theodore said characteristically, addressing a moving appeal for awareness. He asked the Virgin Mary to wipe away the tears of defenseless children, to soothe the pain of grieving mothers and to protect the innocent, while at the same time sending a clear message to international leadership, pleading for the enlightenment of the powerful of the earth so that violence can stop. He meaningfully reminded that the embrace of the Virgin Mary knows no borders, racial or national discrimination, but equally embraces every human being.
Concluding the worship service, the Primate of the Second Throne Patriarchate extended heartfelt paternal wishes, so that the grace of the Lady Theotokos may continually cover the hospitable land of Egypt, the long-suffering African continent and the entire world, granting lasting peace to peoples, balm to wounded souls and hope to every heart.
