Shortly after 10:00 am on Friday, August 28, 2026, the plane carrying the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, His Holiness Theodore II, touched down on the runway of Chios . Thus began a multi-day visit that will conclude on Tuesday, September 1 , and includes a particularly rich program of religious, cultural and institutional activities.
His Beatitude was welcomed at the airport by the Metropolitan of Chios, Psaros and Oinousses, Mr. Markos , the Regional Governor of the North Aegean, Konstantinos Moutzouris, and the Military Commander of the 96th ADTE, Brigadier General Panagiotis Lymbereas . The reception took place in an atmosphere of emotion — and not only for protocol reasons. The presence of the Patriarch in Chios acquires a special symbolism, both because of his personal relationship with the island and because of the special conditions that prevail today in the wider Middle East region.
“I am fulfilling a vow”
In statements immediately after his arrival, the Patriarch expressed his emotion for his presence on the island, noting that with this visit he is fulfilling a personal vow .
His speech, however, did not remain on a personal level. His Beatitude referred to the difficult conditions facing the Patriarchate of Alexandria in Africa, but also to the broader challenges created by the ongoing developments in the Middle East . These references come at a time when the situation in the region remains particularly demanding, directly affecting the life and ministry of the Orthodox Churches located in areas tested by geopolitical developments.
It is a reminder that the Patriarchate of Alexandria is not an institution of a symbolic nature, but a living ecclesiastical presence on an entire continent — with all that this entails in difficulties, needs, and responsibilities.
Cretan costumes on the dance floor
The reception was particularly colourful with the presence of members of the local Cretan association , who arrived wearing traditional Cretan costumes . The gesture was a symbolic tribute to the Patriarch’s origins, who hails from Crete and specifically from Prophet Elias of Heraklion.
The Patriarch is accompanied to Chios, among others, by PASOK MEP and Professor Nikolas Farantouris , who maintains a special relationship with the Patriarchate of Alexandria and missionary work in Africa. On the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary , on August 15, Mr. Farantouris was honored in Lusaka, Zambia, with the Grand Cross of the Holy Metropolis of Zambia and Mozambique , by Metropolitan Ioannis, for his contribution and contribution to the Orthodox communities of Africa.
The program of the visit
During his stay, the Patriarch will preside over Patriarchal Divine Liturgies , participate in a series of events and visit religious and cultural monuments of the island. The program also includes his participation in the activities of the 5th Festival of the North Aegean Region — an element that highlights the multidimensional significance of his presence.
Friday, August 28
At 19:00, the Patriarch is expected to attend an event at Castelli , as part of the Festival’s cultural activities.
Saturday, August 29
In the morning , a Patriarchal Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at the Church of Saint Mark in Vrontados . An address will follow from the Metropolitan of Chios, Mr. Markos, and the offering of a commemorative gift, while a special moment will be the awarding of the Order of the Cross of Saint Isidore to the Patriarch. During his presence in Vrontados, he will also visit the Library of the Holy Metropolis “Saint Agapitos”. At 19:00, he will attend an event at Castelli.
Sunday, August 30
At 09:00 the opening of the Holy Church of St. George Sykousis will take place, in the presence of the Patriarch, with a Patriarchal service to follow. At 19:00 he will make a holy pilgrimage to the Early Christian Basilica of St. Isidore , while at 20:00 he will attend the opening of an exhibition of art by S. Sorogas at the Hamidi Mosque , in the Castle of Chios.
Monday, August 31
At 09:15 he will be received by the Regional Governor of the North Aegean. At 10:30 a holy pilgrimage will follow to the Holy Metropolitan Church of Chios and at 11:30 a transfer to the Holy Monastery of Agios Minas , with a visit to the Massacre Museum — one of the most charged stops of the entire program. At 19:00 he will attend an event at Castelli, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Academy of Athens .
Tuesday, September 1st
At 09:30 a holy pilgrimage to the Holy New Monastery of Chios is scheduled and at 10:30 a visit to the Holy Monastery of Panagia “Voithias” . The Patriarch’s departure from Chios will take place by plane at 15:05 .
A visit with many levels
Reading the program in its entirety, it becomes clear that the visit is not purely ecclesiastical in nature. Services and pilgrimages coexist with the opening of an art exhibition, a visit to the Slaughter Museum, and an event for the centenary of the Academy of Athens.
It is, in other words, a presence that simultaneously moves in the religious, cultural and institutional fields — and which, for Chios, constitutes one of the most important visits of recent years.
