The Primate of the Orthodox Church of Alexandria, Theodore II, presented today the Grand Cross of Leo of the Patriarchate of Alexandria to the outgoing Greek Ambassador to Cairo Michael-Christos Diamessis.

The award ceremony was held at the Patriarchate of Alexandria and was attended by the Patriarchal Vicar of Alexandria, Metropolitan Narcissus of Accra, Bishop Prodromos of Toliara and Southern Madagascar, Chief Secretary of the Patriarchate Fr. Nicodemus Totkas, Greek Consul General Athanasios Kotsionis, and many other local officials. The Patriarchate of Alexandria spoke very warmly about the work which has been carried out by the outgoing Greek ambassador for three years in Cairo. The Patriarch spoke of the importance of his offer both to the Patriarchate of Alexandria, the Greek diaspora in Egypt as well as his contribution to the strengthening of Greek-Egyptian relations.

“We thank you, on behalf of the Hierarchy of the Alexandrian Church and Greek diaspora, for making a decisive contribution to strengthening Greek-Egyptian relations by preparing the important summits in which the leaders of Greece, Cyprus and Egypt were speaking of the necessity for closer cooperation and peace in the Mediterranean Sea, a sea that does not divide but unites us,” stressed Patriarch Theodore.

As Michael-Christos Diamessis is expected to take over the position of the Ambassador to Turkey in a few days, the Primate of the Alexandrian Church asked him to convey his wishes, his love and his respect to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

“You should always remember our Patriarchate of Alexandria, fighting for a better tomorrow, for justice and peace in Africa,” the Patriarch concluded.

On his part, the outgoing Greek Ambassador Michael-Christos Diamessis warmly thanked the Patriarch for everything he has done for Africa, Greece and Greek diaspora in Egypt.

The outgoing Greek ambassador is leaving Cairo to take over his new position in Ankara on September 9.

SOURCE: Athens News Agency