Patriarch Kirill in Egypt

(mospat.ru) - On April 10, 2010, the first day of his visit to the Patriarchate of Alexandria, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia celebrated a thanksgiving at the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Alexandria.

Said by Patriarch Kirill in Greek and Arabic, the service was attended among others by His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria of All Africa, Metropolitan Kallinikos of Pelusium, Metropolitan Nicholas of Ermoupolis, Bishop Gabriel of Mareotis, Bishop GEnadios of Nilopolis and the Moscow Patriarchate delegation.

Patriarch Theodore II and Patriarch Kirill exchanged speeches of greetings.

‘Many Years of Life’ was sung to the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church.
The Cathedral of the Annunciation in Alexandria was built in the mid-19th century on donations from Greek businessmen. It was consecrated by Patriarch Hierotheus on 25 March 1856.

Designed by architect Pierotis, it represents a three-nave basilica 32 meters high. Its iconostasis is made of marble and adorned with gilt.

On the initiative of Patriarch Peter of Alexandria (1997-2004), the cathedral was restored and consecrated anew on 2 April 2006.