Day 1 – 21 May 2026
His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa arrived in Lusaka on 21 May 2026 for an official pastoral and missionary visit to Zambia.
The Patriarch was warmly welcomed at Lusaka International Airport by Theodore II of Alexandria, Ioannis of Zambia and Mozambique, government officials, diplomats, clergy, members of the Hellenic community, and many faithful believers.
Accompanying His Beatitude were Bishop Sylvester of Jinja and Eastern Uganda and Protopresbyter Fr. Paul Nzalambi, bringing a message of peace, unity, and Christian love.
An official reception and Doxology service took place at the Metropolitan Residence, where Metropolitan Ioannis expressed the joy of the Church of Zambia and highlighted the importance of the Patriarch’s visit for the spiritual life and missionary work of the Church in the region.
In his address, Patriarch Theodore II spoke about the mission of the Church in Africa and paid tribute to the late Nelson Mandela and Kenneth Kaunda as examples of peace, reconciliation, and servant leadership. He also expressed gratitude to Egypt and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi for supporting the Patriarchate’s mission in Africa.
During the celebrations, His Beatitude unveiled a bust of Nelson Mandela at the Holy Metropolis of Zambia as a symbol of peace and unity among peoples.
The Patriarch also inaugurated the Byzantine and Ecclesiastical Museum of the Holy Metropolis of Zambia, dedicated to the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea.
The day concluded with the Opening of the Doors service for the Holy Church of Hagia Sophia and the Holy Archangels, marking an important milestone for the Orthodox Church in Zambia.
The Patriarchal visit, taking place from 21–26 May 2026, reflects the continued pastoral care and missionary presence of the Patriarchate of Alexandria throughout Africa.
