Patriarch of Alexandria establishes new convent

Patriarch Theodore II performing the monastic tonsure for the newly established convent. Photo: Orthodoxia News Agenc

Patriarch of Alexandria Theodore II proclaimed the Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Ibrahimia a women's patriarchal monastery. The solemn historic event was timed to coincide with the celebration of the Lord's Transfiguration, reports the UOJ in Greece.

Following the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and the blessing of the grapes, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Alexandria tonsured two young Egyptian women as monastics, giving them the names Xenia and Matrona.

The first sister received her name in honor of Venerable Xenia and also in memory of Abbess Xenia of Aegina, the first abbess of the Holy Trinity Monastery on Aegina, who was under the spiritual guidance of Saint Nektarios. The second nun was named after the holy Blessed Matrona of Moscow.

Since the newly tonsured sister Xenia has a higher medical education and works as a dentist, Patriarch Theodore II blessed the opening of a model medical center in the monastery’s premises. According to the Primate’s vision, this institution should become a true ‘healing center for souls and bodies,’ where the sisters will combine their life of prayer with charitable dental assistance for those in need among the city’s residents.

Addressing the newly tonsured nuns, the Primate of the Patriarchate of Alexandria urged them to faithfully preserve obedience, humility, unceasing prayer, and selfless love. Patriarch Theodore II also expressed deep gratitude to the girls’ parents, who raised their daughters in faith and piety, while granting them complete freedom in choosing their spiritual path.

As the UOJ reported, the Patriarch of Alexandria called for peace and hostilities cessation in Africa.

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