Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Greetings

With deep emotion and paternal joy, I extend my heartfelt greeting on the occasion of the launch of the official website of the School of Orthodox Theology and Culture of the Holy Orthodox Archdiocese of Accra “Saint Cyril Lucaris”, an institution of spiritual vitality and cultural ministry in the blessed land of West Africa.

The Orthodox Church in Ghana has a remarkable and inspiring history, marked by martyrdom and grace. Since the early 20th century, faithful African souls, moved by a deep longing for the truth of the Gospel, sought the ancient and undivided faith of the Church. Their entry into Orthodoxy was the fruit of struggle, humility, and divine guidance, and stands as a precious example for the entire African continent.

The School of Orthodox Theology and Culture, under the patronage of Saint Cyril Lucaris, Patriarch of Alexandria and Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, follows in the footsteps of a great figure of our Orthodox Church in Africa. Saint Cyril, a man of profound spirit, freedom, and universal education, labored zealously for the dissemination of Orthodoxy and the spiritual renewal of the people. His unwavering commitment to theological learning as a foundation for spiritual illumination and service to truth renders him a most fitting patron and source of inspiration for both faculty and students at the School.

This School is not merely an academic institution. It is a place of communion and transformation, where Orthodox theology enters into a living and creative dialogue with the cultures and traditions of African peoples. Here, the future is built through faith and formation, with respect for cultural identity and with a vision for unity in Christ among all peoples.

I warmly congratulate His Emminence Archbishop of Accra Daniel, for his inspired leadership and tireless efforts, and I pray that the School’s new digital presence may contribute to the spiritual growth, theological education, and apostolic witness of the Orthodox Church in West Africa.

With paternal blessings and prayers

† Theodoros II
Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa

Metropolitan of Accra and Chairman of the Board Greetings 

With profound spiritual joy and a deep sense of responsibility, I extend a heartfelt greeting on the occasion of the establishment of the St. Cyril’s “School of Orthodox Theology and Culture” of our Holy Metropolis—a vision that becomes reality through the paternal blessing and unwavering support of His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa.

The foundation of this School marks a significant milestone in the missionary and theological ministry of our Metropolis. It seeks to lay a solid foundation for Orthodox education, theological formation, and cultural development among the peoples of West Africa. In a world undergoing rapid transformation, the presence of such a School offers light and direction, bridging the richness of the patristic tradition with the challenges of the present and the future—on the “Continent of the Future” our beloved Africa.

Our School stands within the spiritual and historical continuum of the venerable Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria, the second-ranking ancient See of the Orthodox Church, founded by the Apostle and Evangelist Mark. From the early centuries of Christianity to this day, the Patriarchate has played a pivotal role in shaping, preserving, and interpreting Orthodox theology. On African soil, Orthodoxy continues to bear fruit through the selfless love, sacrifice, and missionary zeal of both clergy and faithful local communities.

We pray that this School may become a spiritual beehive, forming theologians, shepherds, and men and women of culture—nurtured in love for God, humanity, and the sacred tradition of our Orthodox Church. Let us never forget that theology is not merely an intellectual endeavor, but the fruit of personal communion with God, born from the purity of heart and the grace of the Holy Spirit.

We fervently invoke the grace of the All-Holy Spirit to enlighten both teachers and students, so that the fruits of this endeavor may be rich and life-giving for our Church.

With paternal love and blessings,

† Daniel
Archbishop-Metropolitan of Accra