South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit welcomed Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa to the Presidential Office in Juba on Monday, marking the first-ever official visit by a Patriarch of Alexandria to South Sudan.
The landmark visit aimed to strengthen ties between the Orthodox Church and the people of South Sudan, while promoting goodwill, development, and interfaith collaboration.
During their meeting, Patriarch Theodore II expressed his gratitude to President Kiir for his leadership in South Sudan’s liberation struggle and highlighted the role of faith in fostering peace and stability.
“May God grant the people of South Sudan peace and prosperity, and may His love be among us,” the Patriarch said in a press statement following the discussions.
The First Lady, Mary Ayen Mayardit, also attended the reception, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
Patriarch Theodore II acknowledged South Sudan’s rich Orthodox Christian heritage and pledged the Church’s support for the country’s ongoing nation-building efforts.
The visit is seen as a symbolic step towards deeper collaboration between the Orthodox Church and South Sudan, reflecting the importance of interfaith dialogue in addressing national challenges and promoting unity.