Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria visited the historic Averofeio Girls’ school in Alexandria on 9 March 2026 to conduct an initial on-site inspection of the building ahead of its long-anticipated restoration plans.
The visit followed the signing of an agreement in Athens on 4 March 2026 between the Patriarchate and Iro Chatzigeorgiou, Director General of the Public Real Estate Company (ETAD).
The agreement grants the historic Averofeio Girls’ School, covering approximately 7,370 square meters and located at 31 Sidi El-Metwalli Street and 1 Sesostris Street in Alexandria, to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria, marking an important development aimed at strengthening education, research, and the cultural presence of Hellenism in Africa.
During the visit, His Beatitude Theodoros II conducted a preliminary assessment of the condition of the building, purposely to inspect and determine the restoration works required so that technical and architectural studies for the rehabilitation of the complex may begin immediately.
Averofeio Girls’ School restoration works date back over thirty-four years
The building of Averofeio Girls’ School had previously undergone restoration in 1992, approximately thirty-four years ago, when it was adapted to host the Greek Commercial Center of Alexandria during the tenure of Patriarch Parthenios III of Alexandria, with the generous support and presence of the then Prime Minister of Greece, Konstantinos Mitsotakis.
The restoration and reopening of the historic complex form part of the broader vision of Patriarch Theodoros II to strengthen education, research, and the cultural presence of Hellenism in Africa, with the aim of establishing a modern center for education, culture, and dialogue.
Through the revival of the Averofeio Parthenagogeion, the Patriarchate of Alexandria seeks once again to highlight its historic role in promoting knowledge and culture, while building bridges of communication between peoples and traditions.
Source: Patriarchal Office of Alexandria
