On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa tonsured the novice Irenaeos from Tanzania into monasticism at the Patriarchal Holy Monastery of Saint Savvas in Alexandria.
The newly tonsured monk hails from Iringa and is a graduate of the Patriarchal School of Saint Athanasios of Alexandria. He has also received instruction in the Greek language, reflecting the living fruit of the missionary care and paternal love of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria toward the youth of Africa.
This sacred service took place before the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, which was presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Germanos of Tamiatheos, Abbot of the Monastery.
Church of Saint Mark called to raise local servants of the Gospel; Patriarch Theodoros
Addressing the newly tonsured monk, His Beatitude offered heartfelt paternal counsel concerning his new life in the Church, emphasizing that the Church of the Holy Apostle Mark, as the mother and nourisher of the peoples of Africa, is called to raise local servants of the Gospel who will serve the people of God in a spirit of sacrifice.
He exhorted him to preserve his monastic calling with humility, to remain faithful and obedient to the Patriarchate of Alexandria, and to strive earnestly to become a worthy laborer of the Gospel and a servant of the love of Christ.
His Beatitude also expressed gratitude to His Eminence Metropolitan Agathonikos of the Diocese of Arusha and Central Tanzania for his support over the years in the spiritual formation of the young monk.
Also present at the Divine Liturgy were His Eminence Metropolitan Georgios of Guinea and Mauritius and His Grace Bishop Damaskinos of Mariout, who concelebrated together.
