The title “Patriarch of Alexandria” can refer to more than one historic Christian communion. Within Eastern Orthodoxy, the relevant office is the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, head of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria. This should not be confused with the Coptic Orthodox Pope of Alexandria, who leads the Coptic Orthodox Church within Oriental Orthodoxy.
An ancient Christian see
Alexandria was one of the major centers of early Christianity. Christian tradition associates the church of Alexandria with Mark the Evangelist, and the city became a major center of theology, monasticism, and church organization in late antiquity.
Alexandria in Eastern Orthodox order
The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria is an autocephalous Eastern Orthodox church. In the traditional order of honor among Eastern Orthodox patriarchal sees, Alexandria ranks after Constantinople. Its official historical titles reflect the antiquity and prestige of the Alexandrian see.
Jurisdiction across Africa
The Patriarchate describes its ecclesiastical responsibility as extending across the African continent. Its modern dioceses, clergy, monasteries, schools, and missionary activity operate in a wide range of African cultural and linguistic contexts. This contemporary African presence is an important part of the Patriarchate’s identity and should not be reduced to its Greek historical heritage.
Who is the current Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria?
Theodoros II was elected Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa on 9 October 2004. The Patriarchate’s official biography identifies him as a Cretan-born hierarch who served in several church roles before his election. He remains the serving patriarch in the Patriarchate’s current materials.
Not the same office as the Coptic Pope
The Coptic Orthodox Church also has a Pope of Alexandria, currently Tawadros II. The two churches have different histories and belong to different church families: the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate belongs to Eastern Orthodoxy, while the Coptic Orthodox Church belongs to Oriental Orthodoxy. Using “Patriarch of Alexandria” without specifying the communion can therefore create confusion.
Why Alexandria has two prominent “popes”
Christian divisions in late antiquity produced distinct Alexandrian successions. Today the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and the Coptic Orthodox Church each preserve an Alexandrian patriarchal tradition, and both may use ancient titles connected with Alexandria. They are not rival names for the same institution. Identifying the church family—Eastern Orthodox or Oriental Orthodox—is essential whenever a source mentions a Pope or Patriarch of Alexandria.
