04/03/2026
HPPC: Concession Lease of the Historic “Averofeio Girls’ School” to the Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
The Hellenic Public Properties Company (HPPC), a subsidiary of the Growthfund, proceeds with a landmark agreement of strong historical and symbolic significance: the concession lease of the emblematic “Averofeio Girls’ School” in Alexandria, Egypt, to the Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa.
The agreement was signed by HPPC’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Iro Hadjigeorgiou, and His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, Theodore II. The signing ceremony was attended by His Grace Bishop Damaskinos of Mareotis, Patriarchal Vicar of Alexandria, and HPPC executives.
The long-term concession lease, for a period of twenty (20) years, aims to establish a modern educational institution under the auspices of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, dedicated to the study and promotion of Hellenism. In this context, the creation of a Higher School of Philosophical and Humanities Studies is envisaged, comprising Departments of History, Archaeology, Greek Philosophy, Greek Literature, Pedagogical Studies and Teacher Training.
The historic building, with a total surface area of 7,370 sq. m., located at 31 Sidy El Mitwally Street & 1 Sesostis Street in Alexandria, constitutes a timeless symbol of the Greek presence in Egypt. Through this agreement, the educational and cultural footprint of Hellenism in Africa is substantially strengthened, while a historic property of profound symbolic value for the Greek diaspora is creatively revitalized.
HPPC’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Iro Hadjigeorgiou, stated: “The concession of the historic ‘Averofeio Girls’ School’ to the Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa constitutes a decision of high historical and national symbolism, as well as of substantial strategic importance for HPPC. Averofeio stands as a living imprint of the intellectual and educational legacy of Hellenism in Alexandria. Its reactivation as a Higher School of Philosophical and Humanities Studies reconnects the building with its historical identity while also integrating it into a modern, international academic environment. This agreement confirms that public real estate can serve as a lever for cultural influence, knowledge, and international cooperation. With respect to history, HPPC transforms a symbol of the past into a foundation for the future. I would like to express our sincere gratitude to His Beatitude the Patriarch and his esteemed associates for the successful conclusion of this agreement, and we wish that the establishment and operation of the Higher School will become a new ‘Lighthouse of Alexandria’ for education and culture.”
His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, Theodore II, stated: “Today is a day of historic memory and hopeful perspective. With deep emotion and sincere gratitude to my homeland, Greece, we accept the concession of the historic Averofeio Girls’ School, a building that stands as a living symbol of the flourishing, education, and spiritual radiance of Hellenism in Alexandria. This significant concession, near the Patriarchate of Alexandria, carries profound and multi-layered symbolism. It reflects the unbroken unity of Orthodoxy and Hellenism, as well as fraternity, reconciliation, and enduring cooperation between two peoples bound by over two thousand years of shared history and friendship: Greece and Egypt. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Hellenic Public Properties Company and especially to its Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Iro Hadjigeorgiou, for their excellent cooperation, sensitivity, and vision in advancing this important initiative. Their decision is not merely an administrative act; it is an act of national responsibility and cultural duty. Friendship between our people is not a simple diplomatic relationship. It is a living historical legacy relationship of trust and culture. This historic building will become a bridge between Greece and Egypt, between past and future, between memory and creation. Alexandria, the city of Alexander the Great, of the Lighthouse and the Great Library, is once again called upon to become a center of education, dialogue, and culture. We are committed to restoring and highlighting Averofeio with full respect for its history, transforming it into a hub of knowledge, intellectual cultivation and creative dialogue, a place where peace will be served, this precious peace that our world needs now more than ever, and where understanding and cooperation among peoples will be strengthened. We thank Greece, we thank all those who contributed to the realization of this agreement, and we pray that God blesses this endeavor, for His glory and for the benefit of future generations.”
