Sisi celebrates Egypt’s unity in Christmas message to Copts

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi extended his heartfelt greetings to Egypt’s Coptic Christian community on Monday, on the occasion of Christmas celebrations. 

His message emphasized Egypt’s enduring values of coexistence, unity, and mutual respect among its diverse religious communities.

In a statement, President Sisi highlighted the significance of Christmas as a moment of togetherness and harmony for all Egyptians. 

He expressed his admiration for the national fabric that binds the people of Egypt, regardless of their religious beliefs.

“Our celebration together of the birth of Jesus Christ, peace be upon him, is a manifestation of the values of tolerance, fraternity, and unity of national fabric, which have always been an integral part of our country's history,” he said.

President Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s status as a beacon of coexistence, unity, and love, where individuals of various faiths come together under the shared honor of belonging to the nation.

Sisi also sent a cable of greetings to Pope Tawadros II, the Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, extending his warmest wishes on the occasion of Christmas. He expressed his hope for a prosperous future for Egypt and its people.

On Monday evening, Pope Tawadros II led the Christmas mass at the Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ, located in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital (NAC), 45 kilometers east of Cairo. 

The cathedral, inaugurated by President Sisi and Pope Tawadros in January 2019, is recognized as the largest church in the Middle East and the largest Oriental Orthodox church in the world by area.

The mass was attended by a number of high-ranking officials, including ministers, representatives of Al-Azhar, governors, members of parliament, and prominent public figures.

The Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ, commissioned by President Sisi, serves as a symbol of religious harmony and national pride in Egypt. Its establishment underscores the government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all its citizens.

Concluding his message, President Sisi extended his prayers for continued blessings and prosperity for Egypt and its people. “Many happy returns,” he stated, asking for divine blessings to bring enduring goodness and progress to the nation.

This year’s Christmas celebrations reinforce Egypt’s dedication to unity, as it continues to stand as an example of peaceful coexistence in a region often marked by division.