Pope’s video message to Coptic
Orthodox Church of Egypt
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| Egypt's new Cathedral of the Nativity of the Coptic Orthodox.- ANSA |
In a video message on the occasion of the inauguration of
the new Cathedral of the Nativity of Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox near Cairo, Pope
Francis invoked peace and prosperity on Egypt, the Middle East and the whole
world.
By Robin Gomes
Pope Francis has sent a video message on the occasion of the
inauguration of the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Coptic
Orthodox Church of Alexandria in Egypt, the biggest church in the
Middle East. Located in the territory of what will be the administrative
capital of Egypt, in a desert area about 45 km east of Cairo, the cathedral was
inaugurated on Sunday, January 6, the eve of Coptic Christmas.
“May the Prince of Peace give Egypt, the Middle East and the
whole world the gift of peace and prosperity,” Pope Francis said in
Italian in the video message screened in the presence of Patriarch Tawadros II
of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and other
authorities.
The Holy Father thanked Coptic Christians for their testimony
of faith and love, including martyrdom.
The first Mass in the new cathedral was held under heavy
security, a day after a bomb blast near a Coptic church in Nasr City in which a
policeman died trying to defuse an explosive device. The church suffered
no serious damage.
"We are one and we will remain one," said El-Sisi
who also inaugurated the Al-Fattah Al-Aleem mosque the same day.
The Cathedral of the Nativity can accommodate some 8,000
worshippers and the mosque almost twice that number.
Below is the official translation of the Pope’s video
message:
Dear brothers and sisters, I wish you a good Christmas
and a happy new year!
With joy I greet you all on the happy occasion of
the dedication of the new Cathedral of the Nativity, built in the new
administrative capital.
May the Prince of Peace gives Egypt, the Middle East and
the whole world the gift of peace and prosperity.
I address a special greeting to my dear brother His Holiness
Pope Tawadros II and to the dear Coptic Orthodox Church, which has been able to
give a true testimony of faith and love even in the most difficult moments.
Dear brothers and sisters, you have martyrs who give
strength to your faith. Thank you for your example.
I address a respectful greeting to the Egyptian
government and to Mr. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
In the new Cathedral may the worship of God on high
always be welcome, and may there descend His blessing and peace on earth for
all men, whom God loves.
Happy Christmas!
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