Patriarchal Christmas Divine Liturgy was celebrated at Cathedral of St. Nicholas in Cairo
At the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in Cairo, His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria and All Africa delivered a profound message with respect to the birth of the God-man, officiating at the Orthros (Matins) and presiding over the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy.
His Eminence Metropolitan Nikodimos of Memphis, the Patriarchal Vicar of Cairo, alongside priests from all the Churches of Cairo, joined the Patriarch in the Divine Liturgy. The hymns, sung by the chanters of the Greek Community of Cairo, resonated through the church. The Patriarchal Archon Protopsaltis, Mr. Tony Atala, and the fellow chanters, Mr. Ibrahim Musa, chanted the feast day hymns in Arabic, enriching the spiritual experience.
The Cathedral overflowed with attendees, uniting pious believers from the Greek Community and the Arabic-speaking Orthodox faithful. Together, they embraced the significance of the Son of God’s incarnation, especially amid the distressing reality of merciless conflicts affecting civilians in Palestine and elsewhere globally. This celebration serves as a beacon guiding our Christian morals, shedding light on humanity’s journey as a whole.
Metropolitan Nikodimos conveyed the Patriarchal encyclical, carrying a resounding message of peace to the congregation. In gratitude, the Patriarch expressed, “Thank you for gracing the house of God with your presence. Your presence strengthens me as I journey across Africa, carrying the message of peace.”
The Patriarch delivered a heartfelt address to esteemed guests, presenting them with commemorative gifts.
An annual tradition on Christmas Day is the official visit of Patriarch Tawadros II of the Coptic Christians, the pope of Alexandria and patriarch of the See of St. Mark, to the Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa. During this ceremonial meeting, the two Primates exchanged festive wishes.
At half past twelve, the Coptic Primate arrived at the Patriarchal Church, warmly welcomed by Metropolitan Nikodimos of Memphis. Patriarch Theodore cordially greeted and received him. The exchange of gifts followed, with Patriarch Theodore offering an elegant epitrachelion (stole) and gifts from the Island of Chios, Greece. The Coptic Patriarch presented him with icons of Coptic art and calendars for the new year.
The Egyptian media covered the doxology and the visit of the Coptic Patriarch, sending journalists and expressing particular interest in the Christmas festivities.
You can watch the reception of the Coptic Patriarch by the Patriarch of Alexandria in the video below:
Source: Patriarchate of Alexandria
