Overview of Christmas celebrations, masses in Egypt

CAIRO – 24 December 2017: As December 25 marks Western Christmas, some Christian denominations in Egypt are preparing to celebrate and hold masses in their respective churches. Masses in Egypt are always held under heavy security protecting attendees from attacks.

The Spokesman of the Catholic Church in Egypt Father Rafik Greish told Egypt Today that security forces have spread around churches, and that the churches’ security personnel and scouts are cooperating with police to secure the outside and the inside of the churches.

Masses are often attended by public figures, diplomats, and executive, religious and security officials to extend greetings. During the celebrations time, cars are not allowed to park in the areas surrounding churches, and inspection gates are installed for attendees.

Many Christian priests affirmed that masses include prayers wishing Egypt and Egyptians development, prosperity, and safety.

Although the majority of Egyptian Christians in Egypt are Orthodox, and thus celebrate on January 7, there are many Christian citizens in Egypt who celebrate Christmas on December 24 holding masses in their churches the following day in the morning.

The denominations that celebrate on December 24 in evening are Coptic Catholics, Roman Catholics, and Episcopalians.

Coptic Catholics hold the mass in Virgin Mary Cathedral for Coptic Catholic. Patriarch of Alexandria of the Copt Catholic Ibrahim Ishak said during the mass held on Sunday that he prays for President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, the armed forces and police personnel, the martyrs and all loyal Egyptians who made sacrifices for the homeland making glory at present and for future generations.

Patriarch of Alexandria of the Copt Catholic Ibrahim Ishak - Hossam Atef

Patriarch of Alexandria of the Copt Catholic Ibrahim Ishak

Patriarch of Alexandria of the Copt Catholic Ibrahim Ishak - Hossam Atef

Patriarch Ishak questioned how wars, subsequent humanitarian, and global injustice crisis still persist in the 21st century after all the scientific development and civilization the world achieved emphasizing that the birth of Jesus Christ seeded joy which should be embodied in conscience and peace, and not in fulfilling lusts or fighting over authority. The mass was attended by a presidential envoy and Minister of Immigration Nabila Makram.

Minister of Immigration Nabila Makram- Hossam Atef

Patriarch Ishak affirmed that security institutions and the army are deploying all efforts to secure churches, and protect people. He also expressed his appreciation for Pope Francis, who visited Egypt in April, saying that "he always prays for our dear East, especially Egypt."

Catholics in the archaeological city Luxor held a mass in the Holy Family Franciscan Catholic Church on Sunday.

Roman Catholics hold the mass in Saint Cyril Church. The Episcopal denomination holds the mass in All Saints Cathedral in Zamalek where President Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East Mouneer Hanna Anis held the mass on Sunday. The mass was attended by a number of officials.

President Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East Mouneer Hanna Anis - Hassan Atef

Muslim Sheikhs attending the mass in the Episcopal Church in All Saints Cathedral in Zamalek to extend greetings - Hassan Atef

Episcopalians attending the mass in the Episcopal Church in All Saints Cathedral in Zamalek to extend greetings - Hassan Atef

The only denomination that celebrates on December 25 in the morning is Armenian Catholics who hold the mass in the Armenian Catholic Patriarchate. On the other hand, the only denomination that celebrates on December 26 at noon is Greek Orthodox Christians who hold the mass in the Church of St. George.

The denominations celebrating on January 6 in the morning are Armenian Orthodox Christians and the Anglican denomination.

Armenian Orthodox Christians hold the mass in the Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate. The Anglican denomination holds the mass in St Michael and All Angels Heliopolis Anglican Church.

Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria, Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, will hold the mass in the cathedral of the New Administrative Capital on January 6 in the evening.

Archpriest Sergius, Under-Secretary General of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate in Cairo, thanked on Thursday President Sisi for fulfilling his promise of building the largest Cathedral in the Middle East as the capacity of the Cathedral built in the New Administrative Capital is 15,000 individuals. He also praised the mega projects that are being executed for their role in achieving development and creating more jobs.