On Thursday, April 2, Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria received an interfaith delegation and an Egyptian official at the Patriarchal See in Alexandria, highlighting the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence.
The Patriarch welcomed a delegation from Al-Azhar and the “Egyptian Family House,” led by Sheikh Dr. Ibrahim El-Gamal. The delegation conveyed the greetings of Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed el-Tayeb and emphasized the vital role of interreligious dialogue and collaboration among religious leaders.
During the meeting, Patriarch Theodore II presented the multifaceted mission of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, stressing its longstanding commitment to promoting peace, mutual respect, and intercultural dialogue in a world facing challenges and seeking unity.
He also received Angy Fahim, Member of the Egyptian Parliament and Secretary of the Committee on Religious Affairs. The Patriarch expressed his sincere gratitude to Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and the state authorities for their continued support, describing it as a model of harmonious cooperation between Church and State for the benefit of society.
For her part, Fahim praised the Patriarchate’s significant humanitarian and social work both in Egypt and across Africa.
Both sides underlined the crucial role of religious leadership in fostering peace, fraternity, and mutual understanding, pointing to the longstanding coexistence of Christians and Muslims in Egypt as a powerful example.
Discussions also included prospects for future cooperation, such as joint conferences on contemporary issues like bioethics, as well as initiatives to strengthen humanitarian efforts.
Later that day, the Patriarch welcomed three new students from Madagascar at the Patriarchal School of Saint Athanasius in Alexandria. He offered them his blessing for their studies and commended the missionary work of Metropolitan Ignatius of Antananarivo, noting that their presence reflects the fruitful development of the Church’s mission in the region.
