At the Cathedral of St. Nicholas in Cairo, Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria and All Africa delivered the profound message of the birth of the God-man, presiding over the Orthros (Matins) and the Divine Liturgy.
Metropolitan Nikodimos of Memphis, the Patriarchal Vicar of Cairo, alongside priests from all the Churches of Cairo, joined the Patriarch. The hymns, sung by the Protopsaltes of the Greek Community of Cairo, resonated through the church. The Patriarchal Archon Archcantor, Mr. Tony Atala, and the Hieropsaltes (cantor), Mr. Ibrahim Musa, sung chants 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 Chios Island. 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 Patriarch of Alexandria to the Coptic Patriarch in the video below:
Source: ekkairo.org / Article translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
