Dr. Ibrahim Saber, Governor of Cairo, attended the inauguration ceremony of the Church of the Virgin Mary, Anba Bishoy, and Anba Karas in Shubra, following the completion of its painting and full decoration after the issuance of the decree legalizing its status.
The ceremony was attended by Major General Omar Mahmoud El-Shafei, Deputy Governor for the Northern Region; Anba Ermia, General Bishop, President of the Coptic Cultural Center, and Secretary-General of the Egyptian Family House; Anba Makari, General Bishop of the Churches of Southern Shubra; Father Mina Farag, Head of the Church and Spiritual Supervisor of the Virgin Mary Association; Wael Farag, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Virgin Mary Association; and a number of members of the House of Representatives.
The Governor of Cairo affirmed that the Egyptian state, under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, continues its efforts to strengthen the principles of citizenship and promote coexistence among all Egyptians. He noted that the legalization of churches is an important example of the state’s respect for freedom of belief and its efforts to provide an appropriate environment for practicing religious rites within the framework of the rule of law.
The Governor of Cairo pointed out that the inauguration of the Church of the Virgin Mary, following the completion of its renovation works and the issuance of the decree legalizing its status, reflects the Egyptian state’s commitment to preserving places of worship and consolidating the values of citizenship, equality, and freedom of belief under the New Republic, which embraces all its citizens.
The Governor of Cairo emphasized that the Cairo Governorate attaches great importance to supporting all places of worship and working to overcome any obstacles they may face, in coordination with the relevant authorities. He stressed that preserving religious heritage and fostering a spirit of love and coexistence among Egyptians is a shared responsibility that contributes to strengthening social stability and cohesion.
He added that Egypt has been and will remain a unique model of coexistence, bringing its people together as one national fabric, with everyone contributing to its development and preservation.
The Governor of Cairo expressed his appreciation and respect for His Holiness Pope Tawadros II and all church leaders for their sincere national efforts. He wished that the church would continue to serve as a beacon of love and peace, and prayed that God would protect Egypt and its people and grant the country lasting security and stability.
Source: Media Department, Cairo Governorate
