Inauguration of Largest Church in Middle East Scheduled for Coptic Orthodox Christmas Celebration

The inauguration of the largest church in the Middle East, the new Coptic Orthodox Cathedral of the Nativity of Jesus, is set for the Christmas Eve liturgy according to the Coptic calendar, on the night of January 6-7, 2018. The event will be presided over by Coptic Orthodox Patriarch Tawadros II and will take place in the presence of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al Sisi and other high-ranking officials. The cathedral, located in the new administrative capital of Egypt, is part of a broader urban development project aimed at alleviating the overcrowding of Cairo.

The construction of the cathedral has been accelerated to fulfill government commitments regarding the timeline of the new capital’s urban plan. President al Sisi had previously announced the project during a Coptic Orthodox Christmas liturgy on January 7, 2017, pledging its completion for the following year. The cathedral, which will have a cross-shaped design, is expected to be the largest church in Egypt and the entire Middle East. The project has been funded by the Egyptian presidency, with a total cost of 100 million Egyptian pounds (approximately 5.6 million Swiss francs).

The new administrative capital, located 40 kilometers east of Cairo, is designed to house government offices and political institutions. The project, launched in 2015, aims to decongest Cairo and provide housing for 5 million people. The cathedral’s construction is part of this initiative, symbolizing the government’s commitment to the religious and cultural identity of Egypt’s Coptic Christian community.

As the dates of the Coptic Orthodox Christmas and New Year’s Day approached, the Egyptian government heightened security measures to counter potential terrorist threats. This reflects the ongoing concerns for the safety of religious communities in the country. The Coptic Christians, who make up a significant portion of Egypt’s population, have historically faced challenges, including targeted attacks and societal tensions.

In 2017, Coptic Christians celebrated Christmas on January 7 in a tense atmosphere, attending midnight Mass earlier than usual due to security concerns. The community has shown resilience in the face of these challenges, maintaining their traditions and faith. The inauguration of the new cathedral is seen as a significant milestone, not only for the Coptic Orthodox Church but also for the broader Christian community in Egypt.

The government’s support for the cathedral’s construction underscores the importance of interfaith relations and the role of religion in national development. The event is expected to highlight the coexistence of different religious communities and the government’s efforts to foster peace and stability. As the cathedral nears completion, it stands as a testament to the enduring faith and perseverance of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt.

Source: Read the original report (translated from French)