The Episcopal Church Celebrates Christmas Songs on Candlelight at Cathedral of All Saints

The Episcopal Church in Alexandria celebrated a special Christmas service on candlelight, held just before the official Christmas celebrations. The ceremony took place at the Cathedral of All Saints, with Archbishop Dr. Sammy Fozzie presiding. The event drew broad participation from church leaders and reflected the community’s commitment to spiritual reflection and tradition.

The service featured a collection of Christmas songs performed in both Arabic and English, alongside Bible readings that emphasized the themes of joy and peace associated with the birth of Christ. The atmosphere was marked by silence and spiritual meditation, enhanced by the soft glow of candles. This tradition, which the Church aims to uphold annually, creates a serene environment for contemplation and worship.

In his sermon, Archbishop Dr. Sami Fawzi recounted the story of the Magi, highlighting their journey in search of a king. He noted that their high hopes led them to expect a powerful ruler, yet they encountered a child in distress. This, he said, serves as a reminder that God’s presence can manifest in unexpected and humble forms.

The Archbishop emphasized that the Magi’s experience offers a model of practical faith. He described their journey as one of searching, offering their best, and then following divine guidance, even when it required changing course. He encouraged the congregation to view frustration not as a reason to withdraw, but as an opportunity for renewal and hope.

Archbishop Fawzi concluded by affirming that the true essence of Christmas lies in transforming pain into hope and recognizing God’s presence amid suffering. The English Episcopal Church is set to hold its official Christmas service on the evening of December 24, at the Cathedral of All Saints in Zalk.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Arabic)