Today (Saturday), H.H. Pope Tawadros II consecrated the Church of Virgin Mary and St. George in Madinaty, New Cairo. The church serves approximately 1,800 families residing in Madinaty and the surrounding areas.

The church’s scout team welcomed His Holiness upon arrival with their distinctive music. He took the time to greet and bless them before seeing a map of the Holy Family’s trail, which was painted on the inner wall of the church.

Pope Tawadros unveiled the commemorative plaque marking the church’s consecration, and got photos taken with the church’s priests and council. Then, his procession entered the church, led by the deacons’ choir chanting the hymn of welcoming the Patriarch, amidst joy and a warm reception from the congregation.

Six bishops of the church, along with the General Deputy of the Patriarchate in Cairo, the church’s priests, and several other priests, participated in the consecration prayers and the liturgy that followed.

Three altars were consecrated: the central one in the name of St. George, the northern one in the name of Saint Pope Kyrillos VI, and the southern one in the name of St. Demiana. These altars are located in the church’s ground level.

The Pantocrator icon was also consecrated in the three altars, along with the icons on the iconostasis and throughout the church.

Then, His Holiness proceeded to the church’s baptistry and consecrated it in the name of Saint John the Baptist. Afterward, he and the fathers signed the official document for the church’s consecration.

Pope Tawadros delivered the sermon during the liturgy, beginning by congratulating the church fathers and congregation on the church’s consecration. He said: “This is a joyous day in which our beloved Egypt shines with a pure, white page in this era, as this church is consecrated in its beautiful, completed form.” He praised Madinaty, describing it as a jewel among the cities of New Cairo in its design and execution. He also expressed gratitude to Mr. Hisham Talaat Moustafa, CEO of TMG, the owning company of Madinaty, for his contributions and continuous support of the church throughout all phases of its construction.

Regarding the Gospel reading of the liturgy, His Holiness pointed out that this is the only place in the Bible where the Lord Christ used the word “church” in the possessive form, saying: “I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18).

He then spoke about the role of the church in the lives of believers, highlighting three key points:

1.⁠ ⁠A Place of Prayer: Prayer is the means of communication with God, and it works miracles. Therefore, the Lord Jesus instructed us: “Men always ought to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1).

2.⁠ ⁠A Place of Teaching: In the church, we learn the books of the Holy Bible, and through them, we learn love, for: “God is love” (1 John 4:8).

3.⁠ ⁠A Place for Spiritual Friendship: Through the saints, we enjoy and benefit from this friendship, experiencing their work among us through their prayers for us and miracles.

The church’s priests presented to Pope Tawadros a commemorative gift—an image of Virgin Mary and Saint George, incorporated within the Madinaty logo.

Mr. Hisham Talaat Moustafa then delivered a welcoming and gratitude speech to His Holiness.

Following the liturgy, a celebration was held to mark the church’s consecration. It began with a speech by Father Antonious Maurice, the church’s most senior priest, who expressed gratitude to Pope Tawadros. In his speech, he praised the Pope’s pastoral and educational efforts, his well-known national stances, and his strong relationship with His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and all pillars of the state. He also commended the architectural renaissance that the Coptic Church has never witnessed before.

Two documentaries were then played—one showcasing the services the church provides to its members and the other detailing its construction journey, titled: “A Beacon of Joy.”

At the conclusion of the event, all those who contributed to the construction and preparation of the church were honored.

His Holiness, accompanied by Mr. Hisham Talaat Moustafa, then laid the foundation stone for the church’s adjacent service building.

After leaving the church, Mr. Hisham Talaat Moustafa invited Pope Tawadros on a tour of Madinaty. The Pope visited residential areas, the British International School (BISM), and the city’s central control center.

His Holiness praised the high standards of Madinaty, expressing his best wishes for continued success and progress for its owners, employees, and residents.

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