Ambassador Basel Salah, Egypt’s Ambassador to Serbia, hosted an official reception in honor of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, attended by several ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions in Serbia.

The Egyptian ambassador warmly welcomed His Holiness, expressing his great joy and pride in this historic visit, describing it as “a new bridge of love and communication between the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Serbian Church, as well as between the peoples of Egypt and Serbia.”
He added, “Egypt is a land of many civilizations, which has offered the world some of its greatest values. Your Holiness’ presence today brings back to us the spirit of love, peace, and brotherhood, marking the first visit of the Pope of Alexandria to Serbia.”

In response, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II expressed his appreciation for the reception and those in attendance, saying:
“You represent ancient peoples and nations. In the Coptic Church, we consider the Church to be a home for all — an open place for worship, love, and service.”

He noted that Egypt was blessed by the visit of the Holy Family and is the land where Saint Mark the Apostle founded the Coptic Church.
Speaking about the Church, His Holiness said, “This Church has lived through many centuries, carrying the faith and passing it from generation to generation. It embraces every person and offers a message of love and peace to the whole world.”

He added: “My presence among you today is not merely a visit — it is an extension of the spiritual, cultural, and historical ties that connect our two countries, our two churches, and our peoples. We pray that God blesses these relations and makes them a source of goodness and peace.”

This event is part of His Holiness’ ongoing pastoral tour of the Diocese of Central Europe, which began on April 25. Serbia marks the third stop in this tour.

The official dinner concluded with an exchange of commemorative gifts.

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