This evening, H.H. Pope Tawadros II attended the centennial celebration of the Church of Virgin Mary in Zeitoun, Cairo, marking one hundred years since its establishment and consecration.

The celebration was attended by a number of the Church’s hierarchs, including metropolitans, bishops, and priests, as well as representatives from various Christian denominations in Egypt. The event was also attended by Dr. Maya Morsy (Minister of Social Solidarity), Ambassador Nabil Habashi (Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Migration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs), Dr. Ibrahim Saber (Governor of Cairo), Major General Ismail Al-Far (Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports), in addition to several ambassadors, senior officials of Cairo Governorate, and members of parliament.

Upon his arrival at the church—famous for the apparition of Virgin Mary in 1968—His Holiness unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the occasion, prayed the Prayer of Thanksgiving, and toured an exhibition displaying the church’s relics and heritage over the past century.

He then proceeded to the cathedral opposite the apparition church, where he was greeted by the scouting team. The deacons’ choir chanted hymns welcoming the Patriarch, while the congregation inside the church received him with applause and joyful ululations.

The raising of incense of Vespers were prayed with the participation of the clergy. Afterward, the deacons’ choir sang several Church hymns, followed by the church choir presenting a number of spiritual songs. The church’s priests delivered words of welcome filled with love and deep appreciation for their father and shepherd, H.H. Pope Tawadros.

In his sermon, His Holiness praised all who contributed to the celebration and commended the great effort exerted by the security forces in organizing and maintaining safety around the church. He then spoke about the virtues of Virgin Mary as recorded by Saint Luke the Evangelist in his Gospel, and as mentioned in the Gospel of John through events such as the Wedding at Cana of Galilee and her presence at the Cross. He emphasized that in the presence of Virgin Mary, we find intercession and joy in salvation, even amid suffering.

Pope Tawadros pointed to the sources of joy, saying:
Prayer and Praise: For prayer is direct communication with God, the loving Creator.
Thanksgiving and Contentment: For the thankful and content person receives more and more of God’s blessings.

He also highlighted the important role of women in the Church, especially in service, contemplation, and other spiritual matters. His Holiness reminded the faithful that the church was consecrated during the papacy of Pope Kyrillos V, the 112th Patriarch, and that through the successive generations of patriarchs, the joy of the Church continues to be passed down from one generation to another.

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