Today, H.H. Pope Tawadros II laid the foundation stone for the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchal Cemetery Project in Katameya, New Cairo, with the participation of six metropolitans and bishops, the General Deputy of the Patriarchate in Cairo, a number of priests, archons, guests, engineers, and workers involved in the project.

The ceremony included speeches by the officials responsible for the project, namely Engineer Sherif Adly, the General Commissioner of the project; Engineer Karim Moheb, the project’s architectural designer; and Deacon Joseph Reda, the Financial Commissioner of the project.

In his address, His Holiness reviewed the stages of licensing, planning, and construction, offering his gratitude to all those working on this project.

He pointed out that the Church’s view of death focuses on it as merely a transition: “For there is no death for Your servants, but a departure,” and therefore cemeteries are considered a station of transition. He noted that these cemeteries have a unified, simple, and serene design, reminding us that we will one day leave this life, which urges the soul toward repentance and preparation for eternity.

His Holiness also indicated that there will be cemeteries designated for the priests of the churches, reserved specifically for the burial of the departed clergy.

He concluded his address by referring to the “culture of graves,” meaning that one should not be affected by words of praise or blame, like those who have departed and are no longer influenced by words.

It is worth noting that the new cemetery project consists of five phases: four phases for the laity and one phase for the clergy. The first phase is scheduled to be delivered in October 2027.

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