A dinner reception was held this evening in honor of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, hosted by Ambassador Mohamed Nasr, Egypt’s Ambassador to Austria.

The Egyptian Ambassador extended invitations to a number of ambassadors accredited to Austria, in addition to several public figures and members of the Egyptian Embassy.

Ambassador Nasr delivered a welcoming address in which he greeted His Holiness Pope Tawadros II and spoke of his patriotism, as well as the ancient heritage of the See of Saint Mark, the roots of the Coptic Church, and its national character.

His Holiness Pope Tawadros then addressed the attendees, warmly welcoming them and speaking about Egypt, noting that it is a marvel of both nature and history. He referred to its distinctive square-like shape, with two sides bordered by water and two sides by desert.

He also reflected on the accumulation of civilizations that have shaped Egypt, including the Pharaonic, Christian, Islamic, Arab, African, Mediterranean, Roman, and Greek civilizations.

His Holiness then spoke about the monasteries, the birth of monasticism in Egypt, and the journey of the Holy Family into Egypt. He concluded by inviting all those present to visit Egypt and the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Also attending the reception were Their Graces Bishop Gabriel of Austria, Bishop Marc of Paris and Northern France, a number of priests, and distinguished members of the Coptic community in Austria.

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