Revolutions are indelible pages of the history of nations and peoples. Egypt is a great country since the dawn of history, with its people who made civilization and presented it to the world, the great people who stand steadfast amidst adversities and ordeals, whose originality and greatness appear in the critical situations and hurricanes they are going through. However, Egypt always overcomes its pains and setbacks quickly through the strong will of its great people.
When we contemplate through pages of Egyptian history, we stand before a people who had challenged all forms of colonialism that have occupied their lands, remembering the words of the international Egyptian writer Naguib Mahfouz in his novel “Thebes at War”: “As the Egyptian people succeeded in achieving their independence in ancient times, they will also succeed in the present age.” The Egyptians always prove their success: here are the scenes of history engraving in human memory the role of the people in 1919 Revolution, when all the people factions supported the revolution leader Saad Zaghloul, forcing the colonial authorities to return him and his colleagues from exile. Another historical scene: the 1952 Revolution, which was sparked first among the ranks of the Egyptian army then to the masses of the people in order to restore Egypt and its wealth to its children.
On June 30, 2013, millions of Egyptians gathered peacefully in the squares, in a white revolution, declaring the people’s will to determine their fate and freedom and to restore their country from its looters. Egypt is the maker of the civilization which steps are followed by the world today, and along its path, she is the maker of the events before which the world stands in awe. His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi stated that June 30th Revolution was: “a change in the course of a nation that possesses a great balance of glory, a unique history of civilization, and a great status among other nations, and aspires to return to its first course, and to occupy the status it deserves.” The Egyptian decision stemmed from the will and freedom of the people and was not imposed on them.
From that day on, Egypt has begun a new journey of construction, and has restored its leading role in the world, despite the severe challenges she faced under the leadership of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, who keeps all love and loyalty in his heart for Egypt, constantly striving to raise its status, consolidating its prestige and continuing its construction, restoring its dignity, pride and leadership among the countries of the world, preserving its security and safety, in a fatherly manner for all Egyptians. His excellency has realized many achievements, including but not limited to: the New Suez Canal project, the developments in many sectors such as electricity and industry, the production of natural gas, developing a huge road network across the country, developing the Egyptian villages, and laying great interest in the future through focusing on the youth. Confronting terrorism and preserving Egyptian lands have always been two goals that Mr. President has set before his eyes. His directives and orders were issued, necessitating the crushing of all the methods of terrorism, preserving Egypt’s security, and securing it from all enemies, both internally and externally. The efforts exerted by His Excellency to restore peace and tranquility in the region in a prominent performance witnessed by world leaders shall never be forgotten. A salute of appreciation to Mr. President on the anniversary of June 30th Revolution, we pray to God to direct his steps and grant him wisdom and strength to lead the country.
My felicitations to all Egyptians on the anniversary of June 30th Revolution. I would also like to extend a salute of appreciation to every Egyptian who participated in making the history and glories of his country in 2013, especially the police and our armed forces, who have not ceased to support the people and uphold their will, through their heroic performance. When the people rose, declaring their will to regain power on June 30th 2013, the army, in solidarity with the policemen, protected that will, and they continued to counter terrorism and protect the country’s internal and external security, offering their best sons as martyrs for the sake of the homeland. Indeed, June 30th remains a unique page in human history, the Egyptian in particular, from which the principles of pride, dignity and patriotism shine. Happy anniversary to all of you. May God preserve Egypt and protect it from all evil. And… Stories in beautiful Egypt never end!
The General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
