On Saturday, December 23, 2023, Pope Tawadros II visited the Coptic Catholic Patriarchate in Kobri El-Qubba, accompanied by a delegation, to extend his greetings to Patriarch Anba Ibrahim Isaac on the occasion of the joyful Christmas celebration, observed by various Christian churches on the upcoming Monday, December 25.
In the reception attended by Patriarch Anba Ibrahim and several bishops from the Council of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Egypt, as well as priests and nuns, the Patriarch expressed his delight at Pope Tawadros’ visit. He emphasized that the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ calls for peace, especially amid the pains of wars raging in the world.
Pope Tawadros highlighted that Christmas is a proclamation of God’s love through the incarnation, affirming that God’s love is the driving force for serving others. Reflecting on the subtle difference between the words “love” and “war” in arabic, he pointed out the significance of the letter “R,” which seems to separate the two, illustrating how wars can tear apart the fabric of love among people.
He stated, “Humanity replaced love with war, becoming hungry for love and ferocious. Thus, we must adhere to love, praying for it in our teachings, actions, and services, making Christmas a renewal of the love humanity needs. Our role remains contributing to solidifying love in the human heart and assisting everyone in being filled with the love of God.”
Accompanying Pope Tawadros were members of the clergy, including Bishop Daniel, the Secretary of the Holy Synod; Bishop Julius, the General Bishop for Ancient Egypt and the Services Diocese; Bishop Angelo, the General Bishop for the Churches of Shubra El-Kheima; Father Sergius, the delegate of the Patriarchate in Cairo; Father Kyrillos, the Director of Pope Tawadros’ office; Father Moses Ibrahim, the Church’s official spokesperson; Father Raphael Ramzi; and Deacon Joseph Reda. Additionally, Dr. George Saleh, the Honorary Secretary-General of the Middle East Council of Churches, was part of the esteemed delegation.