My felicitations for a new year, and for the glorious Nativity celebrated by the Eastern Christians on 7th of January, (which falls on 29th of Kiahk as per the Coptic calendar), wishing all good and blessings for out Egypt, and pleading for God to save the world from the pandemic, turmoil and hardships, and to grant His peace, good and blessings to all.
The Nativity is associated with a message of joy and rejoice; the angels’ carol came declaring: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men”.The angel, who appeared to the shepherds vigilant watching their flocks, declared that the birth of Lord Christ is a good tiding of joy for everyone: “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” He also gave them a sign to know Him with; “And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” The secret behind the real rejoice in the birth of Lord Christ is the change which has been granted to people, as He said: “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” The coming of Lord Christ to the world was for life, and for the reconciliation of the earthly with the heavenly.
Man lives in joy and peace when putting absolute trust in God, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Happy many returns to all of you.
The General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
