In photos: Egypt’s PM visits Orthodox Cathedral to greet Pope Tawadros II on Christmas

CAIRO – 4 January 2024: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli greeted Pope Tawadros II, the Head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, on Christmas.

Madbouli made a visit to the Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Abbasiya on Thursday to meet with the pope ahead of Christmas.

The Premier expressed his appreciation of the efforts exerted by Pope Tawadros to preserve the unity of the Egyptian people, especially in the time of challenges.

 

For his part, Pope Tawadros lauded the visit of the premier, voicing support for the country's officials in confronting the challenges of the nation. 

Christmas in Egypt is observed on January 7th, following the Julian calendar, in line with Orthodox churches worldwide.

Late in December, Madbouli issued a decision announcing next Sunday, January 7th, a paid holiday for employees of public and private companies to mark the Coptic Orthodox Christmas.

The decision applies to employees at ministries, government institutions, public authorities, local administration units, public companies, public enterprise sector companies, and private sector companies.