Head of Egypt’s Evangelical community at Christmas celebration: We stand behind state in defending Palestinians’ rights

CAIRO – 5 January 2024: Andrea Zaki, Head of Egypt's Evangelical community, mentioned the developments unfolding in Gaza as a result of the Israeli aggression during the community’s Christmas celebrations on Friday.

During the celebrations, Zaki stressed the community’s support to the Egyptian state’s efforts in defending the historical rights of the Palestinian people and rejecting all forms of displacement and violence.

“In Gaza, we have seen brutal Israeli power blowing up homes and hospitals, leading to the martyrdom of thousands of Palestinians, including a large number of women and children, and causing unprecedented devastation to Gaza,” Zaki said in his speech.

Zaki extended greetings to the state’s officials as well as Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria, the Head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, on Christmas.

The celebration, held in Kasr El-Dobara Evangelical Church, witnessed a significant attendance of state officials, including ministers, as well as parliament members and public figures.

On Friday, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi assigned presidency Secretary Hossam Zaatar to visit the Coptic Evangelical Church to greet the denomination on Christmas and attend its celebrations on the occasion.

Meanwhile, the Coptic Orthodox Church will celebrate Christmas on Sunday, January 7th, following the Julian calendar.

Late in December, Prime Minister Mostafa 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.