Pope Tawadros II commemorates flight of Holy Family to Egypt

CAIRO - 3 June 2019: Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria Tawadros II said that the entry of Jesus Christ into Egypt is a dear anniversary to Egyptians, asserting that the country is still a source of safety and a model of humanitarian hospitality in times of crisis.

“Egypt is still the world’s heart by virtue of its ancient history and special geographical location blessed by God,” the Pope added in the mass he led to commemorate the anniversary of the flight of the Holy Family to Egypt. The mass took place in Saints Sergius and Bacchus' Church in Old Cairo. The Holy Family entered Egypt on June 1.

Pope Tawadros II highlighted that the Coptic Orthodox Church was founded on three main pillars in history. The first is a prophecy stated in the Book of Isaiah. The prophecy maintains that Egypt would house an altar dedicated to God. The altar is now located in Asyut’s Muharraq Monastery.

The second pillar is mentioned in the New Testament. That is the flight of the Holy Family to Egypt. Pope Tawadros II explained that Saint Helena, Constantine the Great's mother, built a church in each area the Holy Family passed by in Egypt. That is the current Holy Family Trail. The Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church is part of the trail as it has a cave where the Holy Family hid for a while.

The third pillar is Saint Mark who introduced Christianity in Egypt, and first arrived in Alexandria. The pope concluded by highlighting that Egypt and Egyptians were mentioned 700 times in the Holy Book. The Pope also praised the Egyptian state for its endeavors to put the Holy Family Trail on the tourism map.