St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in Alexandria, together with the Christian-Muslim Center for Understanding and Partnership and in cooperation with the Egyptian Family House in Alexandria, organized a Ramadan iftar banquet under the patronage of Archbishop Dr. Samy Fawzy, Archbishop of the Episcopal/Anglican Province of Alexandria.
The event was attended by the Very Reverend David Aziz, Dean of the Cathedral; Rev. Sirag Nabil, Pastor of All Saints Episcopal Church in Stanley; Rev. Samir Daoud, Pastor of Jesus Prince of Peace Episcopal Church in El Salam City; and Deacon Karim Danyan.
Dean David Aziz expressed his delight in hosting this gathering, which brought together religious leaders, executive officials, and public figures in an atmosphere of brotherhood and love. He emphasized that Egypt will always remain a unique model of peaceful coexistence. He noted that the Episcopal Church is committed to participating in community initiatives that promote peace and fraternity among all citizens without discrimination. He also presented an overview of the Document on Human Fraternity between Al-Azhar and the Church, expressing his hope that Egypt would embody the spirit of “Ramadan Brotherhood” throughout the entire year, not just during one month.
In his remarks, Dr. Ibrahim El-Gamal, Secretary of the Egyptian Family House and Director General of Preaching at Al-Azhar in Alexandria, affirmed that such gatherings reflect the true meaning of national unity that has characterized the Egyptian people throughout history. He pointed out that the Egyptian Family House continues its efforts to foster a culture of dialogue and cooperation among all segments of society, contributing to greater social stability.
For his part, Mr. Moheb Shafik, Secretary of the Union of Copts for Egypt, stated that shared iftar gatherings between Muslims and Christians convey a message of love and reaffirm that the people of one nation are united by the values of coexistence and tolerance.
Among the attendees were Major General Hazem Badr, Assistant Commander of the Northern Military Region; Dr. Saeed Abdel Aziz, former Governor of Sharqia and Secretary-General of the Future of the Nation Party in Alexandria; MP Ramadan Batiha; MPs Abeer Fouad, Rania El-Sheemy, and Nada Thabet; Major General Gamal Rashad of the Alexandria Tourism and Resorts Authority; Dr. Faiza Zayed, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Solidarity in Alexandria; and Dr. Sameh Riyad, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment in Alexandria.
Also attending were Eng. Sayed Badawy; Mr. Mohamed Abu Hendiya, Assistant Secretary of the Future of the Nation Party in Alexandria; Ms. Rehab, Director of the Amreya Educational Administration in Alexandria; Dr. Mohamed Ansi, Head of the Alexandria Pharmacists Syndicate; Dr. Gaber Khalil, Secretary-General of the Tax Employees Syndicate; Eng. Mina Milad, member of the Alexandria Engineers Syndicate; Mr. Hany Morris, Director of Caritas Egypt in Alexandria; Mr. Hamdan El-Qady, Executive Director of the Friends of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina Association; Ms. Omaima El-Sheikh, Coordinator of the National Council for Motherhood and Childhood in Alexandria; Mr. Selim George, Coordinator of Church Schools; educational leaders Mr. Mohsen George, Mr. Sayed Abdel Aty, and Ms. Ola Soliman; as well as Counselor Ibrahim Abdullah.