Archbishop Dr. Samy Fawzy, Archbishop of the Province of Alexandria of the Episcopal/Anglican Church, presided over the Holy Eucharist service during the Family Conference organized by All Saints’ Cathedral in Ras Sudr. The service was attended by The Very Rev. Hany Shenouda, Dean of the Cathedral; Rev. Moody Habib, Assistant Priest of the Cathedral; and Mr. George Fayek, the conference leader.
In his sermon, Archbishop Fawzy said: “The living church is an attractive church, like an oasis — people are drawn to it because it overflows with spiritual life. To know whether I am spiritually healthy or not, I must measure my life against the Word of God, not merely by my feelings. Many churches today drift away from Christ, but Acts 2:42–47 gives us a vivid image of the early church — active, dynamic, and fruitful despite challenges.”
He continued: “That early church had seven distinct characteristics. First, it was a church devoted to learning God’s Word to live in His will — teaching was its true strength. Second, it experienced genuine fellowship, where believers shared both joy and sorrow. Third, it gathered around the Lord’s Table — the center of worship. Fourth, it was a praying church, fervently seeking God’s will in all aspects of life. Fifth, it was filled with the Holy Spirit, empowering it to witness boldly. Sixth, it was a generous church that cared for others. And seventh, it was a joyful church — that joy helped believers face life’s difficulties.”
He concluded: “We pray that our Church may always remain alive — steadfast in the Word, prayerful, Spirit-filled, and joyfully generous — to be the light and salt within our community.”