Today, Dr. Sami Fawzy, Archbishop and Primate of the Province of Alexandria of the Anglican Episcopal Church in Egypt, presided over the Divine Liturgy at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, in the presence of Archdeacon David Aziz, Dean and Pastor of the Cathedral.
In his sermon, the Archbishop said: God called our father Abraham to lift his eyes to the stars—just as the Magi once did—after a long season of waiting and disappointment, to teach him that faith is not about arranging life’s events according to our own expectations. Rather, it is about looking back to discover how God has been working, shaping, and transforming the heart and mind. An encounter with God is a journey that begins with obedience, even when the picture and the outcome are unclear.
He continued: God’s call to Abraham was a departure without details: “Leave your land and your family and go to the place I will show you.” Human nature constantly asks: Where? How? Why? But true faith means surrendering control and entrusting leadership to God, just as Abraham obeyed without knowing the road, the method, or the reason—he went out not knowing where he was going.
He concluded: Abraham’s faith, as Scripture teaches us, shows that obedience and trust precede understanding. What we need today is to see matters through God’s eyes—to recognize His presence in every challenge and pain, to offer Him our best, and to submit to His will. Only then are our lives transformed, and faith leads us into blessing.
On my own behalf, and in the name of the Synod of the Province of Alexandria of the Anglican Episcopal Church in Egypt, and on behalf of the bishops, clergy, and members of the Church in Egypt and abroad, I extend sincere thanks and appreciation to all who offered us Christmas greetings. We express special gratitude to His Excellency President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who delegated Mr. Mohamed Reda, Secretary of the Presidency, to attend the Divine Liturgy and extend his greetings yesterday at All Saints’ Cathedral in Zamalek.
We also extend our sincere thanks to Fr. Abram Emil, Deputy of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate; Sheikh Ibrahim El-Gamal representing the Egyptian Family House; Major General Nagi El-Gamal, Director of the General Administration of National Security; and members of the House of Representatives and the Senate for their heartfelt greetings and gracious attendance at the Mass: MP Ihab Zakaria, MP Ahmed Abdel Meguid, MP Amr Gamal El-Ghoneimy, MP Amr Khamis El-Ghoneimy, MP Enas Awad, and MP Abeer Eissawi.
We also thank Mr. Joseph Malak and Mr. Moheb Shafik from “Copts for Egypt” for their participation, as well as Mr. Tarek Gamal and Ms. Marwa Heiba from the National Alliance in Support of the Presidency, and Mr. John Makram, Head of the Alexandria Photographers Syndicate.