Cairo – Thursday, May 14, 2026
Archbishop Dr. Samy Fawzy, Archbishop of the Alexandria Province of the Episcopal/Anglican Church, today inaugurated the 2026 Diocese of Egypt Synod under the theme “The Living Church,” in the presence of Rev. Mike Parker from Friends of the Province of Alexandria of the Episcopal/Anglican Church in the United Kingdom, held inside All Saints’ Episcopal Cathedral.
The Archbishop opened the Synod by expressing gratitude and appreciation to former archbishops and to all church departments and servants, in recognition of their service and dedication over the past years. He also extended greetings to all attendees at All Saints’ Cathedral in Zamalek, commending the participation of priests, deacons, servants, and members of the congregation in this ecclesial event.
He affirmed in his address that the current phase represents a new beginning for the life of the Church, its ministry, and its engagement with society. He noted that the Church’s vision is built on developing a spiritual life in which the ecclesial community grows both vertically in its relationship with God and horizontally in its relationship with others, emphasizing that the Church is one body serving society and not closed in on itself, and affirming the role of women as essential partners in ministry.
He explained that the Church’s mission in the coming phase is based on four main pillars. The first is worship rooted in genuine love and service to the Kingdom of God through the power of the Gospel.
The second is discipleship, aimed at forming mature and influential believers, stressing that the strength of the Church is measured by the maturity and active service of its members.
The third pillar is authentic pastoral care for the Church community, expressed through support in times of joy, sorrow, illness, and health.
The fourth pillar focuses on loving service to society, especially the poor and marginalized, as a practical expression of faith, based on the Gospel verse: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25).
The Archbishop noted that the past five years have been years of labor, witness, and embodiment of this vision, emphasizing the importance of the Province of Alexandria serving as a faithful prophetic voice of sound biblical teaching within the global Episcopal Church, while preserving its theological identity and spiritual heritage.
He further affirmed that the Province of Alexandria has a unique theological, geographical, and cultural character within the global Church, which gives it a special mission that requires faithfulness, continuity in service, teaching, and witness.
The first session concluded with the launch of discussion groups among participants to develop a five-year strategic plan for the diocese, aimed at enhancing ministry development and the Church’s future vision.
All Synod sessions were fully translated into sign language for the deaf and hard of hearing, reflecting the Church’s commitment to ensuring the participation of all its members in ecclesial life.
Issued by the Press Office of the Diocese of Egypt – Episcopal/Anglican Church