Cairo _ Thursday, 21 May 2026
The Most Reverend Dr. Samy Fawzy, Archbishop of the Episcopal/Anglican Province of Alexandria, visited His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, at the headquarters of Al-Azhar, to extend greetings on the occasion of the upcoming Eid al-Adha. The visit comes within the framework of the strong relations and spirit of mutual love and cooperation that unite religious institutions in Egypt.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Archbishop and the accompanying delegation congratulated the Grand Imam on the upcoming Eid al-Adha, wishing him continued health and wellbeing, and praying that God may return these occasions upon Egypt and the entire world with goodness, peace, security, and safety.
Archbishop Dr. Samy Fawzy affirmed that Egypt presents a unique model of peaceful coexistence among all its citizens, noting that dialogue and cooperation between religious institutions contribute to promoting a culture of peace, acceptance of the other, and supporting efforts to build humanity and society. He also praised the relationship between the Anglican Episcopal Church and Al-Azhar, as well as the role played by the Christian-Muslim Dialogue and Partnership Center in organizing training programs and workshops that bring together Al-Azhar scholars and church clergy to exchange views on various contemporary issues, particularly the reinforcement of shared coexistence values.
For his part, the Grand Imam welcomed the visit of the Archbishop and his accompanying delegation, expressing appreciation for this kind gesture, and stressing that exchanging visits during holidays and occasions reflects the cohesion of the Egyptian national fabric and the depth of relations between Muslims and Christians, as a renewed opportunity to strengthen bonds of love and national unity. He also emphasized the importance of continuing joint cooperation in spreading the values of peace and human coexistence, countering extremist ideas and hate speech, praying that God protects Egypt and grants it continued security and stability.
The Episcopal Church delegation included:
Dr. Mounir Hanna, Honorary Archbishop of the Province of Alexandria and Director of the Christian-Muslim Dialogue and Partnership Center; Archdeacon Yasser Koko, Pastor of the Sudanese Ministry in the Diocese of Egypt; Canon Hany Shenouda, Dean of All Saints Cathedral in Zamalek; Rev. Canon Medhat Sabry, Rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Menouf; Rev. Dr. Matthew Anderson, Rector of St. John the Baptist Church in Maadi and Academic Director of the Center; Rev. Samir Dawood, Pastor of Jesus Prince of Peace Church in Madinat El-Salam and Director of Social Initiatives at the Center; Rev. Michael Buchnan, Priest of the Episcopal Church in Ireland; and Mirna Magdy, Media Office Officer of the Episcopal Diocese of Egypt.
The Al-Azhar delegation included Sheikh Ayman Abdel Ghani, Acting Deputy of Al-Azhar; Dr. Abbas Shoman, Secretary-General of the Council of Senior Scholars and President of the International Association of Alumni of Al-Azhar; Dr. Mohamed El-Dawini, former Deputy of Al-Azhar; Dr. Mostafa Abdel Ghani, Vice President of Al-Azhar University and Secretary-General of the Egyptian Family House; Ambassador Abdel Rahman Mousa, Head of External Relations and International Students; Ambassador Qadri Abdel Motaleb, Head of Protocol and External Relations; and Dr. Ahmed Barakat, Director of the Al-Azhar Media Center.
Issued by
Press Office of the Diocese of Egypt – Episcopal/Anglican Church