Cairo – Monday, 25 May 2026
The Most Reverend Dr. Samy Fawzy, Archbishop of the Anglican/Episcopal Province of Alexandria, visited His Eminence Dr. Nazir Ayyad, Grand Mufti of Egypt, at the headquarters of Dar al-Ifta in Al-Azhar, to extend greetings on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. The visit took place 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 Mufti on Eid al-Adha, wishing him continued health and wellbeing, and praying for greater peace and stability for Egypt and its people.
Archbishop Dr. Samy Fawzy affirmed that religious holidays represent an important opportunity to renew values of love and human closeness, stressing the importance of continuing cooperation and dialogue between religious institutions to promote a culture of peace and peaceful coexistence within Egyptian society.
For his part, His Eminence Prof. Dr. Nazir Ayyad, Grand Mufti of Egypt, expressed appreciation for the visit of the Archbishop and his accompanying delegation, emphasizing that such meetings reflect the depth of national relations among all citizens and highlight the important role of religious institutions in consolidating values of love, understanding, and acceptance of the other.
The meeting also included a dialogue on several issues of mutual interest, where both sides affirmed that divine messages call for mercy, respect for human dignity, and the reinforcement of shared coexistence. They also discussed the principles of sound religious guidance and the role of religious institutions in promoting moderate thinking and countering hate speech and extremism.
Both sides praised the ongoing cooperation between the Episcopal Church and Dar al-Ifta through the activities and programs of the Christian-Muslim Dialogue and Partnership Center, which organizes joint training courses and workshops aimed at exchanging perspectives and expertise and addressing various social and intellectual issues, particularly those related to citizenship, coexistence, and acceptance of diversity.
At the end of the meeting, both sides exchanged greetings and best wishes on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, affirming continued cooperation and joint efforts to serve the nation and promote values of love and peace.
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 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, English Ministry Pastor at St. John the Baptist Church in Maadi and Academic Director of the Christian-Muslim Dialogue and Partnership Center; Archdeacon Yasser Koko, Pastor of the Sudanese Ministry in the Diocese of Egypt; Rev. Samir Dawood, Pastor of Jesus Prince of Peace Church in Madinat El-Salam and Director of Social Initiatives at the Center; Rev. Yeshua Yaqub, Secretary-General of the Council of Churches of Egypt; Rev. Michael Buchanan, Priest of the Episcopal Church in Ireland; and Mirna Magdy, Media Office Officer of the Episcopal Diocese of Egypt.
Issued by
Press Office of the Diocese of Egypt – Episcopal/Anglican Church