Cairo – Friday, August 28, 2026

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Samy Fawzy, Archbishop of the Episcopal/Anglican Province of Alexandria, presided today over an English-language Holy Communion service at St. John the Baptist Church in Maadi, where a confirmation service was held for five new members of the church. He was joined in prayer by Deacon Timothy Roy, in the presence of a number of church members from various nationalities.

In his sermon, Archbishop Samy Fawzy addressed the concept of Christian discipleship, emphasizing that Christ’s call to a person is not merely a call to believe, but a call to a complete life of following, fellowship, obedience, and service.

He explained that a disciple is one who responds to Christ’s call and follows Him, noting that it is Christ who calls each person. This is not merely a call from Christ, but a call to Christ—that is, an invitation to enter into a personal relationship and genuine fellowship with Him.

The Archbishop emphasized that a life of discipleship requires self-denial, taking up the cross, and following Christ. He explained that genuine faith cannot be separated from obedience, and that a disciple is called to translate faith into practical living, demonstrated through commitment to God’s commandments and walking in His ways.

He also spoke about service as an essential part of the disciple’s calling, noting that Christ called His disciples to serve others rather than seek status or greatness. He emphasized that the life of a disciple is centered on Christ, who calls His followers to love, give, and serve others.

The Archbishop also addressed some of the challenges that a person may face on the journey of discipleship, including ambition and self-pity. He stressed the importance of ensuring that personal desires or a sense of sacrifice do not become obstacles to God’s work or to a person’s calling to serve.

He noted that taking up the cross is an essential aspect of Christian discipleship, explaining that following Christ requires a willingness to surrender one’s life to Him and remain steadfast in faith even amid difficulties and challenges.

Archbishop Samy Fawzy concluded his sermon by emphasizing that the Church is called to be a Church of disciples—those who respond to Christ’s call, live in relationship and fellowship with Him, remain committed to obedience, serve others, take up their cross, and follow Him throughout their lives.

Issued by:
The Media Office of the Episcopal/Anglican Diocese of Egypt