Ismailia – Wednesday, October 21, 2026
The Most Rev. Dr. Samy Fawzy, Archbishop of Alexandria for the Episcopal Anglican Province of Alexandria, presided over the Holy Communion service at the Episcopal Church in Ismailia, during which seven new members were confirmed on Tuesday evening. The service was attended by the Rev. Canon Hany Shenouda, Dean of All Saints’ Episcopal Cathedral in Zamalek; the Rev. Rami Naim, the church’s pastor; and a large congregation of church members and worshippers.
In his sermon, the Archbishop said, “God loves small beginnings and brings great things out of them,” explaining that the growth of the Church is not determined by the size of its resources or the number of people attending, but by God’s presence among His people.
He referred to the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast, explaining that although the mustard seed is small, it grows into a large tree, while yeast works unseen in the dough but continues to work until the entire batch is leavened.
The Archbishop emphasized that these two parables reflect the nature of God’s work in the Church, whether through visible growth or the inner transformation that takes place in people’s lives. He stressed that ministry grows only through the presence of the Lord.
He added that prayer is a vital foundation of church life, explaining that members are called to uphold one another in prayer: the congregation prays for its pastor, the pastor prays for the congregation, and each family prays for other families.
The Archbishop also referred to the prophet Moses, who interceded with God on behalf of his people despite their sins and disobedience, and whose prayer God answered. He affirmed that God’s presence is not a reward we receive because we are strong or deserving, but a divine gift of grace.
Archbishop Samy Fawzy explained that God’s presence grants people rest, though it does not necessarily provide them with a clear roadmap for the journey. He cited God’s words to Moses: “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
The Archbishop concluded by emphasizing that a Church living in the light of God reflects the light of His presence in the lives of others. Its true witness, he said, is expressed through love, service, and prayer—not merely through the number of its members or the resources at its disposal.
He called on members of the Episcopal Church in Ismailia to be a living testimony to God’s presence in their city by serving those in need, supporting one another, and living in a spirit of love and joy, so that everyone may see the impact of God’s presence in their lives.
The Most Rev. Dr. Samy Fawzy also expressed his gratitude to the Maronite Church, under the leadership of Bishop Georges Chihane, Bishop of the Maronite Eparchy of Cairo for Egypt and Sudan and Apostolic Visitor to North Africa, for hosting the Episcopal congregation and allowing the Holy Communion service to be held at St. Thérèse Maronite Church in Ismailia. He expressed his appreciation for this gesture of hospitality, which reflects the spirit of love and brotherhood among churches and strengthens the bonds of fellowship and unity among Christians.
Canon Hany offered prayers for the newly confirmed members, inviting everyone to experience the real presence of Christ in their daily lives and to allow God to be glorified through them before the world and in their service. He also prayed that God would strengthen the Rev. Rami Naim in his ministry to the church in Ismailia.
Confirmation is a service that marks an individual’s formal commitment to membership in the Episcopal Church. During the service, each new member makes a commitment before the bishop, the pastor, and the congregation to deepen their study of God’s Word and maintain a regular life of prayer.
Issued by
The Media Office of the Diocese of Egypt of the Episcopal Anglican Church