Moments ago, Christmas Mass began at All Saints’ Cathedral, presided over by Bishop Dr. Sami Fawzy, Archbishop of the Province of Alexandria of the Anglican Episcopal Church.
As part of the Christmas liturgy, the Archbishop invited all worshippers to begin the Prayer of Preparation after the Cathedral Choir sang:
“Today Christ is born; today the Savior has come; glory to God in the highest. This is the joyful day—let the peoples rejoice.”
During the Prayer of Preparation, the congregation recited:
“Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden, cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love You and worthily magnify Your holy Name.”
It is worth noting that the Archbishop had shortly before received a number of distinguished guests and representatives sent by the state and Al-Azhar to offer their Christmas greetings.
Earlier, the Episcopal Church had been adorned with Christmas trees and festive lights hours before the Mass, which is conducted in both Arabic and English to serve Egyptians and expatriates, in addition to Egyptian Sign Language interpretation.