Today, Archbishop Dr. Sami Fawzy, Archbishop of the Province of Alexandria of the Episcopal Anglican Church, attended the celebration marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Heliopolis (Korba). The event was attended by Bishop Dr. Mouneer Anis, Director of the Christian-Islamic Center and Honorary Archbishop, as well as Rev. Emad Basilius, the church’s pastor.
Welcoming the guests, Rev. Emad Basilius said:
“It is a great honor for me to serve as pastor of this church at such a blessed time, as we celebrate one hundred years since its founding. Although many pastors have served here before me and deserve much of the credit for its legacy, God’s providence has placed me here to share this glorious occasion with you. On behalf of Archbishop Dr. Sami Fawzy, the congregation, and the church council, I warmly welcome all of you, especially our distinguished guests, as we celebrate together the Lord’s grace among us.”
In his address, Archbishop Sami Fawzy reflected on the church’s century-long journey, saying:
“As we celebrate the centennial of St. Michael’s Church in Heliopolis, we reflect on one hundred years during which this church became a beacon for people of many nationalities and cultures, and a living witness to God’s work through the generations. Times have changed, generations have come and gone, methods of ministry have evolved, and the journey has been filled with countless stories, challenges, and blessings. Yet one thing has never changed: God’s faithfulness.”
He continued:
“Today we thank God for the abundant blessings He has poured upon this church, making it a beacon of hope and a messenger of peace in Heliopolis. It has become a gathering place for diverse peoples united by one faith and one Spirit. God does not call us merely to preserve a heritage, but to fulfill His will in our present generation. The Lord has brought about a blessed spiritual movement focused on discipleship and the building up of lives. One hundred years is not the end of the story but the beginning of a new chapter in the church’s life.”
The Archbishop concluded:
“Even if some believe that the church’s golden years are behind us, we remain confident that the future is always brighter because our message remains unchanged: Christ is the Savior. We thank God for preserving His church for a hundred years, and we thank every servant and every individual who has been part of this journey. We pray that the church will always remain a home for His people and a beacon for the glory of His name. He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.”
Rev. Adel Shokralla, pastor of St. James Episcopal Church in the United Kingdom, reflected on Isaiah 42:1–9, noting that the church’s hundred-year history has been marked by cultural diversity and a rich variety of servants and leaders whose differences became a source of strength and enrichment. He highlighted the church’s perseverance, peace, and unity in the face of challenges, emphasizing that times of crisis drew people closer together and strengthened their identity as one body in God’s presence. He also described the church as a refuge for strangers, a house of prayer for all people, and a witness to Christ that offers hope and light to everyone who enters.
Mr. Ramez Atallah, former General Director and current consultant of the Bible Society, and the longest-serving member of HCC Church, shared his reflections:
“It is a privilege to be here today because this church is very dear to my heart. It began as an open fellowship bringing together Christians from different denominations in Heliopolis and continued through the years with the support and encouragement of its leaders despite many challenges. Today we enjoy a season of stability and growth, to the extent that the building can scarcely accommodate everyone. What truly distinguishes this place, however, is its warmth and genuine love. On behalf of the HCC ministry, I thank you for your hospitality and partnership, which have been a source of blessing and transformation in the lives of many people.”
The celebration included times of worship and intercessory prayer for the nation and its peace, a video presentation highlighting the church’s history, and testimonies from former clergy and longtime members who shared memories of their service. Veteran members of the congregation were also honored for their contributions over the years.
The event was attended by numerous clergy, church leaders, ecumenical representatives, international guests, and public figures, including bishops and pastors from Egypt, Sudan, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and representatives of various Christian traditions, as well as diplomats, academics, and community leaders.
The centennial celebration served as both a thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness over the past century and a renewed commitment to the church’s mission of worship, discipleship, service, and witness in the years ahead.