Cairo – Sunday, June 14, 2026
The Most Rev. Dr. Sami Fawzy, Archbishop of the Episcopal/Anglican Province of Alexandria, presided today over the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at All Saints’ Episcopal Cathedral in Zamalek, during which he officiated a Baptism service. He was joined by the Very Rev. Hany Shenouda, Dean of the Cathedral.
In his sermon, Archbishop Fawzy reflected on the life of Philip the Evangelist, noting that his name appears immediately after that of Stephen in the Book of Acts. He explained that Philip was a deacon who exemplified what it means to be an active member of the Body of Christ and became known for his ministry of evangelism, teaching, and baptism.
The Archbishop pointed out that Philip was not only an evangelist but also the head of a household filled with God’s presence. Scripture records that he had four daughters who prophesied. He emphasized that a healthy Church is one in which every believer recognizes that proclaiming the Gospel is not the responsibility of a select few, but the calling of every member of the Church.
Archbishop Fawzy explained that the Holy Spirit chose Philip, although he was not among the well-known apostles, to carry the Gospel to distant places. This demonstrates that God often uses ordinary people who are willing to obey Him, just as He previously used Ananias. God, he said, does not look at human abilities or status, but at hearts that are ready to obey His voice and share the Good News with others.
Reflecting on Philip’s journey from Jerusalem to Samaria and later to the desert road at the direction of the Holy Spirit, the Archbishop noted that Philip obeyed God’s call immediately, without hesitation or complaint, even though he did not know whom he would meet or why he had been sent there. Such prompt obedience, he said, reveals the importance of discerning God’s voice and responding with faith and trust.
The Archbishop added that Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch demonstrates the value of every individual in God’s eyes. Philip left a fruitful ministry in Samaria to minister to one person on a desert road because God cares deeply for each individual, not merely for large crowds. Led by the Holy Spirit to approach the chariot, Philip began with a simple question: “Do you understand what you are reading?” This opened the door for the man to learn and to understand the prophecies he was reading from the Book of Isaiah.
Archbishop Fawzy emphasized that Philip’s effectiveness in evangelism stemmed from his deep knowledge of Scripture and the prophetic writings. He was able to explain the message of salvation and proclaim Christ to the Ethiopian official, who believed, was baptized, and received new life, going on his way rejoicing.
Concluding his sermon, the Archbishop affirmed that all believers are called to participate in building the Kingdom of God. He noted that God uses servants who are teachable, willing to be led, and ready to obey. He also stressed that baptism is both a promise and a responsibility, as parents publicly commit before the Church to raise their child in the fear and knowledge of God. He concluded with a prayer that every member of the Church would be like Philip—ready to give everything in service to God and for the growth of His Kingdom.
In the Episcopal Church, the Baptism service is administered either by pouring or immersion, followed by the signing of the cross as a visible sign of the child’s incorporation into the Church and the beginning of the Christian journey of faith. During the service, a baptismal candle is lit and presented to the parents, symbolizing the child’s passage from darkness into God’s marvelous light, in accordance with the Christian faith.
Issued by:
The Press Office of the Episcopal Diocese of Egypt