KUWAIT CITY, Jan 7: The Egyptian Coptic Church in Kuwait celebrated Christmas in a spirit of joy and reverence at the St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church. The cathedral was filled with the sounds of Christmas hymns, which created a festive atmosphere. It was beautifully decorated with vibrant bouquets of flowers, which featured the names of Their Highnesses and prominent community members who sent their warmest greetings and expressed sentiments of love and fraternity. During the celebration, the Egyptian Ambassador to Kuwait Osama Shaltout delivered a speech in which he conveyed the heartfelt appreciation of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to the priests and congregation of the Coptic Church. The ambassador read the President’s message, which stated, “I am pleased to send you my most sincere appreciation and best wishes on the occasion of Christmas. I also take this auspicious opportunity to express my hopes for continued success and prosperity. I pray the Lord Almighty will make this a joyful and blessed holiday and will bestow further progress and prosperity upon our beloved Egypt.”

Ambassador Shaltout affirmed the ongoing support of the Egyptian leadership for its citizens abroad, and highlighted efforts to strengthen the fraternal ties between Egypt and the friendly State of Kuwait. He also praised the spirit of fraternity and tolerance that is evident during such occasions. Meanwhile, Patron of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Kuwait Archbishop Anba Bishoy Bigol, in a heartfelt speech during the Christmas Mass, expressed his deep gratitude for President el-Sisi’s message. He extended his greetings to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad, and His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled.

Archbishop Bigol described the Kuwaiti leadership as a model of wisdom and insightful vision, and commended their efforts in promoting the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence. He said, “Kuwait, under the leadership of His Highness the Amir and His Highness the Crown Prince, is entering a new era of development and growth. These achievements are a testament to the wisdom of the leadership and its forward- thinking vision, which aims to preserve the social fabric and promote human values.” In his sermon, Archbishop Bigol spoke about the concept of inner peace and urged everyone to strive for peaceful coexistence despite the challenges around them. He said, “Peace is an inner treasure that we must preserve. Do not let anxiety or pessimism take root in our hearts. Challenges and difficulties can serve as valuable lessons for teaching us patience and faith. Holding onto hope is the key to overcoming crises.”

Archbishop Bigol thanked the security personnel who worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the celebrations. He praised their active presence, which reflects the state’s commitment to protecting religious freedom and ensuring the security of all citizens and residents. In conclusion, he wished that this joyous occasion would bring peace and prosperity to everyone. Archbishop Bigol also extended his heartfelt thanks to all who participated in the celebration and congratulated the church on this occasion, which embodies the spirit of love and fraternity that prevails in Kuwaiti society.

Meanwhile, Bishop Aldo Berardi, the Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia for the Catholic Church in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, said all churches in the region celebrated Christmas throughout the past two weeks. He expressed his joy in hosting representatives from the Egyptian Embassy and other Egyptian entities to join in the Christmas celebration. In his speech during the Holy Mass for Christmas at the Holy Family Cathedral, Bishop Berardi said, “Christmas is a time for unity among all Christians. Through the birth of Jesus Christ, we were filled with peace - a peace we have long awaited, with hopes for the fulfillment of His promises. We pray for peace and justice in the Middle East, and for the reunification of families who are separated. We ask for special blessings for Egypt, its diverse communities, political bodies, and leadership. We pray that the people of Egypt remain united in harmony and peace, and become a shining example of love for the world to follow.”

By Bassam Al-Qassas
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff