Ambassadors, clergy, and local leaders gather to celebrate unity and coexistence.

Kuwaiti officials join Coptic community in a vibrant display of national and spiritual harmony

Kuwaiti officials join Coptic community in a vibrant display of national and spiritual harmony

Ambassadors, clergy, and local leaders gather to celebrate unity and coexistence.

KUWAIT CITY, April 20: The St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Kuwait held the Easter service, which was presided over by His Grace Bishop Antonios -- Bishop of Jerusalem, Kuwait and the Near East. Present at the event were the Ambassador of Egypt to Kuwait Osama Shaltout, Consul General Sherif Bader, Military Attaché Colonel A.H. Mustafa Al-Dallal, Head of the Church Father Bigol Anba Bishoy, other ambassadors, diplomats, sheikhs, business leaders, Egyptians, and other expatriate communities. Shaltout affirmed he is honoured to attend the Easter celebration with the Egyptian community, conveying greetings from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and His Holiness Pope Tawadros II to all Copts in Kuwait. He stressed the need to fortify brotherhood within the Egyptian populace both domestically and internationally, through such events. He pointed out that the national unity of Egypt is exemplary, asserting that love and cooperation remain the bedrock of Egyptian society despite religious diversity. He underscored the Egyptian community’s crucial role in strengthening bilateral ties between Egypt and Kuwait, confirming that overseas achievements contribute to the advancement of the nation. He commended the recent visit of President El-Sisi to Kuwait as it reflects the depth of bilateral relations. He expressed his gratitude to the Kuwaiti leadership for their generous support for the Egyptian community.

On the other hand, Father Bishoy expressed his appreciation to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and the government, while acknowledging the efforts of the Interior Ministry in ensuring public safety during the service. He also thanked President El-Sisi for his recent visit and care for the Egyptian community here. In his sermon with the theme, “Man is Immortal... His Life Does Not End with Death,” Father Bishoy pointed out that true life commences after death, urging all those present to lead lives of integrity in preparation for the Hereafter. The service concluded with the message of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, conveyed by Father Bishoy, advocating for global peace and development. He also announced a reception for well-wishers at the cathedral on Sunday morning. The service featured hymns and prayers, reinforcing the values of love and coexistence within the community. On the sidelines of the service, Sheikh Khaled Bader Al-Mohammad toured St. Mark’s Cathedral, accompanied by Father Bishoy. Sheikh Khaled expressed his admiration for the church’s design, stating that the Kuwaiti people are inherently welcoming to all races and beliefs. “This is how we were raised and educated. We do not discriminate against anyone,” he asserted. Father Bishoy responded, “We have witnessed it in this kind, generous and giving country. This cathedral was built, thanks to the generosity of the Kuwaiti people who gave the church land 15 years ago.”

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