Syriac Catholic Patriarch Younan visits Coptic Catholic Patriarch of Alexandria and young believers in Cairo

CAIRO – On Saturday morning, Syriac Catholic Patriarch Mor Ignatius Youssef III Younan visited the Coptic Catholic Patriarch of Alexandria Anba Ibrahim Isaac Sidrak at the headquarters of the Patriarchal See in Cairo.

In a step that reflects the interdependence between Churches in the East, the Patriarch of Alexandria welcomed the visiting delegation and stressed the brotherhood, love, and partnership that unite the Syriac and Coptic churches.

Patriarch Younan, accompanied by a number of metropolitans and clergy from the Syriac Catholic Church, in turn thanked the Patriarch of Alexandria and praised the prosperity that Egypt is witnessing. He wished that other Middle Eastern countries would follow in Egypt’s path.

In their meeting, the two sides reviewed the general situation in the Middle East and the Christian presence in the region. Further focus was given to the many crises experienced in the East, how this has caused Christians to suffer, and what could be done by the Church to stand by its children. As the meeting concluded, the Patriarchs and priests prayed for peace and security in the East and for the goodness of the two Churches.

Patriarch Younan’s visit to Egypt also included a meeting with young believers in the Diocese of Cairo. The event, which was organized by the St. Michael School, was a highlight on the agenda as the Patriarch expressed his joy to meet the youth, indicating that it is their responsibility to complete the Church’s path.

“The Church needs the youth, not only because they are the hope for the future, but also to revive Christian life and form committed Christian families,” said the Patriarch. He listened to the comments of the youth and answered their questions. At the conclusion of their meeting, representatives from the various youth movements presented a souvenir to the Patriarch.

Afterwards, the Patriarch met with members of the administrative and educational staff at St. Michael’s School, as well as with medical staff of the Sitinna Mariam Clinic in Diocese of Cairo.

Here, the Patriarch commended the efforts made by education and health staff, asking God to give them strength and courage to pursue their important mission in the service of humanity, the Church, and country. The administration of the school and the clinic presented an icon of Saint Joseph to the Patriarch.

Patriarch Younan also met with Patriarchal Auxiliary for Patriarchal Diocese Affairs Anba Bakhoum, at the House of Our Lady of Peace in Cairo.

During the meeting, they expressed their happiness to see one another and appreciated the tremendous efforts exerted by the Syriac Church everywhere. They also discussed the Roman Synod of Archbishops which will be held in 2023. At the conclusion of their meeting, Anba Bakhoum presented a book on Saint Joseph to the Patriarch.