Syriac Maronite Patriarch al-Raï meets with a number of religious and political figures in Egypt

ABBASIYA, Egypt — Syriac Maronite Patriarch Mor Beshara Boutros al-Raï met with Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church Tawadros II of Alexandria on Monday at the papal headquarters in Abbasiya, where they discussed the good relations that unite the two Churches. Patriarch al-Raï also met with the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, as well as the Sheikh of Al-Azhar, and discussed with them issues and topics of interest to both of their home countries.

During the meeting, Pope Tawadros II expressed his great happiness at meeting Patriarch al-Raï and his pride in what the Maroniteschool has done throughout its history of more than a hundred years in the service of Egyptians, who have learned for generations at this prestigious school.

Patriarch al-Raï expressed his happiness with this meeting, pointing out that the Maronites have been present in Egypt officially since the beginning of the Marian monasticism. He thanked the Egyptian people for the warm welcome and pointed out the good relations that link Lebanon with Egypt at all levels.

In his meeting with the Sheikh of Al-Azhar, Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Patriarch al-Raï discussed the historical document, human brotherhood, fraternal relations, Christian-Muslim coexistence, and the role of the Maronite, Catholic, and Al-Azhar orders in dedicating ways of love, peace, and coexistence.

After these meetings, the Patriarch went to the headquarters of the League of Arab States and met with the Secretary General of the League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, where they talked about the situation in Lebanon and the role of the Arab League regarding Lebanon.

The Secretary-General expressed his appreciation for the role Patriarch al-Raï plays in preserving civil peace in Lebanon and consolidating national unity. Aboul Gheit also affirmed his support for the Patriarch’s call to neutralize Lebanon from regional disputes and conflicts in a way that preserves civil peace in Lebanon, maintains stability and opens the way to the necessary economic recovery.

The Patriarch also visited Saint Maron Church to celebrate Mass and mark the 50th anniversary of the construction of the Chapel of St. Rita for the Marian Fathers in Heliopolis.

At the beginning of the Divine Liturgy, Abbot Pierre Negm gave a welcoming speech in which he considered that the Maronite Marian Order, was one of the first monasteries that was launched to serve the Maronites in the missions. After reciting the Holy Gospel, Patriarch al-Raï delivered a sermon.