Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II expressed his gratitude to all Muslims who joined the Christmas celebration held in the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral of al-'Abāsīyyah, stressing on Egypt’s unity.
Following the Christmas mass, Pope Tawadros thanked Prime Minister Dr. Hishām Qandīl, Head of the Shūra Council Ahmad Fahmī, and head of the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) Dr. Saꞌd al-Katatnī.
Other attendees included former presidential candidate 'Amr Mūsá, head of the Journalists Syndicate Mamdūh al-Wālī, Egyptian diplomat Mustafá al-Fiqī, newly appointed minister of environment Khālid Fahmī, founder of the Democratic Front Party (DFP) Usāmah al-Ghazālī, leader of the Egyptian Social Democratic Party (ESDP) Muhammad Abū al-Ghār, and head of Misr al-Fatāt Muhammad al-Wasīf.
Dr. Qandīl’s congratulatory words affirmed that Muslims and Christians are Egypt’s one fabric, while Dr. Fahmī stressed on Muslims and Christians being one entity.
FJP’s Katatnī said that his party complies to protect the rights of Copts in shaping political life in Egypt based on equitability.
FJP office of Alexandria sent a congratulatory cable disclosing, "It's our pleasure to extend to you and to all our Christian brothers and sisters our heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ, peace be upon him. I pray to God Almighty that He would bless this year with happiness, good health, progress, and prosperity for our beloved Egypt and the whole world."
Pope Tawadros said, "We pray for Egypt. We do not pray for the lands, but we pray for the people. May God preserve all humanity; the president and all officials and guide them in managing the affairs of the state and the worshippers. "
Al-Akhbār also reports that Father Banūb of the Imbābah Church had sent an open message to President Mursī urging him to lead a new government whose endeavors is to place Egypt’s safety above all personal concerns. [Usāmah Munāziꞌ, al-Akhbār, Jan. 8, p. 5] Read original text in Arabic
