Serbian President Vučić and Pope Tawadros II Discuss Orthodox Unity and Peace in Cairo

Gerges Mounir Hanna – OCP News Service – 14/07/2024

Cairo – Egypt: On July 14,2024 H.H. Pope Tawadros II received at the Papal Residence in Cairo, Mr. Aleksandar Vucic, President of the Republic of Serbia, and his accompanying delegation.

Upon his arrival at the Papal Residence, President Aleksandar Vucic signed in the VIP visitors’ book before beginning his meeting with His Holiness.

During the meeting, Pope Tawadros delivered a speech in which he welcomed the Serbian President and the accompanying delegation to the Coptic Church and to Egypt; the country of ancient civilization. He highlighted the founding of the Coptic Church in the first century by Saint Mark the Apostle, in which one of the important apostolic sees was also established, and from which monasticism spread to the world. His Holiness pointed out that Egypt currently has the largest cathedral in the Middle East; the Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ, which was inaugurated by President Sisi in 2019.

Pope Tawadros emphasized the words of the Serbian President calling for peace, and that decision-makers in the world must realize that the priority must be peace and not personal interests, so that the world can move towards a better future.

In his speech, President Aleksandar Vucic expressed his happiness at meeting His Holiness the Pope, praising the important role played by His Holiness for the sake of peace. He described Pope Tawadros as a “peacemaker,” expressing his hope that peace will prevail in the entire world. The Serbian President invited His Holiness to visit Serbia.

For his part, H.H. Pope Tawadros welcomed the invitation and expressed his wish for H.H. Patriarch Porfiros, Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church, to visit the Coptic Orthodox Church as soon as possible.

The meeting was attended by His Eminence Metropolitan Daniel, Metropolitan of Maadi and Secretary of the Holy Synod, His Grace Bishop Yolyous, General Bishop of Old Cairo and the Bishopric of Services, Monk Father Kyrillos St. Bishoy, Director of His Holiness the Pope’s Office, Father Philopateer Nabih, Secretary of His Holiness the Pope for Diaspora Affairs, Hegumen Father Mousa Ibrahim, Official Spokesperson for the Coptic Orthodox Church, Mrs. Barbara Soliman, Director of the Papal Office for Projects and Relations, and Deacon Ramy Rizk, from the Secretariat of His Holiness the Pope.

H.H. Pope Tawadros II’s Speech during the Reception of Mr. Aleksandar Vučić, President of the Republic of Serbia

His Excellency the President of Serbia, Mr. Aleksandar Vučić,

Mrs. Tamara Vučić,

Your excellencies, distinguished guests gathered with us,

Welcome to the land of Egypt, on which since ancient times, our ancestors have embraced culture, arts, invented language, and mastered construction and various sciences. Egypt has become a great civilization.

In the beginning of the first century AD, Saint Mark the Apostle visited Egypt and preached Christianity to it. Alexandria became one of the important apostolic seats in Christianity, and Egypt was filled with churches and monasteries.

Among them is the Monastery of Saint Catherine, where Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church, came and sought council with the monastery’s priests on religious matters. Since then, the Egyptian-Serbian relations began and today we celebrate more than 116 years since its official inception, but when we consult history, the relationship between our peoples goes back more than 800 years.

Thus, nations enrich themselves by connecting with each other, sharing cultural, civilizational, and religious heritage. They build bridges of communication and friendship.

I welcome you to the land that houses the largest church in the Middle East, the Church of the Nativity of Christ, which was inaugurated in 2019 with the presence of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

I welcome you from the country where the monastic movement began, on the hands of Saint Anthony the Great, and where the deserts echo with prayers lifted by monks for world peace.

Our peoples share in that they have faced many difficult periods throughout history, but they have overcome challenges and shone brightly. This uniqueness has given our countries a special place in our contemporary world.

I join my voice with yours, Mr. President, in emphasizing the need to hear the word of peace and applying it. Decision-makers need to understand the true meaning of peace and prioritize it over personal interests.

So the world can move towards a better future, rather than a difficult and unknown…

Mr. President,

Your presence today in our church, in the land of peace, security, and coexistence, has a profound impact on our people and our mission.

We rejoice with you and pray that God preserves both Serbia and Egypt, shining light and peace upon nations from generation to generation. Welcome, we hope you enjoy your visits to Egypt’s cultural landmarks, and we look forward to your repeated visits.

Source: Coptic Orthodox Church

OCP News Service