On Christmas Eve, Pope Tawadros II, the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, celebrated the Holy Divine Liturgy at the Nativity of Christ Cathedral in Egypt’s new administrative capital. This tradition began in 2018, even before the official opening of the cathedral.

Egypt’s new administrative capital has been under construction since 2015. It currently lacks an official name, being referred to as the “New Administrative Capital.” The city aims to combine government, business, and sports sectors, modeled after cities like Dubai. A dedicated district will house ministries, the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the largest defense ministry building in the world.

The festive service at the Nativity Cathedral, considered the largest in the Middle East, was attended by ministers, governors, members of parliament, representatives from Al-Azhar University – the most authoritative Sunni institution globally – as well as public figures and diplomats.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi also participated in the Christmas celebrations, according to the news outlet Al Masry Al Youm. Congratulating Pope Tawadros and all Copts, he emphasized the importance of national unity:
“National unity is deeply rooted in our history and has bonded Egyptians across faiths for centuries.”

El-Sisi added that Egypt remains a nation defined by love, stability, and mutual understanding:
“The love among Egyptians grows stronger every day, and this is the foundation of our peace and prosperity.”

Pope Tawadros II expressed gratitude to the president for attending the liturgy, underscoring the significance of the Christmas celebrations as a symbol of unity and hope for all Egyptians. In his sermon, he urged congregants to keep warmth in their hearts, likening human souls to soil ready to bear spiritual fruit when nurtured.

Coptic Christmas has been an official holiday in Egypt since 2002. The government designated January 7 as a non-working day for both public institutions and the private sector.

Copts, who celebrate Christmas according to the Julian calendar, make up about 10 percent of Egypt’s 107 million population. As one of the world’s oldest Christian communities and the largest in the Middle East, the Coptic tradition holds strong. After 43 days of fasting, the celebration culminates with the Fattah meal, consisting of meat, white rice, bread soaked in broth, garlic, and vinegar.