To celebrate the Flight of the Holy Family into Egypt, the feast day of which is marked by the Coptic Orthodox Church on 1 June every year, the National Egyptian Heritage Revival Association (NEHRA) held on 24 June a celebration at theatre of al-Manara Conference Centre in al-Taggamu al-Khamis, east of Cairo. The event was held under the auspices of President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi.
Pope Tawadros II graced the celebration; as did Egypt’s Minister of Antiquities, Khaled al-Anani; Minister of Social Solidarity Ghada Wali; Minister of Emigration and Egyptian Expatriate Affairs, Nabila Makram; former prime minister Ibrahim Mahlab; as well as Egyptian officials and businessmen, and Mounir Ghabour, chairman of NEHRA.
Egyptian writer and journalist Fatima Naaout presented the event, speaking of the significance of the Holy Family’s Flight into Egypt for Muslims and Copts alike, and their blessings for the land of Egypt.
This was followed by performance of an operetta titled “Egypt … The Way”, written by Victor Farouk who also wrote the screenplay, and directed by Muhammad Hamdy. It featured as solo flautist Ines Abdel-Dayem, Egypt’s Minister of Culture, who played with Syncope orchestra conducted by George Kolta. The Cairo Opera House’s Acapella Choir sang in the operetta, together with soprano Amira Reda; and the Cairo Opera House’s Ballet group took part in the show.
Dr Anani read a message on behalf of President Sisi. “The anniversary of the Holy Family’s entry into the beloved land of Egypt represents—for all Egyptians—a great historical and religious event. It is a religious legacy that concerns the whole world, not only Egypt,” the President’s message read.
“Through the blessings it brought, the Holy Family’s Flight has given Egypt its Coptic Orthodox Church that ranks in a special position among churches all over the world.”
“May God keep our beloved, great Egypt safe, prosperous, and proud,” the President concluded.
Dr Anani also talked of the ministry’s plan to promote the trail of the Holy Family in Egypt as a tourist destination.
Finally, both Mr Ghabour and Pope Tawadros thanked President Sisi for sponsoring the celebration. Pope Tawadros spoke of Christ as the first refugee tourist to come to Egypt, fleeing King Herod’s tyranny.
Watani International
26 June 2019