This year 2018 marks three singular occasions in the modern history of the Coptic Orthodox Church: 50 years on the manifestation of the Holy Virgin above the domes of her church in Zaitoun, Cairo; 50 years on the foundation of St Mark’s Cathedral in Abbassiya, Cairo; and the centenary of the establishment of Sunday Schools in the Coptic Church. Another recent event the Church celebrated on Christmas Eve, 6 January 2018, was the partial opening of the new Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ in Egypt’s new capital.
The Media Centre of the Coptic Orthodox Church has decided to celebrate these occasions in its own way. It launched a photo contest under the title, “Egypt the Beautiful”, organised under the auspices of Pope Tawadros II.
The contest boasts two levels, one for professional photographers above 18, and one for amateurs of all ages. It covers three axes: Egypt the human, Egypt in stone, and Egypt’s moon. The first focuses on the people of Egypt; the second on Egypt’s antiquity and monuments; and the third showcases the beauty of nature in Egypt.
The contest, as announced by the Media Centre, is open to all Egyptians living inside and outside Egypt, and participation is free of charge. The participating photos will be put on public display in an exhibition to be opened on 18 November 2018 in a special ceremony during which Pope Tawadros will hand the prizes to the winners. The date 18 November 2018 marks the anniversary of Pope Tawadros II who was enthroned in 2012.