July 28, 2007

His Beatitude Archbishop Chrysostomos II, the Archbishop of Cyprus visited Egypt for the first time after his consecration on 12 November 2006. The historical visit of the Archbishop of Cyprus to Egypt (22 – 27 July 2007) aimed at strengthening the relationships between the Church of Cyprus and the Churches in Egypt.

The visit came after 41 years of THE LATE Archbishop Makarios' last visit to Egypt.

Hosted by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, Pope of Alexandria & Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, he welcomed the Archbishop on the 23rd of July very warmly and stressed on the "unique relations between the two churches" and called for "further strengthening this relation." H.B Archbishop of Cyprus attended the weekly lecture of His Holiness Pope Shenouda at St Mark's Cathedral, and expressed in his speech his gratitude for this warm reception.

During his stay in Egypt, H.B Archbishop of Cyprus met with His Beatitude Patriarch Theodoros of the Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria and All Africa, and with the Great Imam of Azhar's Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Said Tantawi who exchanged concerns of developing the Muslim-Christian dialogue.

The visit was marked with the special meeting of His Beatitude with His Excellency Mr. Muhamad Hosni Mubarak President of Egypt, which enforces the ongoing relations between Egypt and Cyprus.

The visit of the Archbishop was organized and coordinated by both the Middle East Council of Churches and the Ambassador of Egypt in Cyprus Mr. Muhamad Abdel-Hakam. MECC General Secretary Mr. Guirgis Saleh accompanied the Archbishop and his delegation in this visit.

For further information contact: guirgissaleh@cyberia.net.lb.

Middle East Council of Churches