President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, who came to power in June 2014, has
become the first Egyptian President to attend Christmas Mass.
In
an unusual event, attendees were shown on television cheering and
clapping as the President entered Cairo’s Abbasiya Cathedral in an
unannounced event.
In a short speech given during the mass, President Sisi said he was there to wish them a Merry Christmas.
President
Sisi said that the world is watching at Egypt during these difficult
times and urged Egyptians to remain united as ‘one hand.’
Egypt’s
President added that ‘we will build the country together…we will love
each other,’ and ended his speech congratulating Egypt’s Coptic
Community.
Coptic Christmas is held on January 7 each year. The difference in the date is the result of using the Gregorian Calendar.