His Holiness Pope Shenouda greets the attendees in the name of the one God and thanks the scholars, leaders, ambassadors and media professionals for their participation, affirming that love of the homeland gathers us.

Praise of Egypt’s History and Civilization

His Holiness speaks proudly about Egypt’s status as the mother of civilization — its pyramids and medicine and sciences — and recalls the sacred history that witnessed visits of prophets and the presence of Christ and His family in its land.

Call to Love and National Unity

He emphasizes the unity of Christians and Muslims in Egypt across fourteen centuries, and explains that love and unity are the foundations of the homeland in hardships and joy, and that the Egyptian people are cohesive and do not distinguish between one religion and another.

Fasting as a Spiritual Value and Self-Discipline

He defines fasting as a virtue for the soul and spirit before it is for the body, calls for restraint of tongue, thought and intention, and urges that the effect of fasting extend to moral restraints such as abstaining from smoking or harmful habits.

Preserving Cultural Belonging of Expatriate Generations

His Holiness expresses his concern for the coming migrant generation regarding language and identity, and calls to bind the children to Egypt and its traditions to ensure their national and cultural belonging.

Praise of National Service and Practical Examples

He recalls the cooperation of Muslims and Christians in national episodes (revolts, struggle, the October War) and praises Egyptian talents in medicine, sciences and politics, calling for continuation of popular and official meetings that strengthen charitable work and unity.

Conclusion — Blessing, Thanks and Appreciation

He concludes with a blessed prayer for everyone’s fast and thanks to the president and the organizers, presents symbolic gifts expressing unity and peace, and wishes continued gatherings to serve Egypt.

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