(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) CAIRO, Jan 6 (KUNA) -- Egypt's President Abdulfatah Al-Sisi inaugurated Sunday mega the Al-Fattah Al-Alim Mosque and the Nativity of Christ Cathedral in the country's new administrative capital.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several international dignitaries, including Representative of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amiri Diwan Advisor Abdullah Al-Maatouq, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, as well as Egyptian official, military and religious figures.
"This occasion is a message that we will not allow anybody to come between us, and I do not like to use the term sectarian strife because Muslims and Christians in Egypt are one, and will stay one," Al-Sisi said.
He, however, warned that attempts to instigate sedition would not end.
Al-Fattah Al-Alim Mosque will accommodate for more than 14,000 worshippers and is considered the biggest mosque in the country and one of the largest in the Middle East.
The Nativity of Christ Cathedral, is the largest church in the Middle East, will serve over 8,200 worshippers.
The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tayeb said that this is a momentous occasion hailed the occasion as "the embodiment of the soul of brotherhood and love." Al-Tayeb also said that Islamic law dictates that Christian and Jewish houses of worship must be safeguarded to the same extent that mosques are protected.
For his part, the Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II cheered the achievement.
"This is a day of joy as we see our beloved country write a new page in the history of civilization," Pope Tawadros II said.
"Today we celebrate an unprecedented occasion where the minarets of Al-Fattah Al-Alim Mosque are embracing those of the Nativity of the Christ Cathedral, opening a new horizon for our beloved country on this happy occasion, achieved through the Egyptian people's donations and efforts with sincerity and love," the pope said. (end) ms.rg.ibi
MENAFN0601201900710000ID1097933421
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.