Issued by the Catholic Center for Studies and Media - Jordan. Editor-in-chief Fr. Rif'at Bader - موقع أبونا abouna.org

Published on Tuesday, 4 December 2018
Saudi crown prince visits Pope Tawadros, liturgy celebrated in Saudi Arabia
theorthodoxchurch.info/ :

For the first time in history, a high-level delegation led by His Highness Mohammad bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, has met His Holiness Pope Tawadros II – Patriarch of the See of St. Mark the Evangelist in Alexandria & Primate of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

On Monday, December 3, Prince Salman and Pope Tawadros toured the St Mark’s Cathedral in the Capital City of Egypt. Both leaders held a meeting, which was participated by top dignitaries.

The historic visit is part of the changing attitude of the Saudi leadership towards Christians. Despite persecution and difficulties, the ancient Coptic Orthodox community has thrived in Egypt for centuries.

First Ever Coptic Orthodox Divine Liturgy Celebrated in Saudi Arabia

A report by Cairoscese states that the first ever Coptic Orthodox Divine Liturgy has been held in the conservative Islamic nation of Saudi Arabia. Several Coptic Christians attended the historic Liturgical service.

Bishop Ava Mercorious of Shobra El Kheima served the Divine Liturgy at the house of a Coptic resident. The worship services were held over two days (30th November – 1st of December, 2018).

El Watan reported that that the Coptic Liturgical ceremony is a result of the historic visit paid by Saudi Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate (March 2018).

Bishops Ava also met Muhammad Bin Abdul Karim – Secretary General of the Muslim World League, Sama al-Nugali – Egyptian Ambassador to Saudi and also members of the Egyptian diaspora in Riyadh.