Egyptian President Al-Sisi at Coptic Christmas Mass: We Are All Egyptians

On January 6, 2015, Egyptian President Abd Al-Fattah Al-Sisi paid a visit to the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Cairo during the Christmas mass. This is the first time that an Egyptian president has attended the occasion.

Following are excerpts from the visit, which was broadcast on Egyptian TV's Channel 1:

Abd Al-Fattah Al-Sisi: I'd just like to say a few words to you. Allow me to say... If I may...

Al-Sisi is interrupted by applause from the audience

I just had to come and with you a merry Christmas. I apologize if I interrupted your prayers. I'd like to tell you something. For thousands of years, Egypt has been teaching the entire world the meaning of humanity and of civilization. Egypt today, the world looks toward Egypt, despite the times we are living in and the circumstances...

Audience member: We love you, Mr. President...

Abd Al-Fattah Al-Sisi: And I love you too, of course...

Cheering and applause from the audience

Abd Al-Fattah Al-Sisi: I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm worried that his holiness the Patriarch will be mad at me... Let me tell you, it is very important that the whole world can see us. It is very important that the whole world sees us, the Egyptians. Note that I never use any word other than "Egyptians". Note that I never use any word other than "Egyptians." Nobody should use any other term. We are the Egyptians. Nobody should ask: "What kind of Egyptian are you?"

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