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She met with Rev. Refaat Fikry Saeed, associate general secretary of the Middle East Council of Churches and head of ecumenical and interreligious relations within the Protestant Church in Egypt. “I learned, discussed, and explored possibilities for interreligious dialogue and cooperation,” said Ziaka. "Discussions focused on the diversity and witness of the churches in Egypt and the experience and commitment of the Protestant Church in interreligious dialogue at the local level."
“It was a profound honor and joy meeting Rev. Refaat Fikry, and we emphasized the importance of supporting initiatives that encourage peaceful coexistence and appreciation for Egypt’s unparalleled legacy of interreligious and intercultural heritage.”
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Prof. Angeliki Ziaka, World Council of Churches programme executive for Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation with Rev. Refaat Fikry Saeed, associate general secretary of the Middle East Council of Churches and head of ecumenical and interreligious relations within the Protestant Church in Egypt, Photo: WCC
Exploring Al Azhar Mosque
Related to the current strategic focus for Interreligous Dialogue and Cooperation and the commitment of the World Council of Churches on religious collaboration and its significant role in a common approach to peace, Ziaka met with Dr Imam Hany Ouda Awad El-Bordany at the Grand Imam's Office Sector and visited Al Azhar Mosque, celebrated for its centuries-long tradition of scholarship, moderation, and spiritual leadership in the Islamic world.
Ziaka also engaged in discourse with Dr Yusry Jafar, a professor at Al Azhar University, and his students. “Discussions included the pivotal function of Al Azhar, which has served as a bastion of Islamic academic and spiritual life for over a millennium, and we explored the possibilities in editorial projects and the development of academic networks,” said Ziaka.
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Al Azhar Mosque , Photo: WCC
Exploring Coptic heritage in Upper Egypt
Ziaka also visited Coptic Orthodox monasteries and churches under the guidance of Prof. Manal Hilal, member of the Egyptian Parliament and contemporary artist as they followed the historic path of the Holy Family in Upper Egypt. The journey along the Nile included a visit to the Monastery of the Virgin Mary in Koskam (Deir el-Muharraq), a site of historical and spiritual significance where Fr Asrani Maharraq, director and representative of the Theological Seminary, and monks Amanuel Maharraq and Al Khamus Botros Maharraq offered a warm welcome.
Ziaka also visited the Monastery of the Virgin Mary on Mount Durunkah, near the ancient city of Lykopolis, built around a cave where the Holy Family is believed to have sought refuge. It attracts over a million Christian pilgrims annually for its festivals dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
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Dominican Institute of Oriental Studies (IDEO), Egypt, Photo: WCC
Cairo a vibrant city
The visit also included the Idéo Library at the Oriental Institute of the Dominican Fathers, with a welcome by its director Frère Emmanuel Pisani and the brothers of the institute as well as islamologists who carry the legacy of George Anawati, who devoted much of his life to fostering understanding and collaboration between Islam and Christianity. “The Idéo has been a significant place for Arab-Islamic studies and interfaith dialogue for decades, embodying the spirit of intellectual and interreligious commitment,” said Ziaka.
“Egypt is deeply moving for its extraordinary heritage of coexistence, culture and spirituality and vibrancy, and a nation richly blessed with the gifts of her astonishing heritage—a heritage that reflects the centuries-long coexistence of Muslims, Christians, and Jews.”
Ziaka offered a prayer for the wellbeing of the region and its people, as well as for all people to the east, west, south, and north of Egypt. “These reflections highlight the necessity of addressing humanity's wounds, resolving ongoing conflicts and affirming peace in a world that is in need of healing,” said Ziaka. “In this regard the World Council of Churches and its department for Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation will continue to work towards the understanding of changing realities and the respect for religious diversity, seeking ways of continues cooperation for the common good.”
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Monastery of the Virgin Mary in Koskam (Deir el-Muharraq), Egypt, Photo: WCC
