It is happening now in the Land of Kinana, Egypt

Professor Dr. Michel Abs

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

It is happening now that in the Land of Kinana, a group of believers is praying for their unity, for the unity of their nation, the well-being of their homeland, and the future of their children.

In beloved Egypt, Christians are gathering, together with their fellow citizens, to uphold their faith-based unity as part of the country’s broader unity.

In the Land of Kinana, the same homeland that welcomed the Holy Family, faithful people observe their religious beliefs and social values with honesty, devotion, and love.

I spent eight days in Egypt with kind-hearted people whose profound faith in God and in one another was evident, this as part of the General Secretariat of the Middle East Council of Churches’ participation in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

They do not merely pray for unity; they pray from within unity, for I found in Egypt a people united both in spiritual and patriotic spirit.

Their religious leadership is committed to their faith in God and to the homeland, and their positions ensure national belonging just as they uphold belief in the Lord, which is reflected in virtuous social conduct.

Likewise, their national leadership respects the convictions of all components of society, safeguarding them with full freedom and profound regard.

The process currently underway concerning a personal status law reveals religious and national leaders who are entirely mindful of people’s interests and of the future of the nation’s next generations. They operate in complete partnership, fully aware of priorities.

Foresight is one of the defining traits of these leaders, who merit our utmost respect and affection.

Over these eight days, I had heartwarming, uplifting encounters; I witnessed a sound society composed of upright individuals.

In the Land of Kinana, I found that despite the modern age sweeping the world, there remains a civilization that has preserved its authenticity.

The people of this civilization have sustained a spontaneity that does not contradict logic, practicing generosity with no bounds.

Their historical and collective memory is robust, undeterred by current events, and embedded in their values and social conduct.

The Holy Family’s flight into Egypt is a fundamental part of their historical consciousness, experienced deeply by people of all backgrounds and at every level of society.

The Holy Family holds a lofty position not only in the collective memory but also in daily life. All Egyptians visit the sites where the Holy Family once found refuge, proudly guiding visitors to them.

In the Land of Kinana, the Middle East Council of Churches was received with exceptional warmth and great honor, reflecting the openness and love that characterizes this people with its magnificent heritage.

Egyptians are truly generous. Indeed, their highest church leaders granted the Council more than expected—more, in fact, than the Council had asked for.
(We refrain from naming them so as not to offend their humility.)

Their generosity is a sign of the Council’s place in the hearts and minds of Egyptians and their church leaders, just as the Council’s requests reflect Egypt’s place in the Council’s own aspirations.

It is both necessary and a duty for the MECC to maintain an official, permanent presence in Egypt, as well as a heartfelt wish to share in the people’s daily life.

It is a yearning for the ecumenical family in our region to be part of Egyptian public life—an integral dimension of how Egyptians interact among themselves and with the wider world.

What is happening today in Egypt is part of a journey that history will record in letters of divine light.

What is taking place in the Land of Kinana is worthy of emulation by nations that have strayed from the right path.

As I conclude this editorial for Momentum, the weekly newsletter of the Middle East Council of Churches, I wish to express my gratitude to all who contributed to making this visit so productive and effective.

Participation in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity has become a recurring, yearly commitment, and work-related visits to Egypt will likewise take place multiple times a year, according to our needs.

Visiting Egypt is as much a desire as it is a duty, indeed, an enjoyable duty, one that carries many promises sure to be fulfilled through the resolve and collective efforts of the faithful, the benevolent, and the good-hearted.

And the hand of God is upon the community, for He is the source of all success.