On Monday, Egyptian Minister of Manpower Mohamed Saafan announced that Thursday, January 7th, will be marked as an official holiday for private-sector employees to celebrate the Coptic Christmas.
In a statement, Saafan wished Merry Christians for all Egyptians.
He added that Thursday will be a full paid holiday for workers in accordance with Law 12 of 2003، adding that employees may work on that day and would be compensated with a double in their salaries.
The Ministry has also instructed its directorates nationwide to notify companies and businesses about the holiday.
It is noteworthy that Christmas Day isn’t celebrated on the 25th December but on 7th January (like in Ethiopia and by some Orthodox Christians in Russia and Serbia)، according to Why Christmas website.
On Coptic Christmas Eve (6th January)، Coptic Christians go to church for a special liturgy or service.
On the Orthodox Christmas Day (7th)، people come together in homes for parties and festivities.
