Pope Tawadros II and Minister of Culture Launch Initiatives to Preserve Coptic Heritage

Following the recent meeting between His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, and Dr. Ahmed Fuad Hanno, Minister of Culture—held on the occasion of Christmas celebrations—the Ministry of Culture has announced an executive plan to activate several proposals aimed at safeguarding Coptic heritage.

As a fundamental pillar of the Egyptian identity, this initiative focuses on building the cultural and national awareness of children and youth.

Preserving Heritage and Supporting Artisans

The proposed plans include launching joint cultural and artistic programs dedicated to reviving Coptic arts and traditional crafts. Key objectives include:

 Supporting Artisans: Providing resources for craftsmen and showcasing their work at Ministry-organized exhibitions and cultural events across all governorates.

 Knowledge Transfer: Ensuring these authentic national crafts are passed down to younger generations.

 Cultural Integration: Highlighting Coptic heritage as a shared national treasure within the broader Egyptian cultural landscape.

Building on the Success of the "Bedaya" Initiative

The meeting highlighted the success of cultural events held last year at the St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Abbassia. Organized in cooperation with the Papal Office for Projects under the presidential initiative "Bedaya (A New Beginning) for Human Building," these events drew significant participation.

Activities included specialized art workshops for children covering:

 Leatherwork, Decoupage, and Jewelry making.

 Traditional Khayameya (tent-making), hand embroidery, and weaving.

Both parties emphasized expanding these workshops to various cultural and ecclesiastical sites to instill values of citizenship, belonging, and unity.

The 6th Logos Youth Forum: Connecting the Diaspora

A major point of discussion was the upcoming 6th Logos Youth Forum, held under the patronage of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II. The forum serves as a dialogue platform for approximately 200 young men and women from Coptic Orthodox dioceses worldwide.

The week-long program in Egypt integrates spiritual, cultural, and touristic elements to strengthen the bond between Egyptian youth abroad and their motherland.

Minister Hanno expressed his full support for developing a comprehensive cultural program for the forum, stating:

 "These initiatives are vital for anchoring national identity and deepening the sense of belonging among second and third-generation Egyptians living abroad, while showcasing Egypt’s civilized image through its diverse heritage."