A choir representing the Diocese of Egypt sang Christian praise choruses Christmas afternoon on Channel One in Cairo.
The segment began with a phone interview of the Rt. Rev. Mouneer Anis, who said he hopes and prays that God will protect Egypt from terrorism and potential violence in the new year.
The choir performed the songs “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High,” an Arabic song (“Oh Lord, Fulfill My Heart’s Desire”), and the pop holiday classic “Jingle Bells.”
After more interviews, the group played “Marvelous Lord Jesus.” The segment then switched to interviews of people who attended the Christmas Eve service at All Saints Cathedral.
Matthew Townsend is a Halifax-based freelance journalist and volunteer advocate for survivors of sexual misconduct in Anglican settings. He served as editor of the Anglican Journal from 2019 to 2021 and communications missioner for the Anglican Diocese of Quebec from 2019 to 2022. He and his wife recently entered catechism class in the Orthodox Church in America.