ABU DHABI, 20th April, 2025 (WAM) -- In a spiritual atmosphere marked by love, faith and unity, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, attended the Easter celebrations on Saturday evening at St. Anthony's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Abu Dhabi.

The event, held at the invitation of the church, was attended by religious and diplomatic figures, including Sherif Issa, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the UAE.

Sheikh Nahyan was welcomed by Reverend Beshoy Fakhry, clergy members, and members of the Coptic community.

Reverend Beshoy expressed gratitude for Sheikh Nahyan's presence, describing it as a continuation of the humanitarian values instilled by the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

In his address, Sheikh Nahyan extended warm Easter greetings and highlighted the occasion as a time for reflection, peace, and shared human values. He praised the UAE-Egypt relationship, calling it a model of fraternal cooperation and mutual respect, and reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to promoting tolerance and coexistence.

He also conveyed appreciation to the Coptic Church under the leadership of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, acknowledging its contribution to social harmony and spiritual guidance.

Ambassador Sherif Issa delivered a message from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, expressing best wishes to the Coptic community and gratitude for their contributions. He commended Sheikh Nahyan's consistent presence and support, which he described as a reflection of the UAE's inclusive values.

The evening featured hymns and performances by children that reflected the values of Easter -- light, love and forgiveness.

The event concluded with prayers for peace and blessings for the UAE, Egypt and the region, reinforcing the UAE's values of religious tolerance and cultural diversity.

St. Anthony's Cathedral continues to play a key role in promoting intercultural understanding and spiritual unity, serving as a cornerstone of the Coptic community's presence in the capital.