A group of twelve young people from France set off on a remarkable journey across Egypt with the Catholic charity L’Œuvre d’Orient. Their mission? To explore the rich Christian history of the country through meaningful encounters with religious groups and the communities they support.
Guiding us through this extraordinary adventure is Marine Henriot, our correspondent in Egypt.
This trip is not your typical vacation. In a land that straddles two continents, a diverse group of individuals aged 25 to 33 from France immerses themselves in the daily lives and aspirations of Eastern Christians. Through interactions with various religious communities aiding local and underprivileged immigrant populations, they seek to gain a profound understanding of their struggles and hopes.
The journey begins with a visit to the Comboni Missionaries in Cairo, where Eritrean refugees are welcomed with open arms in the heart of the Coptic quarter. The group then travels along the Nile delta to meet the Copts of Luxor, stopping en route at the Little Brothers of Jesus village of Hagaza.
This pioneering initiative, spearheaded by L’Œuvre d’Orient, aims to provide young people with firsthand experiences of the challenges faced by Eastern Christians, empowering them to share their stories with the world.
“We want to raise awareness among the French about the significant crises unfolding in the Near and Middle East, which have direct repercussions in our own country, especially regarding the refugee issue,” explains Nicolas Meslin Sainte Beuve, the leader of the association’s youth projects. “It’s easy to forget that this region is the birthplace of Christianity amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life.”
Egypt, with a population of 109 million, is predominantly Muslim, with Copts making up around 10% of the populace. Descendants of the Ancient Egyptians and pioneers of Christian monasticism, the Copts form the largest Christian community in the Middle East.
An Immersive Humanitarian Expedition
Maxime, a 33-year-old volunteer who previously worked with Eastern Christians in Lebanon, describes this journey to Egypt as a dream come true. For him, it’s an opportunity not only to explore lesser-known locations but also to better understand how to support his brethren across the Mediterranean.
Xavie, a 25-year-old from Alsace, has also volunteered in the East, gaining insights from working with refugees in the Holy Land. Now based in Germany’s aerospace industry, she continues her quest to learn more about these communities. Her passion has inspired her friend Agathe, an agricultural banker from northern France, to join the Egyptian expedition, marking her first encounter with Eastern communities.
Unveiling Coexistence Between Muslims and Christians
As they delve deeper into their journey, the group is captivated by the charm and humanity of the communities they visit. From the harmonious cohabitation of Muslims and Coptic Catholics in Hagaza to the resilience of children at the school run by the Copts, each moment leaves a lasting impression.
Adèle’s eyes convey her emotions after a shared prayer with the Coptic Catholics of Al-Maris in front of a destroyed village church. “We came here to show our support,” she says, moved by the experience. A minority within a minority, Catholic Copts represent a small fraction of Egypt’s Coptic population.
Exploring the Spirituality of the Desert
The journey takes the group to Wadi el Natrun, the spiritual heart of the Desert Fathers, a pivotal pilgrimage site for Copts. Here, amidst the vast desert, they learn about the origins of monasticism and the enduring legacy of St Antony the Great.
Visiting the Monastery of the Syrians and the ecumenical Anaphora spiritual retreat center, the young travelers are mesmerized by the vibrant faith and rich history of the Coptic community. The colorful carpets, painted walls, and lively atmosphere of the church at Anaphora serve as a testament to the resilience and renewal of the Coptic Church.
Each individual on this transformative journey carries their unique aspirations, but together, they are part of a deeply human adventure that promises to deepen their understanding of the challenges faced by Christian minorities in the Middle East.
