Sunday...sort of...

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I was really looking forward to today, as its the first time I have attended a service in the Cathedral since I arrived.

As Friday is the first day of the two day weekend here, and a holy day in Egypt, this is the first of our two English language 'Sunday' services of Holy Communion. The second being on, well, Sunday - which is a work day!

I do like the fact that it's always Holy Communion that is celebrated, with an enormous unleavened bread, which really adds to the atmosphere. The wine is taken here by intincture (dipping the bread into the chalice).

The eucharist was celebrated by Father (we're all Father here) Jeff Boldt, a Canadian who lives in Al Ma'adi, about 25 minutes South of Cairo. Father Jeff also doubles up as a lecturer in the Alexandria Theological Institute, as well as serving in local ministry.

The service is quite familiar, with familiar prayers with some minor, local alterations, and the hymns were good old fashioned Anglican belters, which I know and love. One can't beat a good rendition of 'Guide me O thou great Jehovah'!

After the first hymn, I was approached by Karim, who playes the piano for the service, to lead the hymns. So, I was handed a mike and off I went.

The congregation is a mixture of ex-pats, some locals who speak excellent English, and some of the more recently arrived. A very friendly chap introduced himself as 'Repent'. What a wonderful name! We could all do with some of that!!

Father Jeff's sermon was about 15-16 minutes, which is not too different from ours, and quite instructive.

The peace was shared with everyone without exception.

Afterwards, we retired to the coffe shop in the church grounds, which is named Granita, to put the world to rights! Incidentally, there is a bell in the cafe's outdoor area which came from the original All-Saints Cathedral, and on which you can just make out the name!

It's showing 29c today, so not unbearable, and the grounds are a hive of activity for some of the other services, including one for those from Myanmar.

I guess I'll be celebrating soon and I really look forward to it!

(Oh, and I discovered the name of the phantom organist who was practising during the week when I was saying my daily office. Ed, a very nice chap who likes to keep his hand in when he can!)



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