Intense preparations are underway at the Orthodox Papacy headquarters in Cairo to welcome the Orthodox Christmas the day after tomorrow. Coptic churches in Egypt have been decorating their interiors with colored lamps and ornaments. The papal office has sent official invitations to attend the Christmas mass to political, religious and popular personalities, who are keen to attend every year and congratulate Pope Shenouda III. A source at the papal office declared that National Democratic Party (NDP) Policy Secretary Gamal Mubarak would be at the forefront of the attendees as well as governors, party presidents and President Mubarak's delegate. "The guest list also includes the ambassadors of some Arab and European countries, such as Germany, as well as US Ambassador Margaret Scobey" the source affirmed. Meanwhile, the Church has called on the faithful to hold low-key celebrations, reduce their expenses and send some of their money to rescue Gaza. Shubra el-Kheima Bishop Mark, chairman of the Church's Media Committee, said the Church would pray for peace during the Christmas Mass. "We pray for peace in the entire world, but this time we will focus on the people in Gaza" he affirmed. Bishop Mark stressed that celebrating Christmas is a religious rite, adding that this year it would be a chance to reiterate that Christ came on Earth with a message of peace.
