Latest news with #CopticOrthodoxChristian
Watani
a day ago
- Politics
- Watani
Trump on Global Coptic Day: Treasured traditions of Coptic community serve as light for Americans
US President Donald Trump posted on the White House website site on 1 June 2025 a congratulatory message to the Coptic Orthodox Church for Global Coptic Day. The President's message read: 'Today, I join the Coptic Orthodox Christian community in observing Global Coptic Day—a celebration of the ancient heritage, rich culture, and reverent worship of the Coptic Orthodox Church. 'Tracing its roots to Saint Mark, the apostle of Jesus Christ and Evangelist who brought the Christian faith to Egypt in the first century, the Coptic Church has been a beacon of Christendom in Africa for nearly 2,000 years. 'The Coptic community has left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions of Christians—most evidently seen in their timeless contributions to Christian theology and culture. 'This Global Coptic Day, we also pause to reflect upon the vicious and ongoing persecution of Coptic Orthodox Christians in Africa and across the Middle East. In 2015, 21 Coptic construction workers were brutally executed by ISIS terrorists in Libya. Like persecuted Christians all around the world, these heroic martyrs refused to renounce their faith—they exemplified their sacrificial love and steadfast devotion to God, even in the face of certain death. The Copts' persistence amid relentless persecution is a living testament to their unbreakable resolve and fearless dedication to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 'As we remember the extraordinary contributions and tragic martyrdoms of Coptic Orthodox Christians, my Administration renews its commitment to vigorously defending the right to religious liberty, a bedrock of the American way of life. I was honored to recently establish the Religious Liberty Commission, a team of religious leaders tasked with ensuring that Americans can freely practice their faith without government interference. I also signed an Executive Order to eradicate the pervasive anti-Christian bias sweeping across our Nation—correcting the unjust abuses, investigations, and persecutions of faithful Christians that occurred under the previous administration. 'As our Nation celebrates Global Coptic Day, we pray for an increased love of God and a rebirth of religious faith both in the United States and around the world. Today and every day, may the treasured traditions of the Coptic Orthodox Christian community serve as a light for all Americans—and may their unwavering devotion to Christ inspire our Nation to renew our love, faith, and trust in Almighty God.' Global Coptic Day is marked annually by the Coptic Church on 1 June, a date which coincides with the Coptic Feast of the Entry of the Holy Family into Egypt. The first Global Coptic Day was celebrated on 1 June 2019. Comments comments Tags: Ashraf HelmyPresident Trump on Global Coptic Day 2025
CBS News
18-04-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta, the first Egyptian woman mayor in the U.S., heading to 2nd term
On May 13, Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta will be sworn in for her second full term in office. She's unlike any other mayor in America, because of where she was born. The road to Bolingbrook's top office was very long for Alexander-Basta. It started in Egypt. "I was born in Cairo, Egypt, and I moved to the United States when I was 6 years old," she said. From then on, she grew up in Nashville, spending summers back in her native country. When it came time for college, she returned to Cairo to study hospitality. That was her first career. "Working for hotels, private clubs. Worked for an array, starting from Sheraton Music City all the way to Four Seasons here, Palmer House Hilton, and eventually transitioned into the private club world, where I became the first female general manager of the Chicago Yacht Club," she said. She even opened her own restaurant in Palos Heights, but when it came time to focus on her children, Alexander-Basta got involved with government. "It is engaging in their schools, in their sporting clubs, joining the sporting clubs, being on the board of the sporting clubs. So that's really how my Bolingbrook story began," she said. Eventually, it led to her becoming mayor. She was first sworn in to finish the term of the outgoing mayor in 2020. Since then, she's been re-elected twice. Alexander-Basta said it's that combination of her immigrant experience and her hospitality background that make her so effective and compassionate. "We have nationalities and ethnicities from all over the place, and learning those cultures and traditions is very important, and I know that, because I am from one of those different cultures," she said. "The hospitality part of it says you have to be welcoming, communication, and really listen to people." A new mural at the Bolingbrook Town Center features the word "welcome" in various languages spoken in Bolingbrook. "All this was done by our residents. They put all the pieces together and worked on it for a long time," Alexander-Basta's journey wasn't easy. "There was actually a time when I was running for trustee that I really felt and was told that I was probably not going to make it across the finish line," she said. Now that she's mayor, she has a message for everyone. "You have to just believe in yourself, and believe in your capabilities, and do the best that you can, because that's all you can do," she said. Alexander-Basta is a member of the Coptic Orthodox Christian faith, so she is preparing to celebrate Easter this Sunday.
