Minister opens cathedral in Abu Dhabi
abu dhabi — Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, inaugurated the Saint Elias Greek Orthodox Cathedral in the presence of Patriarch John X Yazigi, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East. Various Arab and foreign ambassadors, dignitaries and members of the Greek Orthodox Church were also present during the opening ceremony.
Sheikh Nahyan expressed his thanks to the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; for their support in establishing the church in Abu Dhabi.
He also welcomed the ecclesiastical delegation and Dr Elie Salem, president of the University of Balamand in Lebanon, to the UAE. “Our presence together in this spiritual celebration is a strong affirmation of the strong relationship between the UAE and Lebanon which is always based on the ideal values and common principles we cherish together.”
Sheikh Nahyan said the opening of the Saint Elias Greek Orthodox Cathedral reaffirms the UAE’s values of tolerance, love, and peace.
The new church is located in the Mussafah industrial neighbourhood. The plot was donated by the UAE leadership near the churches like Saint Paul Catholic Church and Saint Martyrs’ Armenian Orthodox Church.
Patriarch John X delivered a message of thanks to the leadership for their support. “The legacy of late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan has instilled the values of peaceful co-existence, tolerance, and respect for all beliefs and cultures within UAE society. This has been carried forward by the UAE leadership,” he added.
Patriarch John X also presented a commemorative gift to Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak. —