The majority of Christians in Egypt belong to the Coptic Orthodox church, one of the oldest denominations of the Christian faith, and they celebrate Christmas on January 7. Celebrations begin on the evening of January 6 when families attend large church services which run until midnight, much the same as a Catholic Midnight Mass on December 24.
Many people are unaware of the Christians in Egypt, simply assuming that as its an Islamic country, all Egyptians must be Muslims. However just like in the Western world, Egyptians have a variety of religions co-existing alongside one another, and quiet peacefully compared to many other places in the world (Israel, North Ireland spring to mind). While 90% of the population are Muslim, the remaining 10% are a mix of Christians and Hindus. As a visitor to the country you will meet many Christians as the Tourism and Hospitality industry is dominated by workers from these faith, and its hard to understand how they are such a low number minority in the country.
Many people are unaware of the Christians in Egypt, simply assuming that as its an Islamic country, all Egyptians must be Muslims. However just like in the Western world, Egyptians have a variety of religions co-existing alongside one another, and quiet peacefully compared to many other places in the world (Israel, North Ireland spring to mind). While 90% of the population are Muslim, the remaining 10% are a mix of Christians and Hindus. As a visitor to the country you will meet many Christians as the Tourism and Hospitality industry is dominated by workers from these faith, and its hard to understand how they are such a low number minority in the country.
Moses received the 10 commandments from God on top of Mount Sinai on the Sinai Peninsula near Sharm el Sheikh, and the Holy family fled to Egypt during their persecution, so ties to the Christian church are quite strong. Most people tend to think of Jerusalem and the Vatican when thinking of the great religious sites around the world, however Egypt is also a destination worth considering if you are looking for a modern day pilgrimage style adventure.
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