(The National) - The Saint Elias Greek Orthodox Cathedral was inaugurated in Abu Dhabi on Saturday by the Minister of Tolerance, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, and in the presence of Patriarch John X Yazigi, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East.
The new church is located in Abu Dhabi’s Al Mussafah industrial area on a land plot donated by the UAE leadership as a gesture of the country’s values of tolerance, love and peace.
Sheikh Nahyan expressed his thanks to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, for their support in establishing the religious edifice in Abu Dhabi.
“Our presence together in this spiritual celebration is a strong affirmation of the special and strong relationship between the UAE and Lebanon, which is always based on the ideal values and common principles we cherish together," Sheikh Nahyan said.
"We are very pleased to celebrate, with you, the opening of this magnificent cathedral."
Patriarch John X hailed the president for his great support and for spreading the message of tolerance and co-existence across the world.
“The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's legacy has instilled within UAE society the values of peaceful co-existence, tolerance, and respect for all beliefs and cultures, which has been carried forward by the UAE leadership,” he added.
The church was inaugurated in the presence of Arab and foreign ambassadors, dignitaries, and members of the Greek Orthodox Church.
At the end of the inauguration ceremony, Patriarch John X presented a commemorative gift to Sheikh Nahyan.
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