Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Father Angelos Saad. Hundreds recently gathered in Mississauga to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Father Angelos' service as a Coptic Orthodox priest. Father Angelos has dedicated his life to serving the Church of the Virgin Mary and St. Athanasius and the broader community.
Abouna Angelos has been instrumental in building churches, food banks, day care centres, summer camps, communal housing, professional training workshops and an Egyptian museum, just to name a few of his accomplishments.
He is a humble and selfless leader who helps those in need regardless of their faith, background and status. He is also an effective advocate for the fundamental rights of Copts in Egypt and around the world to live in peace and to practise their faith with dignity.
On behalf of all Canadians and Egyptian Copts everywhere, I would like to thank Abouna for his service and thank his family for sharing him with the rest of us.