Coptic Archives

Egypt’s Coptic pope shuns US VP Mike Pence over Jerusalem

December 10, 2017 by administrator

The Coptic pope’s decision comes a day after Egypt’s top Muslim cleric Ahmed al-Tayeb (L) also refused to meet Pence

The Coptic Christian pope has canceled a meeting with the US vice president in Cairo, in protest against America’s move to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Palestinian leader Abbas also snubbed Mike Pence.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Coptic Church said it “excused itself from hosting Mike Pence” when he visits Egypt, citing US President Donald Trump’s decision made “at an unsuitable time and without consideration for the feelings of millions of people.”

Egypt’s Coptic Church said it would pray for “wisdom and to address all issues that impact peace for the people of the Middle East.”

The decision comes a day after Egypt’s top Muslim cleric Ahmed al-Tayeb also refused to meet Pence.

Egyptian Coptic Christians, the largest religious minority in the region, make up about 10 percent of the country’s 93 million people.

Solidarity from non-Muslim Arabs

The Coptic Pope’s refusal to host Pence is largely symbolic but significant, because it demonstrates the Arab solidarity for Palestinians irrespective of religious affiliations.

Trump’s decision to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem has not only been criticized by Muslim countries; Germany, China and Russia are among scores of nations that have slammed the US president over the policy U-turn.

The status of Jerusalem was a key stumbling block during previous peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, in particular the question of how to divide sovereignty and oversee holy sites.

Egypt’s Coptic Christians, celebrate Easter Mass under increased security

April 16, 2017 by administrator

Tight security and grief have cast a shadow on Easter Mass services for Egypt’s Coptic Christians just days after 45 people died in twin church bombings. The militant “Islamic State” group claimed the Palm Sunday blasts.

Members of Egypt’s Christian minority observed traditional Easter services across the country on Saturday following twin blasts last Sunday that killed 45 people.

Several security agents could be seen surrounding Coptic Christian Pope Tawadros II as he entered St. Mark’s Cathedral in Cairo, where he led the mass. Worshipers passed through three metal detectors outside St. Mark’s Cathedral while soldiers and policemen stood guard outside.

Last Sunday, two suicide bombers struck a Coptic cathedral in Alexandria and a church in Tanta during Palm Sunday services, wounding over 100 people and killing dozens. Coptic Pope Tawadros had been leading the mass at the cathedral in Alexandria at the time of the blast, but was not injured.

Rafiq Bishry, head of the organizational committee for St. Mark’s Cathedral in Alexandria, told Reuters Television that he was surprised that so many people had come to the services despite the security risks.

“This is a clear message to the whole world that we are not afraid,” he told Reuters.

The militant “Islamic State” group claimed responsibility for the bomb attacks, vowing in an earlier statement to continue targeting the country’s Coptic Christian community.

Celebrations cancelled

Egypt’s Interior Ministry announced that there would be heightened security measures on Saturday, creating 400 meter security cordons around churches. Bomb squads also scanned churches around the country on Saturday, an official told the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.

After the attacks last Sunday, the Egyptian government introduced a three-month state of emergency, giving it sweeping powers to act against what it determines to be enemies of the state.

During his Good Friday sermon, Pope Tawadros announced that the celebratory aspects of Easter would be cancelled this year since mourning for the victims of the church bombings was ongoing.

In Egypt, Coptic Christians break a 55-day fast that includes abstaining from all animal products following Saturday’s mass.

The Coptic Church is one of the oldest Christian communities in the Middle East, and its members make up about 10 percent of Egypt’s population. Although Copts have lived alongside Egypt’s Muslim majority for centuries, in recent years Christian churches have repeatedly been targeted by sectarian violence.

rs/bw (AP, AFP, Reuters)

EGYPT Twenty dead in Cairo explosion in Coptic Cathedral

December 11, 2016 by administrator

At least 25 people were killed Sunday in an explosion in Cairo in a Coptic church belonging to the complex of the cathedral. The explosion also caused at least 35 wounded. No claims have been made at this time. Egyptian state television quoting the Ministry of Health talks about an attack.

The explosion took place in full celebration around 10:00 in the church of St. Peter and St. Paul, contiguous to the Coptic Cathedral of St. Mark.

The Coptic Church is one of the sister churches of the Armenian Church.

Coptic Orthodox Church: Armenia is peaceful country where people like working

April 28, 2015 by administrator

The Pope of Alexandria & Patriarch of All Africa on the Holy Apostolic See of St. Mark the Evangelist of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, Tawadros II, paid a visit to Armenia to attend the Armenian Genocide Centennial commemorations.

Speaking to Al-Watan TV of Egypt, Pope Tawadros II stated that he is impressed by the churches and monasteries he saw in Armenia.

“This was a marvelous opportunity for me to visit the Armenian monasteries, churches, and educational institutions,” Pope Tawadros II said. “Armenia is a peaceful country where people like working; there is a wonderful nature here.”

Tawadros II also stressed that he is impressed by the sacred meaning which Mount Ararat has for the Armenian nation.