Title: Canadian Coptic Christian Church Press Release: Condemns murder of Copts in Egypt

The Coptic Orthodox Church in Canada Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, January 14, 2010

The Coptic Orthodox Church in Canada Condemns the Killing of 8 Coptic Orthodox Christians in Nag Hammadi, Egypt on January 7, 2010

Contact: The Coptic Orthodox Church in Canada, mail@coptorthodox.ca

Toronto, Ontario - The Coptic Orthodox Church in Canada condemns the murders of six Coptic Orthodox Christians in Nag Hammadi, Egypt after Christmas Eve liturgy on January 7, 2010. Three gunmen opened fire on the parishioners as they were coming out of church; the youngest was only 17. In addition to the deaths of the six, a Muslim policeman was also murdered and several others were injured and remain in critical condition. The following day brought more destruction. Numerous homes and businesses were set ablaze leaving many homeless or without a livelihood.

Sadly, this is the latest round of violence in Egypt against Christians including many incidents of looting, murder and arson. As reported in the press, these acts, though continuous throughout history, have escalated in the recent years.

In their meeting on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church, 41 Glendinning Ave, Toronto, Ontario, the Priests of the Coptic Orthodox Churches across Canada condemned the attacks and expressed great concern for those in Nag Hammadi. They call upon all people to pray for the safety of Coptic Orthodox Christians in Egypt.

The Clergy and Congregations of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Canada will conduct a Memorial Service for the Nag Hammadi Martyrs on Sunday, January 17, at 3:00 pm at Pearson Convention Centre, 2638 Steeles Avenue East, Brampton, Ontario L6T 4L7 (905-494-0444), where officials, religious leaders and the media will be invited to share with the Coptic Orthodox congregations. View Map

The Coptic Orthodox Church dates back to the 1st Century, founded by St. Mark the Apostle and Evangelist. In Canada, the Coptic Orthodox Church started her ministry in 1964. It now has 37 parishes from coast to coast, with major populations in South Western Ontario and the Montreal area.

Clergy Statement Ref: Nag Hammadi

Coptic Orthodox Church in Canada, Tuesday, January 12, 2010

The Coptic Orthodox Church in Canada condemns the massacre of six innocent Coptic Orthodox Christians in Nag Hammadi, Egypt following Christmas Eve liturgy on January 6, 2010. Witnesses reported that three gunmen opened fire on the Christians as they were exiting the church. In addition to the six young Coptic Orthodox Christians who were killed, several others remain in critical condition.

The joy of Christmas, celebrated on January 7 according to the Coptic Orthodox Calendar, was extinguished by the mourning which filled the streets for a heartbreaking funeral procession for the victims on Christmas day. The youngest of the victims was only seventeen years old. The following day brought more destruction. Numerous homes and businesses were set ablaze leaving many homeless or without a livelihood.

This violence which took place on Christmas day in Egypt is yet another in a long series of incidents of violence, killing, looting, destruction and arson that have occurred in Egypt against Coptic Orthodox Christians. These extreme acts of brutality, which the Church has continually suffered throughout its history, have escalated in recent years.

The Priests of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Canada condemn the attacks on innocent Christians, express great concern for those in Nag Hammadi, send their condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in this horrific act, including the family of the lone security guard of the Church, who also lost his life, and call upon all people to pray for the safety of the Coptic Orthodox Christians in Egypt.

The Priests of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Canada will request a meeting with the Egyptian ambassador in Ottawa in order to deliver a letter to President Mohamed Hosni Mubarak of Egypt, expressing the feelings and expectations of the Coptic Christians in Canada vis-à-vis current and recent attacks, as well as the general condition of Egyptian Christians in their homeland, recommending firm actions on the part of the Egyptian government to correct the situation and solve the roots of the existing problems.

They will also conduct a Memorial Service for the Nag Hammadi Martyrs on Sunday, January 17, at 3:00 pm at Pearson Convention Centre, 2638 Steeles Avenue East, Brampton, Ontario L6T 4L7 (905-494-0444), where officials, religious leaders and the media will be invited to share with the Coptic Orthodox congregations.

A special fund will be opened to assist the families of the martyrs, as well as the victims of the acts of violence that followed.

The Priests of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Canada will also form a permanent committee which will monitor the condition of the Coptic Christians in Egypt, in order to have a proactive role in maintaining the peace in Egypt through the promotion of the Coptic case.

The martyrs of Nag Hammadi will also be mentioned during each Divine Liturgy celebrated until the 40 Day Memorial, and the Church will continue to pray for the recovery of those who remain in critical condition.

As Christians who follow the biblical teaching of the Lord, we also pray for those who committed these horrific acts; they are themselves victims of promoted hatred and an environment of prejudice, and they have not come to know our loving Christ. 

As to the question of public expression on the part of Coptic individuals and associations, the Church does not discourage anyone from exercising their rights, including freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. However, the Church reminds each person to conduct him or herself in a peaceful and Christian manner.

We pray for His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, all the Metropolitans and Bishops of the Church; that God may strengthen them. We also pray for the peace and safety of the land of Egypt; that God may grant the leaders the wisdom and courage to protect the rights of all Egyptian citizens.