"They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time comes, that whosoever kills you will think that he does God service" (John 16:2)
On Sunday 11 Dec 2016, lots of Copts went to attend the mass in churches all over Egypt, taking advantage of a national Islamic holiday, but some simply finished it with their savior Jesus Christ in heaven. More than 27 martyrs, most of them women and children (the photo represents some of them), and more than 50 injured were counted after a bomb exploded around 10 a.m. Sunday morning, at the end of a worship service at Cairo’s Coptic ancient church adjoining the main the papal cathedral.
This attack was the deadliest on Copts since a suicide bomber killed 23 congregants at a church in Alexandria on Jan. 1, 2011 just before the falling of the dictator Hosni Mubarak’s regimen. The bomber, wearing a suicide vest, was identified as a 22-year-old man belonging to the Muslim brotherhood who was previously arrested several times before for rioting and released after a while. The vest, containing at least 12 kg (26 pounds) of TNT, exploded on a side of the church normally used by women.
The Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi declared 3 days of national mourning, arranged a state funeral for the martyrs, and said that four people had been detained, including a woman, and security forces were seeking two more people believed to be involved.
Many Coptic clergy men said that these horrible ungodly disasters can't and won't ever remove the love from the hearts of Christians to their fellow Muslim citizens. Many families of the martyrs and injured victims declared that they seek justice arresting the terrorists only to prevent them from hurting other people.
Official politicians belonging to the Islamic Salafi "Elnoor = the light" party said that the victims should never be called martyrs and Muslims should never comfort the infidels who are surely in hell according to their belief. This declaration comes in context to their belief and fatwa not to congratulate the infidels celebrating Christmas that is repeated every year describing any congratulation as a forbidden, sinful one that should be repented of. However, we, Copts, ignore such hatred and we enjoy the partnership of many moderate Muslim friends and colleagues fighting together for building a modern civil state. Kindly pray for the families of the martyrs, the injured victims as we join you praying for peace and justice all over the world.
In peace and grace,
Mina T. Kelleni, M.D., Ph.D.
Chairman of the Egyptian Council of Arakhna and Wise (ECAW) a United Religions Initiative Co-operation Circle advocating equal opportunities, peaceful co-existence between Muslims and Christians, early conflict resolution and transformation in Egypt, defending women, minorities and all the helpless regardless of any discrimination. Coptic orthodox believer and inter-faith researcher.
--
Our prayers are with you and the entire Coptic community. We are praying for the dead and the healing of the wounded, the comfort of their loved ones and strength, courage and peace for everyone.
Rabbi Pamela Frydman
--
Dear Friends,
We are also joining hand in prayers for Coptic Christian Community. God may protect them.
Peace to Everyone.
Fr Rajeev S J
SXSSS
--
Dear Mina,
Salam!
Indeed painful news and deeply sad to see these smiling faces being silenced by the cowardly act of so-called Muslims. Allah swt gives strength to the family of the victims who lost their near and dear ones. Aamin.
In Solidarity,
Qutub
Regional Cordinator, West India.
Deputy General Secretary,
URI Asia Executive Council
--
Dear Mina,
This is such a terrible tragedy and a shocking crime against the Coptic Christians. I pray for all those souls to find eternal peace and all those affected directly within this brave community yo be comforted by their deep faith. May Peace and Justice prevail on all levels.
In thought and prayer,
Karen Barensche
Regional Coordinator - Southern African Region
United Religions Intiative
--
Dr. Mina and all our Egyptian brothers and sisters,
My heart has been heavy for you these past few days. Having traveled to Egypt and visited some Copic churches, this is a tragedy that hits a bit closer to home for me.
Yet, I cannot send this email without mentioning the sadness in my heart for those experiencing war and violence in places that don't hit "as close to home" for me - places like Aleppo, Yemen, Nigeria and more.
I am inspired by what you wrote about the Copic Clergy repose:
"Many Coptic clergy men said that these horrible ungodly disasters can't and won't ever remove the love from the hearts of Christians to their fellow Muslim citizens."
May we each follow their example.
May Peace Prevail on Earth.
In Peace,
Sari Heidenreich
URI North America Regional Coordinator
--
So sad. May God rest their souls in peace. I second on "Many Coptic clergy men said that these horrible ungodly disasters can't and won't ever remove the love from the hearts of Christians to their fellow Muslim citizens."
May God also grant wisdom and fill hearts with love to these ignorant people so they do not cause these kinds of pains to others.
Love.
Warm Regards,
Satya Kalra
--
My heart is very broken with this tragedy.
All my prayers go to the afflicted families.
A terrible, sad day! A horrific crime against the Coptic Christians, and humanity.
May their souls go to heaven.
I am sure the justice of God will shine.
God is in charge of this planet and us.
Peace and Blessings,
Elby Salazar
--
Dear Mina,
This is sad, heartbreaking news to hear for the death of our beloved friends of the Coptic community. May God comfort you, and heal and plant peace in everyone to the deceased family with his deep love.
May GOD show mercy to us all and remove the evil thoughts and be bound with the love he gave us. Let God help us to show the way on how we can end these evil plans. We mourn deeply with you and join you in prayer.
Let GOD’s love lead in us.
Chaplain Mwagomba
