The Coptic Orthodox Church has decided to cancel all festivities related with the upcoming Easter, and restrict celebrations to the prayers and rituals of the Resurrection. The decision was taken in the aftermath of last Sunday’s [Palm Sunday] suicide bombings at two churches, St George’s in the Delta town of Tanta and St Mark’s in Alexandria, and which left more than 45 dead and 100 injured.
Anba Raphael, Secretary-General of the Coptic Orthodox Holy Synod, issued a statement which declared: “In coordination with Pope Tawadros II, and in respect for the recent events and in compassion with the families of the martyrs and the injured, the Church has decided to restrict its celebrations of the glorious Resurrection of Christ to Holy Mass on Easter eve. On Easter Day, churches [including St Mark’s at Abbassiya, Cairo, the grounds of which house the papal headquarters, and all the bishoprics] will open to receive Egyptians who wish to extend their condolences to the Church.”
Watani International
12 April 2017