This is not the first year that the Divine allows Egypt and her Church to undergo a painful situation that puts to test the patriotism, coherence, and faith of Egyptians. Sadly, this occurs as we prepare to complete Lent and celebrate Holy Week and the Resurrection, and as Muslims prepare for Eid Al-Fitr once Ramadan is completed.
It was God’s will that the venerable Fr Arsanius Wadid, priest of the church of the Holy Virgin and St Paul the Apostle in Karmouz, Alexandria, should be martyred by a deadly stab wielded by a lost soul who has been arrested and is under investigation.
I have no doubt whatsoever that God, who allowed this painful event as He had allowed others during similar times of the year, is able to overflow His comfort and peace over the family of Fr Arsanius, the congregation of his church, and the entire Coptic congregation. Again, I have no doubt that Egypt’s Muslim officials and people feel with our pain and loss.
The statements issued by Al-Azhar’s Grand Imam Sheikh Tayyeb and Pope Tawadros have been cause for comfort, given that they help absorb the wrath experienced by those pained by the incident.
As for me, the only words I can say are those uttered by Jesus the Lord on the Cross: ‘Father forgive them for they know not what they do’.
Watani International
8 April 2022