For Immediate Release
Coptic Orthodox Diocese
Of New York & New England
New York, New York

December 11, 2016

We have learned with great sorrow, according to initial reports, that a terrorist explosion has killed at least 25 and injured many more at the Church of St. Peter, adjacent to St. Mark’s Cathedral and the Papal Residence in Cairo.

It is attacks like these that have given the Coptic Orthodox Church the title of “The Church of Martyrs” for the last 2000 years. Though it is the blood of these martyrs that makes the Church stronger, we strongly condemn this heinous terrorist attack on our beloved motherland and brethren. We pray for God to have mercy on those who have lost their lives and hope for a speedy and full recovery to those who are injured. We also send our condolences to the affected families and express our solidarity with our brothers and sisters who continue to suffer at the hands of a radical ideology that is an affront to all of God’s children.

We believe that these attacks, which are targeting the strong unity between Muslims and Christians, will not affect the Egyptian community’s dedication to working together for Egypt’s stability, peace, and prosperity. We pray for peace and support to the Egyptian Government’s efforts to fight against terrorism in all its forms.

May God have mercy on us and His beloved people of Egypt.

For press passes or for more information please contact Father Andrew Awad at 203-455-7447 or via email at FrAndrew@NYNEcopts.org