On December 11, a deafening bombing ripped through the Petrine church, also known as, “El-Botroseya” whose congregation witnessed a terroristic, cold-blooded crime that shook the world’s conscience.
Not only do acts of terrorism target the church, they are also directed so as to strip life out of Egypt’s heart. Those horrific incidents I carry in my mind and witnessed from the very beginning as I joined the crowds carrying the injured and the martyrs to the ambulances, were covered live by ME Sat, yet most of them were not aired due to the savagery of the attacks that took us aback. Nevertheless, We, Egyptians, are more insistent on collaboration for the sake of our country that will overcome its ordeals with the aid of God and support of her people.
History proves that Egypt is the only country that offered numerous martyrs in all ages and times. Her land absorbed their blood thus it brings blessings to the whole world. As for death, it is nothing, but our way to eternal life. We recite in our prayers that “For there is no death for Your servants, but a departure.”This is our faith that death is not, but departing our place, life and people to better eternal ones. It is the golden bridge that connects between our earthly and eternal life. I recall the response of one of the martyr’s brother:” We are in great joy; we cherish the place and thank the people who lead us to heavens. Our real gift to them is our prayers that they change and become like Paul who was once called Saul. We are strangers on earth, my sister has reached her home; how come I cannot be exceedingly rejoiced”. They verily rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy that had they given the choice to come back to life, they would have refused adamantly.
My heart goes out to the families of martyrs. Indeed, they were pure Egyptians who deeply loved and worked hard for the sake of their country. I offer my consolations to them: You gain intercessors in heaven praying for you and interceding for the world. May God heal and soothe the injured.
I cannot conclude without thanking Prof. Dr. Abdul Wahab Ezzat, President of Ain Shams University and all and all the staff at Ain Shams University for their utmost love and sacrifice that they showed through their effective participation since the first moment of the incident. I also thank sincerely all the statesmen who share us our disaster, but first and foremost our President Abdel Fatah el-Sisi. We ask God to strengthen and support him amid this fierce war.
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
