Middle East Concern
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New Wave of Violence Erupts in Egypt
After several violent incidents impacting Christians and their property in February—a priest was murdered, several monasteries attacked and a demolition order issued for a five-story church property—Middle East Concern is reporting new incidents in March.
On March 4, a large mob attacked Christian homes and a church building in Souf, Helwan governorate in south Cairo. Several homes were damaged and the Church of St. Mina and St. George was set ablaze. The mob prevented the fire brigade attending the fire, and consequently the building was badly damaged.
An army unit was stationed nearby but initially declined to attend, and when they did respond they stopped when local Muslims assured them that all had become calm. A curfew was imposed on Christians in the surrounding area, affecting 12,000 people. Several church members were initially reported to be trapped within the church building. However, it subsequently became clear that they had escaped safely via the church's roof.
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Egypt Violence Spurs New Prayer Call
Egyptian Christians have requested our prayers following several violent incidents affecting Christians and their property during February. We regret to report that a priest was murdered in the Assiut area. He was found dead in his home on Feb. 23, having been stabbed several times. It has been suggested that he was murdered because of …
