Tuesday 1 October 2013

Press Release: HG Bishop Makarios, General Bishop of the Diocese of Minya in Egypt was fired upon by assailants on the morning of 30 September 2013.

Press Release
For immediate use
30 September 2013

Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)
Media and Communications Office

His Grace Bishop Makarios, General Bishop of the Diocese of Minya in Egypt was fired upon by assailants on the morning of 30 September 2013.

Bishop Makarios and those accompanying him were fired upon by assailants on 30 September 2013 at 7am while they travelled to offer condolences to the family of Karim Samir Lamaee who was killed during recent attacks on Christians. Speaking to His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, Bishop Makarios said:

“We are all safe, but it is unfortunate that this can happen during a time of healing. This is an indication that while steps are being taken towards reconciliation, there are those who still want to delay us.”

Commenting on today’s events, Bishop Angaelos said:

"Speaking to Bishop Makarios earlier today, I am relieved to hear that he and those with him are unharmed by this attack, I am however greatly concerned at the level of criminal activity and lawlessness that continues to be prevalent in Minya. As the lives of those who seek to live peacefully and establish steps towards reconciliation are continuously threatened, we reiterate the need for a sufficient level of law and order be restored because every Egyptian deserves to receive equal protection under that law. We continue to pray for peace and healing in Egypt at this formative time." 

The Coptic Orthodox Church of Archangel Michael in the village where the attack took place has been closed for 10 years due to violent acts against it, and in a statement released by the Minya Diocese, it rejects claims that there was return gunfire.



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