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.
*Ends*
