Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: May 4, 2024
But the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!’ (Luke 24:5b-6a)
Happy Easter! Tomorrow we join millions around the world who are celebrating Easter in the Orthodox calendar.
We pray for peace and joy to reign, and for the safety of Orthodox Christian communities in Egypt, Sudan, Turkey, Iraq and Eritrea. We remember, too, the refugees from three of these nations.
At the moment, it’s particularly important to pray for Christians in Egypt. You may be aware that there have been renewed sectarian attacks in Upper Egypt on church construction sites, and following rumours that a church might be built.
Last week, there were attacks within days of each other, in two villages of Minya Province.
On 23 April extremists attacked the Christian community in Al-Fawakher village, following rumours that they were planning to build a church. Several homes belonging to Christians were destroyed during the violence.
Then on 26 April, a mob attacked the construction site of a new Evangelical church in Al-Kom Al-Ahmar village. The building’s foundations and sewage system were destroyed, and the mob also attacked properties belonging to Christians. Thankfully no one was hurt.
Once built, the church will serve more than 2,000 Evangelical Christians in the area. Please pray that the community will be able to resume construction without hindrance.
We also pray:
- For an end to mob attacks on churches, church building sites and Christian homes or properties in Upper Egypt.
- That the Lord will provide for and protect those whose homes and properties have been damaged or destroyed.
- For wisdom, boldness and success for the Egyptian authorities as they address sectarianism and promote principles of equal citizenship.
- For a safe, peaceful and joyful Easter for the Orthodox community in Egypt, and all over the world.