AFRICA/EGYPT - "Hard Times": Pope Tawadros renounces to celebrate the anniversary of his inauguration

Cairo (Agenzia Fides) - Pope Tawadros II canceled the celebrations planned to mark the first anniversary of his inauguration as the Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church. The anniversary falls on November 18. The renunciation of the celebrations was justified due to the difficult condition experienced by the Coptic Church and the whole of Egypt, in this troubled period in their history. According to Egyptian sources consulted by Fides, Pope Tawadros said that he will recite the liturgical prayers of that day, asking God to grant times of peace and prosperity to Egypt and its people.
In the first year of Pope Tawadros’ Patriarchate, about 100 Egyptian churches - including the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Cairo - have suffered attacks and devastation. (GV) (Agenzia Fides 07/11/2013)