Pentecost in Cairo

Metropolitan Abba Seraphim Primate of the British Orthodox Church Writes:

6/6/2011

Traditionally the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church meets in Cairo on the Eve of the Feast of Pentecost in plenary session. However, this year it has been cancelled at short notice and Pope Shenouda will remain in Cleveland, Ohio, where he has gone for routine medical treatment.

More Disturbing Events from Cairo

As I had booked my flights some time ago I planned to go ahead with my visit, but yesterday my Coptic secretary resident in Cairo ‘phoned me to advise against my travelling. After a few weeks of relative calm following the Revolution, there were two incidents in central Cairo which give cause for concern. In one a female reporter from Coptic TV went down to Tahrir square, a group of young men surrounded her and attempted to rape her. She desperately called for help, a police officer arrived and shot in the air to disperse the crowds. They took his gun and his phone away and beat him almost to death. On the same day, they attacked the Ezbekia Police Station (near the main railway station) and burnt it down due to rumours that a police officer had killed a microbus driver. These incidents will probably not be reported by the European media.

As a result of this potential resurgence in violent incidents, I have accepted the advice given, and have reluctantly cancelled my planned trip to Egypt.

I ask everyone to continue in prayer for Egypt and especially for the Christians there.

Source
OCP News Service