While celebrating the feast, they suddenly closed their eyes and opened it to see a wondrous light leading to the face of God. I am talking here about the martyrs of the Churches of St. George in Tanta and St. Mark in Alexandria. They were killed on Palm Sunday to celebrate the Easter in heaven.
In these days, we celebrate the joyful resurrection of Jesus Christ which was a turning point in the history of mankind. However, evil terrorism has used this wonderful occasion to kill and demolish in the name of God. Several terrorist attacks against Coptic Churches have tried to incite hatred, sectarianism and extremism between Muslims and Christians in Egypt. Yet, Christ faced such evil saying: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven”
I feel the pain of the Copts and all Egyptians while I write this article, but I remember the worlds of Pope Tawadros II saying: the joy of resurrection overcome the pain of the cross. Yes, the joys of resurrection make us bear the loss of beloved, parents, children, brothers and relatives.
The church does not recognize violence and riot, but calls for peace and rejects aggression by any means whatsoever. This is the approach of Christ, but accepting pain doesn’t mean the state shouldn’t take its responsibilities and prevent further attacks. Yes, in God we trust, but a state has to take its responsibilities. Such attacks bring the words of St. Paul to our minds:”Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”
History is witness to this; the Church throughout the ages has been stronger during the days of fanaticism, oppression and political and ideological despotism. Father Sergios announced during the revolution of 1919 that Copts are willing to sacrifice their lives in order to save Egypt. Sheikh Qabbani announced that same during his speeches.
This proves the importance of national unity in the eyes of Egyptians. Egypt is now suffering from violence and sectarian events, in the absence of culture and awareness. I say to the people of Egypt: Do not forget the glorious history of your nation. Face evil by love and peace to overcome crises. We shall face it by tolerance and forgiveness.
