I was surprised by the statement of the Holy Synod last week in which it decided to celebrate martyrs of the Coptic Church in the modern history on February 15th, which marks the martyrdom of 21 Copts by ISIS in Libya. They chose that day since this is the only time Coptic Christies were killed without the involvement of the Egyptian regime. The regime performed air strike on ISIS in Libya and built a church for the martyrs in their home village. Thus, they didn’t chose the anniversary of other sectarian incidents where Copts were killed based on their religious identity such as the Saints Church, Maspero, St. Peter Chapel, St. George Church in Tanta, or the martyrs of St. Samuel terrorist attack. The statement decided to avoid embarrassing the regime of Mubarak and al-Sisi.
Dear fathers of the Holy Synod: Sorry!
Suleiman Shafik
Article Of The Day
00:06
Tuesday ,13 June 2017
In fact, the regime has not asked for such support. Yet, the Holy Synod decided to offer the blood of the martyrs to the government. They should know that more than 3200 Coptic Christians were killed since 1978 till now for their faith in several sectarian incidents some of which military police were responsible, but they decided to blame ISIS for their blood.
I tell members of the Holy Synod that they are responsible for blood of the martyrs, especially as the church decided last Friday evening to prevent silent demonstration with candles to demand taking revenge for the martyrs.
The participants of the demonstration said in a statement: "We are a group of Coptic youth who felt the pain of our people and decided to cry to the Lord that negligent officials and governors may change their mind as well as those who support hatred and incite against Coptic Christians.
Dear bishops of the Holy Synod, you don’t have to flatter the governors and officials to support your church and country. Instead, you should open your eyes and face the facts.
