Egypt: More Attacks on Christians

On Feb. 20 and 21 armed forces demolished fences surrounding three ancient Coptic monasteries in different locations around the country. The fences were erected after the Jan. 25 uprising and attacks on the property by escaped prisoners. In one attack six Coptics were injured, one is still hospitalized in critical condition.

In another incident, about 3,000 Christians took to the streets in the southern city of Assuit, to protest the killing of a Coptic priest, Father Daoud Boutros. They believe Father Boutros' death was a result of a divide between Muslims and minority Christians.

The priest was found dead in his home by his daughter on Feb. 23. A fellow clergyman said he had been stabbed several times. "Someone had broken into the safe and we found it was empty, indicating it was a robbery," a police official said.

Neighbors reported seeing masked men leaving the home shouting, "Allahu Akbar," Arabic for "God is great."

[Sources: CBN and Assyrian International News Agency]

Hope reigns in Egypt after the fall of President Mubarak, but pray that Muslim extremists do not gain a foothold during this time of transition thus placing Christians in a more vulnerable position. Pray that God would put righteous men in power who will protect the rights of Christians. Pray for the family of Father Boutros and those injured in recent attacks. Pray for general protection for Christians.

"LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear, to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may oppress no more." Psalm 10:17-18

VOM assists Christians in Egypt through its Family of Prisoners Fund, Christian radio broadcasts and discipleship training for Muslim converts.

A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer