Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate
Deir Anba Rueiss, Rameses Avenue
Abbassiya, Cairo, 11381, Egypt
Statement from the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate at the Monastery of Saint Rueis (Dayr al-Anbā Ruways), 'Abbāssīyah
We received with pain the reports of the incidents at the village of Dahshūr, Giza Governorate, which resulted in the regrettable death of a citizen, and which developed into group assaults on the Copts of the village.
Many innocent Copts were assaulted, as were houses and possessions, and our peaceful brethren were forced to leave the village. The church was also attacked.
From the standpoint of our national and church responsibilities we denounce these incidents, and call on the authorities to adopt a decisive stand regarding the blatant and repeated assaults in the recent period, which we note were not handled with the required firmness.
Therefore, we hope the authorities will speedily punish those responsible, safeguard Coptic citizens and ensure their return to their homes, and disburse just compensation to those who have suffered during these events.
We believe that the necessary firmness will halt the current of violence Copts have been facing in recent times, and we pray to God that peace return to our society , and that all citizens be reassured regarding the nation, themselves, and their property.
Bishop Pachomius
Coptic Orthodox acting Patriarch
Date: 02-08-2012
Read the original text in Arabic
