2003 WorldNetDaily.com
WASHINGTON - Egyptian state and central security officers and soldiers
attacked a small historic Coptic church in Assiut during Mass, arresting
several deacons and others, throwing communion bread on the floor and
stepping on it with their boots, according to reports received by the U.S.
Copts Association.
According to the group, the attack on St. George Coptic Orthodox Church
occurred Friday.
The officer in charge of the raid reportedly ordered the church priest to
evacuate and close down the church. The priest refused, as did the
parishioners. When their orders were not obeyed, the police officers
attacked the priest, according to the report. Angry parishioners confronted
the police, who surrounded the church and made arrests in an attempt to
occupy the church.
"The news of the attack on the church spread through the city and thousands
of Copts rushed to protect and aid the church," said the report from the
association.
"As the scene developed police forces were surrounded by thousands of angry
Copts chanting various cries of defiance, such as: 'By our spirit, by our
blood, we will protect our cross!,' 'We will die martyrs defending our
church!,' and 'We are ready to start a new age of martyrdom at the hands of
the government!'"
The massive crowd of Copts prevented the government forces from arresting
the priest, said the report. "It is unclear what motivated the security
forces to attack this historic holy site, however, members of the Coptic
Community in Assiut tell U.S. Copts Association that they fear fanatic
policemen may have plans to convert the historic church into a mosque," said
the association in a statement.
Observers say Islamic extremists have successfully infiltrated all branches
of the Egyptian government, resulting in repeated attacks on Copts, their
churches, and properties by members of the Egyptian government.
Michael Meunier, president of the U.S. Copts Association said it is time for
President Hosni Mubarak to put an end to the abuse and to hold accountable
those responsible for the continued harassment of Christians.
Assiut is the third largest city in Egypt with the Copts comprising a
majority of its citizens.