Egypt - hope and prayers

As celebrations erupted in Tahrir Square, Cairo, last night there was hope amongst Christians and seemingly most Egyptians that a positive change will now come about. These hopes were reflected when I was speaking to Bishop Joannes Zakaria in Luxor yesterday afternoon - he said; "It will take a long time, but I hope we will now see positive changes. The use of religion here in politics has been like in your Middle Ages - it took you a long time to develop your democratic system."  

 

“We are a missionary Church, laying down the rocks for the future, for our people. It is the work of the Holy Spirit,” said Bishop Joannes Zakaria. He is certainly trusting in God, building for the poor and for their future. He added: “I trust in God... and your prayers and help. We pray for you!”

At this critical time - reports of some attacks on churches in the regions have come in overnight - please continue in prayer for peace in the Middle East, for Christians and all peoples.

 

Thank you. Deo Gratias.

 

Neville

Neville Kyrke-Smith
National Director
Aid to the Church in Need UK

 

Pray for the people of Egypt

In Luxor last night a military helicopter flew overhead - I heard local Egyptians shout "Sisi! Sisi!" - the name of the head of the military, welcoming the intervention. Protestors were gathering on a hot evening.  Pro and anti-Morsi groups shouted their way past the residence of Bishop Joannes Zakaria, the Coptic Catholic Bishop of Luxor.  Later, near the centre of Luxor, I saw  men fetching clubs from a mosque to go to fight,  bricks lying in the road and crowds gathering.  Police were trying to intervene - the flashing lights on their vehicles could be seen at the end of one street - and then ambulances could be heard as the injured were attended to. Local media have confirmed some shooting took place, but as yet there is no figure for casualties. 

Sadly, this was the scene in much of Egypt as the deadline for military intervention comes later today at 5pm, Tuesday 3rd June. The will of the majority is for change - as the Tamaroud petition of more than 22 million showed and as the huge numbers of anti-Morsi protesters witnessed. Yet the problem is that the fanatical Muslim Brotherhood has been pushed into a corner - and President Morsi upped the temperature further last night in a rallying call to his supporters saying that he would be prepared to die.

As Bishop Joannes Zakaria switched off all lights early last night and bolted the doors, I asked him if he had a contingent plan. "If people come to my door, I answer. I am here to greet all and to speak with them. I am prepared!"

On the Feast of St Thomas, let us join in this same faith - and pray for all our Egyptian brothers and sisters.  

Neville

Neville Kyrke-Smith
National Director
Aid to the Church in Need UK

Luxor Wednesday July 3rd 2013

Egypt - crisis & hope

I passed the stage this morning where protests will continue tonight. Alongside there is anti-Morsi graffiti on the governate building where the police are stationed. And speaking to people - Muslims & Christians - there is a feeling and expectation that President Morsi must go. The queues for fuel, with more and more closed garages, add to the sense that this cannot continue.

"We have seen and experienced what the Muslim Brotherhood are like and we don't want them here in Egypt," was a statement to me this morning. Another Egyptian added:   "It is good you are here at this time of revolution - you can tell people what it is like for us!'            

Whatever happens over the next days and weeks, the faith and hope of our fellow Christians here in Egypt can only encourage us to help them through this time of crisis. One priest, Fr Francis, told me: "We endure very difficult times in Egypt now because of Islamic fundamentalists. Many people find it difficult to get essentials for life and many are very poor. Catechism and teaching children peace is important. Please remember us in prayer and inform others so that they understand how difficult and desperate it is for many Christians here and in the Middle East. We need your compassion. We pray for all at ACN and all our friends in Christ."                


Neville

Neville Kyrke-Smith
National Director
Aid to the Church in Need UK

Egypt 02 07 13

Egypt at turning point?

Many protests in Egypt continue and are likely to pick up pace again later today and in to tomorrow. Sadly, there have been outbreaks of violence and more fatalities. Yet,  there is a sense here that Egypt may be at a turning point.

Speaking on the streets to people this morning I heard the same comments that it was time to move on - we are suffering too much and that we do not want fundamentalists.

One local Egyptian, Amil, told me: " After every revolution there is pollution! It is good that we have seen what the Muslim Brotherhood is like - now we can move on. Things will get better, but there will be some blood shed."

Meeting Coptic priests I felt the sense of solidarity with their people - many who are poor or unemployed. Hundreds of children go to 'Sunday Schools' at least twice a week - "they feel this is their home" Fr Athanasius told me at St George's Church, Luxor city, where ACN has helped.

The Church is offering the hope of the Gospel to all those in need. As Bishop Joannes Zakaria of Luxor (photo attached) told me: "We are a missionary Church, laying down rocks for the future, for our people..building hope."

Please continue in prayer for the Christians and all the peoples of Egypt at this critical time. Thank you for your solidarity and prayers.        


Neville

Neville Kyrke-Smith
National Director
Aid to the Church in Need UK

Egypt, 1st July 2013. 

Egypt hots up

In the centre of Asyut (Assiut) pro and anti-Morsi demonstrations are taking place this evening, as in many other cities throughout Egypt. The protesters are high spirited, but the gatherings are  peaceful.

Bishop Kyrillos William of Assiut exoressed his deep thanks for all the prayers and the aid given by ACN. 'I know I can count on your continuing  support and help for our work and mission for our people. Thank you and may God bless you," he said as I left Asyut to travel by train to Luxor.    

With gratitude and in prayer and solidarity with those in need whom we serve - here in Egypt and throughout the world.

Neville

Neville Kyrke-Smith
National Director
Aid to the Church in Need UK

Upper Egypt
Sunday 30th June 2013

Photo of Abeder, nr Asyut

Photo of Abeder, at baptism of Shenouda, near Asyut, Sunday 30th June 2013.  

30th June

The 30th June is seeing huge rallies taking place across Egypt. Tahrir square in Cairo already has hundreds of thousands gathered protesting against President Morsi, whilst there are large crowds assembling in other major cities. I was told this morning by one young Egyptian that it is all building up to 5 o'clock when even more people will come out to join protests. One pro-Morsi gathering is being featured on national TV, but the numbers on the streets seem to reflect the huge figure of more than 22million who are said to have signed the Tamaroud 'rebellion' petition for Morsi to "go out" and step down .

Millions of people want a new beginning and fear what will happen if President Morsi stays.

At a long Catholic Coptic Liturgy this morning I witnessed the faith and hope of the large Christian community. There are up to 10 million Christians in Egypt - mainly Orthodox Copts, but also 200,000 Catholic Copts. A baby boy Shenouda was  baptised with his proud father Karam & mother Nosa bringing their child before God, relying on his grace. The cousins of Shenouda, living in the same village near Asyut, gathered round the font - and the photo (attached) of the little boy Abeder holding the candle at the font illustrates the hope of our brothers & sisters here,  in north Africa and the Middle East.     

Please pray and help keep the light of Christ alive. 

Neville

Neville Kyrke-Smith
National Director
Aid to the Church in Need UK

Asyut, Upper Egypt
30th June 2013