A source at the Orthodox Church said on Tuesday that presidential candidates Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Hamdeen Sabbahi are expected to attend the Resurrection Mass, adding that the church welcomes them both.
Sources at Sisi’s campaign confirmed that he will be attending the event.
Pope Tawadros II is holding the mass on Saturday at the Orthodox Church in Abbasiya in the presence of senior government officials and ministers.
The source said that army and police forces, together with young Coptic scouts, are securing the church and regulating the entry and exit of the congregation, noting that cars are not allowed in on Saturday and Sunday.
Also, metal detectors will be placed and bomb squads will be deployed on that day.
“All Christian denominations are celebrating Easter on the same day as the calendars of the East and the West are matching for the first time in four years,” said Father Rafiq Greish, the church spokesperson.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
