Egyptian Copts today celebrate Easter Sunday amid heightened security measures. Churches, cinemas and other places of celebration were surrounded by fences.
Pope Shenouda III led holy mass on Saturday night at the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Abbasseya. Thousands of Copts, senior officials and public figures attended.
Deputy Prime Minister Yehia al-Gamal attended and conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Essam Sharaf to the Pope. Representatives from the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) were also present, along with three presidential candidates, including Mohamed ElBaradei, and several ministers.
Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, head of the SCAF, conveyed his greetings to the Pope.
Meanwhile, protesters in Qena suspended protests against their newly-appointed governor to join Coptic celebrations.
Copts in Atfeeh held mass at the Two Saints Church, demolished in March following sectarian clashes but now rebuilt.
On Saturday, the church also held a lunch banquet for Muslim villagers who came to convey their greetings. Members from the SCAF, policemen and other executive officials attended.
The church pastor told Al-Masry Al-Youm that the presence of Muslims in the Coptic celebrations helps restore good relations.
Translated from the Arabic Edition
