A number of churches in the Upper Egypt governorate of Minya have maintained the security measures adopted since nationwide protests broke out on 30 June in demand of early presidential elections and the resignation of Mohamed Morsy.
Most churches have suspended summer activities and postponed several assemblies in an attempt to focus on visitors's safety.
The dioceses of the city of Minya and Abu Qurqas have found an alternative means by broadcasting clerical meetings through their websites, which are accessible to parishioners from home.
The churches have tasked individuals with organizing the displacement of visitors in small groups, urging churchgoers not to wait outside churches or not organize large assemblies.
There are no official data on the number of Copts living in Egypt, but they are estimated to represent 10 percent of the population. Egypt has seen a wave of sectarian violence between Copts and the Muslim majority since the 2011 revolution, which flared up after the downfall of Mohamed Morsy on 3 July.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
