Christian Homes and Businesses Burned

A water truck is working to douse a fire.
  

Late into the evening of April 23rd, Islamic militants set fire to several homes and shops owned by Coptic Orthodox Christians in the village of Al-Fawakher, which is located in Egypt's southern Minya province. Although the attackers attempted to prevent the occupants from leaving their burning homes, thankfully there were no reported fatalities.

It is believed that the attack may have been triggered by plans to build a new church building in the village. The local Christians had received a permit to build the new place of worship, but they then began receiving threats from opposing community members. Even though the threats were reported to the authorities (who promised to provide protection), no assistance was given to the Christians during the attack, and security forces arrived only after it occurred. Arrests were made in connection with the incident but, at last report, no official statement has been issued by the police.

Rev. Riadh Jaballah, VP of International Ministry for The Voice of the Martyrs Canada, believes that the attack was intended "to create sedition and division between the community's Muslims and Christians." He adds that the persecution of those practising Christianity is not new, especially leading up to the Orthodox observance of Easter. In the aftermath of the violence, Rev. Riadh urges us as fellow believers to respond in four ways: 1) encourage one another, 2) be aware of the situation, 3) share that information, and 4) pray. "We are [all] believers," he further explains. "It doesn't matter about [our] denominations. We need to stand up together." To review more reports addressing the challenges facing followers of Jesus in Egypt, go to our country report.

Prayerfully remember the many Christians in this village who are now homeless and/or without a source of income, asking God to fill them with His peace and provide for their daily needs – including those such as protection and encouragement. May His Holy Spirit convict the militants responsible for perpetrating this violent attack, stirring their hearts to the point of repentance and the surrender of their lives in faith to Jesus. Further, pray that our Christian brothers and sisters in Egypt will respond to the opposition in a Christ-like manner – serving as testimonies of His love, mercy and grace to the community members who stand against them – resulting in an easing of tensions and the cultivating of harmonious relationships among all the villagers.

  • Country Information

    Population
    109,546,720 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Egyptian (99.7), other (0.3)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (90), Christianity (10)

    Leader
    President Abdelfattah Said El-Sisi (2014)

    Government type
    Presidential republic

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system based on Napoleonic civil and penal law, Islamic religious law, and vestiges of colonial-era laws

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Egypt

    Pray on behalf of those who are facing economic and social challenges because of their Christian faith. Ask the Lord to provide for their spiritual and practical needs – further strengthening and emboldening them so they can effectively share the message of the Gospel with others in their communities. May the hearts of those who hear it be open and receptive to the wonderful truths contained in God’s Word.

Egypt News

  • Christian Convert Charged with Terrorism
    Saeid Mansour Abdulraziq is casually leaning to the side and smiling.
    Saeid Mansour Abdulraziq
    Photo: CSW

    On July 22nd, Egyptian authorities formally charged Saeid Mansour Abdulraziq (a convert from Islam to Christianity) with joining a terrorist organization, stirring unrest and spreading false information. Since converting to the Christian faith in 2016 and joining the Russian Orthodox Church, Saeid experienced persistent rejection from his family and community, as well as intimidation from local police. Despite these challenges, he regularly shared his newfound faith with those around him.

  • Prisoners Released After Years of Detention
    Abdulbaqi Saeed Abdo
    Abdulbaqi Saeed Abdo
    Photo: ADF International

    Originally from Yemen, Abdulbaqi Saeed Abdo was forced to flee to Egypt in 2014 after being subjected to violent attacks because of his conversion to Christianity. Then, in 2021, Abdulbaqi was arrested by Egyptian officials following an interview he did for a Christian television program addressing the topic of persecution in Yemen. Additionally, he was identified as a member of a Facebook group for those who had converted from Islam to Christianity. Nour Gerges, an Egyptian Coptic believer who also participated in the same Facebook group, was arrested at the same time.

  • Three Christians Hospitalized After Stabbing
    Three crosses on Coptic steeples are silhouetted against the sun on the horizon.
    Domes of a Coptic Church building in Egypt.
    Photo: Flickr / Andrew A. Shenouda (cc)

    Three Christian men were hospitalized after being brutally attacked on November 5th in Ashruba, a village located within the Minya province of Upper Egypt. This is only the latest incident to occur amid a recent surge of sectarian violence throughout the region.

  • Christian Homes and Businesses Burned
    A water truck is working to douse a fire.
      

    Late into the evening of April 23rd, Islamic militants set fire to several homes and shops owned by Coptic Orthodox Christians in the village of Al-Fawakher, which is located in Egypt's southern Minya province. Although the attackers attempted to prevent the occupants from leaving their burning homes, thankfully there were no reported fatalities.