In regards to the recent events that the church is going through and in fellowship with those suffering, HG Bishop David issued the following message:
Statement Regarding the Recent Attacks During Palm Sunday 2017
Coptic Orthodox Diocese of New York & New England
On April 9, 2017, our beloved Church sustained attacks at St. George Church in Tanta and St. Mark
Church in Alexandria while those congregations were celebrating Palm Sunday. The martyrs of these
attacks have joined the “cloud of witnesses” of which St. Paul spoke in his epistle to the Hebrews 12:1. As
some of our brothers and sisters were chanting festive praises and others had just partaken of the Holy
Body of the Lord and His precious Blood, they suddenly found themselves “standing before the throne
and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands” (Rev. 7:9).
While we celebrate their martyrdom, we join also in the mourning of their loved ones, and in constant
prayers for those victims who suffered tremendous injuries in the wake of these horrific acts of violence.
As it is written, “if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it” (1 Cor. 12:26). In light of these
attacks, churches will limit their celebrations of the Feast of the Holy Resurrection to liturgical rites. All
other festivities and receptions shall be canceled.
Although we “do not fear those who kill the body” (Matt. 10:28), it is nonetheless necessary that we do all
we can as a community to safeguard our congregations and protect those most vulnerable to such acts of
terrorism. The blood of the righteous is of great value before the Lord. For this reason, the bishops of
North America, with the blessing of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, have decided to launch a campaign to
collect donations from all parishes towards the purchase and installation of metal detectors at the
entrances of all churches in Egypt having limited resources. An inventory of churches in need of these
systems is currently underway. Those wishing to assist in this noble cause can visit the diocese website
at
www.NYNECopts.org
The Lord reward and bless you for your assistance in this important endeavor.
Bishop David
__________________________________________________________________________
P.O. Box 41281, Staten Island, NY 10304 I Phone: (800) 383-7110 I Fax: (800) 914-6544 I NYNECopts.org
or send their donations to the diocese headquarters:
payable to
Diocese of New York & New England
P.O. Box 41281
Staten Island, NY 10304
and write in the memo line: “Parish Safety Project.” Donations may also be given to the parish priest or
placed in the donation box with the appropriate notation.
We pray for the sake of our motherland Egypt, that the Lord may preserve her from all evil and preserve
His people of whom He said, “Blessed be Egypt my people” (Isa 19:25). May our Lord bless His church
which he saved and purchased with His own pure blood and keep the life of His Holiness Pope Tawadros
II. We also pray for the martyrs and victims of these attacks, their families and loved ones, and even for
our enemies that the Lord may open their eyes to the truth. Amen.
The Mother Church has cancelled any celebrations for the feast this year, limiting the celebration to only the Liturgical rites.
Sunday school celebration on Easter Day Apr 16, will be cancelled.
Choir Easter celebration on Sun Apr 23 also will be cancelled.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is Awesome He will give comfort and peace✌️To all of us❤️