Tense atmosphere as Egypt celebrates Christmas

Christians in Egypt have been celebrating Christmas — but while the ceremonies have been as elaborate as ever, for many this year’s event has been a nervy rather than a pleasant affair.

At the main Coptic cathedral in Cairo, the atmosphere was shrouded by fears militants would launch another attack, similar to the one in Alexandria which killed 23 worshippers at New Year.

Addressing the congregation, the head of Egypt’s Coptic church, Pope Shenouda III paid tribute to the victims of the New Year’s bombing saying, “I console our sons in Alexandria and other places, for the martyrdom of a large number of innocent people, who had committed no sin.’‘

The Alexandria attack sparked widespread anger and protests within Egypt’s Coptic community with demands for more protection against Muslim militants.

Authorities in the capital responded by placing a heavy security cordon around the cathedral. Despite that, many Coptic Christians have accused authorities of not doing enough to stop the religiously motivated violence.

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