Friends in Egypt have written..."Due to the very tragic events which happened on Sunday night, 9th of October, in Cairo (24 Christians have been killed and over 200 people injured during demonstrations which started peacefully), the Pope Shenouda made a call of prayer to all Coptic Christians around the world starting from Tuesday, the 11th of October.
 
His call is to encourage anyone to pray and fast during 3 days for our country
 
....we would like to kindly ask you to join us, according to your possibilities and capacities, during the 3 days of fasting and prayers for our land which needs so much of your intercession. Let's stand with our brothers and sisters who are passing by a terrible tragedy, sorrow, fear and incredible challenges we have not seen or heard of since the revolution. Together, let's cry to our heavenly Father so that the situation in our area may change and that the leadership may recognize the existence of the Christians in Egypt.
 
In the media, in the social aspect, there is a total ignorance of the Christians and their rights...thousands of people were at the funerals which took place in the large cathedral in El Embassyia, Cairo. A great sadness and sorrow was on the entire attendance.
 
As we are writing, the army is threatening the Christians who are demonstrating downtown. Hundreds are already in prison. Thank you for your precious intercession and receive our sincere blessings."
 
Please pray and fast along with our Egyptian brothers and sisters for peace and religious freedom. Pray for their safety, for lines of good communication, for changed hearts of their persecutors, and for the grieving families and friends who have lost their loved ones. May Jesus be glorified in Egypt.