Coptic Priest Fatally Stabbed in Alexandria, Egypt

Father Arsanious Wadid, a Coptic Orthodox priest, was fatally stabbed on 7 April in Alexandria, Egypt. The attack occurred during a youth outing on the seaside promenade, where Wadid was approached by a 60-year-old Muslim man. The assailant initially asked for assistance before stabbing him in the neck. Father Wadid, who served at a local parish, died while receiving medical treatment for his injuries.

The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Alexandria has declared Father Wadid a martyr, recognizing his death as a result of the attack. In response, the head of Al-Azhar, Egypt’s most influential Sunni Islamic institution, issued a condemnation of the incident through a Facebook statement. This marks a rare public acknowledgment of the attack by a prominent Islamic authority.

Archbishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK, also expressed condemnation of the killing. He noted the circumstances of the attack, stating that the priest was targeted in clerical attire in a public space with no one else present. He emphasized the need for investigations to determine whether the incident was an isolated act or part of a broader pattern.

CSW’s Founder President, Mervyn Thomas, extended condolences to Father Wadid’s family and parishioners. He praised the condemnation of the murder by the Sheikh of Al Azhar and welcomed the arrest of the suspect. Thomas called for a thorough investigation and accountability for those involved, stressing the importance of addressing societal hostility and promoting mutual respect and equal citizenship.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between religious communities in Egypt. While the Coptic Orthodox Church has historically maintained a degree of autonomy, incidents of violence against its members underscore the challenges faced by religious minorities. The attack on Father Wadid serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by religious figures in public spaces.

The Coptic Orthodox Church has long been a significant presence in Egypt, with its own legal status and institutions. The declaration of Father Wadid as a martyr reflects the church’s tradition of recognizing such deaths as acts of faith and sacrifice. This designation also underscores the broader context of religious persecution and the need for protection of religious minorities.

The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of religiously motivated crimes and the need for justice. The call for accountability aligns with the biblical principle of seeking justice and mercy, as seen in Micah 6:8, which emphasizes doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God. The incident calls for continued efforts to foster peace and understanding among diverse communities.

Source: Read the original report