ETHIOPIA: Catholic Bishops in Ethiopia Condole with Members of Coptic Church after Tragic Fire Incident in Egypt
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
Members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia (CBCE) have expressed their sympathy to leaders and all members of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo, Egypt after the tragic fire incident at Abu Sifin church.
In the condolence message shared with AMECEA online Tuesday, August 16, the President of CBCE Berhaneyesus Cardinal Demerew Souraphiel conveyed their sorrow to the Christians saying, “It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I write this letter to you. I would like to offer my sincerest sympathies on behalf of the Ethiopian Catholic Church and myself. When we heard about the tragedy which happened to you, we became so sad and found ourselves speechless.”
Therefore, the Local Ordinary of the Archdiocese of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia said, “our sincere sympathy goes to the Coptic Orthodox Church, the bereaved families, friends of all those who lost their lives in the tragic fire incident at Abu Sifin church in Cairo, and the brotherly Egyptian people. May the Good Lord give you grace and strength to overcome this tragedy.”
He continued, “I assure you our prayers to your church, the deceased and wish a full and speedy recovery to those who were injured.”
According to reports dozens of people about 41 were killed in the fire which is blamed on an electrical fault as they gathered for Sunday morning services where many others injured including policemen who were involved in offering rescue effort.
