Egypt’s Christians celebrate holy Friday amid intensive security measures

CAIRO – 22 April 2022: Hundreds of Christians participated, Friday at the Holy Friday prayers in all governorates around the country.

Security forces intensified their presence around the churches to secure the celebrations.

Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark led the Holy Friday Mass at the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Cairo's Abbassiya district.

Bishops, along with thousands of worshipers have attended the mass.

‘Good Friday’ is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus. It is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum. It is also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, Great and Holy Friday, and Black Friday.

Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church will celebrate Easter on April 24, which comes after the Holy Week at the end of the 55-day period of Lent.

The Orthodox Church started Last February the Great Lent, which lasts for 55 days and ends by Easter, as it held masses and prayers at various churches nationwide.

Pope Tawadros II of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, members of the Holy Synod and top bishops led Monday masses at various churches.

Last May, Head of the Coptic Orthodox Church Pope Tawadros II led Easter Mass at St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Abbasiya district, Cairo, amid limited public audience due to the anti-COVID-19 measures.

The mass was aired on the Egyptian TV and Coptic channels.