attacked..

http://www.copts.net/detail.asp?id=437

Egyptian Security Forces attack St. Anthony’s Monastery in the Red Sea

Washington (08/19/03)– U.S. Copts Association was contacted by H.G. Bishop Yustus, the head of St. Anthony’s Monastery in El Zaaferana, Red Sea Governorate today with disturbing news regarding the imminent destruction of the monastery’s surrounding fence. In a telephone conversation with Mr. Michael Meunier, President of the Association, H.G. Bishop Yustus informed us that over 300 soldiers, with 18 bulldozers and heavily trucks are surrounding the monastery in an attempt to demolish its fence.

Bishop Yustus also added that Monks at the monastery are using their bodies as shield to prevent the security forces from attacking the monastery. So far, three monks have been arrested, one monk injured and the security forces have threatened to use tear gas to disburse the monks if they continue their protest.

The situation is so crucial that H.G. Bishop Yustus stated that the monks are ready to be martyred in order to save the monetary.

Despite the fact that the fence was authorized by the previous governor of the Red Sea, State Security, and the Ministry of the Interior in 1991-1992, the present governor has issued an order for its demolition. Monastery officials were notified yesterday of the impending demolition, and reported today that bulldozers are in fact outside the monastery to carry out the governors order.

The fence surrounding St. Anthony’s Monastery was erected subsequent to the previous governors recommendation that the historic site be adequately protected and preserved for its numerous local and international visitors. The monastery is one of the worlds oldest, founded in the 4th century by St. Anthony, regarded in Christendom as the Father of Monasticism.

The construction of the enclosure necessitated considerable investment on the part of the community, financial and otherwise, and continued for approximately ten years till its completion.

Following its construction, under the headship of Bishop Yustos, the monastery repeatedly attempted to purchase the land on which the fence itself had been built. In response to this request, the previous governor assured the Bishop that there was no need to purchase the land, as the monastery represented a national historic site, and both monastery and fence would be protected by the government itself.

This issue came to our attention on August 5th, 2003 when Bishop Yustus contacted U.S. Copts Association asking for help after the governor had issued his decree to demolish the fence and after H.G. had contacted all Egyptian officials and received no response. The U.S. Copts Association attempted to mediate the issue with the Egyptian government and after few contacts the issue was resolved and we were told the governor is no longer of charge of this matter and the order to demolish the fence was no longer valid.

However, the U.S. Copts Association is surprised of the latest development since it was assured by the Egyptian government that the issue was resolved.

Today, the U.S. Copts Association has contacted the office of President Mubarak and we are awaiting the President’s response.

U.S. Copts Association Email: