The blast came just two days before the Orthodox Coptic Church, the dominant denomination among Egypt’s estimated 10 million Christians, celebrates Christmas. The ceremony’s presenters portrayed the construction of the cathedral and the mosque, which took 18 months to complete, as a message to humanity. “It is a message to the whole world that Egypt is a nation for all,” said one presenter. It likely will compel authorities to further tighten security around churches ahead of the Coptic Orthodox Christmas. The Coptic Christmas mass is expected to be held at the new cathedral and attended by el-Sissi.

Source: Washington Post January 06, 2019 16:27 UTC