Earlier this month, near the Upper Egypt city of Assiut, tens of thousands of worshippers from the country’s Coptic Christian minority gathered to commemorate the Virgin Mary’s life and assumption into heaven. At the same time, attendees grieved for the 41 Copts, 18 of them children, who perished during last week’s heat wave-related fire inside a packed Giza church. Cairo photographer Hamada Elrasam tells their story.
Egypt's Coptic Christians Mark Feast in Wake of Tragedy
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Religious leaders, including the monastery head Bishop Uannas, carry a painting of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus up the site’s main pathway. On August 20, 2022. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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“I come here each year to pray for mercy and blessings,” says Adel, a 53-year-old Coptic worshiper with lifelong paraplegia. His nephews carried him to this shrine inside the monastery. On August 20, 2022. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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This year, Egyptian authorities barred Muslim worshippers from the monastery complex, citing security concerns. The annual celebration typically hosts both Christians and Muslims. On August 20, 2022. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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Following the Giza church tragedy, firefighters were stationed in and around the monastery, including alongside candlelit shrines, public cafeterias, and electric generators. Near Assuit, on August 20, 2022. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
