Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Christians celebrated Christmas this week amid tight restrictions after a sharp spike in the country’s COVID-19 cases. Hamada Elrasam has captured the holiday scene in this photo gallery from Cairo.
Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Christians Celebrated Christmas amid COVID-19 Spike
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Most Christians in Egypt did not attend Christmas Masses this week, as attendance was strictly limited due to the recent COVID-19 spike. Pictured in Cairo, Jan. 6, 2021. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
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About 10 percent of Egypt’s nearly 100 million people are Christian, with most belonging to the Coptic Orthodox Church. Pictured in Cairo, Jan. 6, 2021. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
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Christmas Eve Mass was streamed live on TV and social media for those who couldn't attend the celebration on Jan. 6, 2021 in Cairo. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
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Christmas is a public holiday in Egypt and practitioners attend hours-long church services. This year, many Christians found other ways to socialize during the holiday in Cairo, Jan. 6, 2021. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
