2nd November, 2011

The Coptic Orthodox Church is hosting a series of prayer vigils in major cities across Australia and New Zealand on Friday to commemorate the lives of the at least 27 people who died on 9th October after Egyptian authorities attacked protestors.

The vigils will incorporate hymns, prayers and symbolic gestures to show the solidarity of Christians with their brethren abroad. In Melbourne, where the event kicks off at 5.30pm in Federation Square, the congregation will be dressed in white to symbolise the "peace and purity" of the vigil and flower buds will be handed out to represent the "youth killed before they had the chance to bloom".

Bishop Anba Suriel, head of the Coptic Orthodox Church's Diocese of Melbourne and Affiliated Regions, said the carnage on 9th October was just one example of the persecution Christians are facing around the world.

"The passive protestors, many of whom were carrying crosses, were attacked by the military and police forces - those who are meant to be the law enforcers," he said.

“Stones and glass were thrown from surrounding bridges and buildings; tanks were driven through the crowds and ran down Coptic Orthodox protestors. This carnage that occurred in Egypt on October 9 is only one example of the persecution Christians are facing around the world, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa.”

The vigil for peace will involve state and federal MPs, church leaders and World Vision.

- DAVID ADAMS