Free Republic

WASHINGTON – Egyptian state and central security officers and soldiers attacked a small historic Coptic church in Assiut during Mass, arresting several deacons and others, throwing communion bread on the floor and stepping on it with their boots, according to reports received by the U.S. Copts Association. According to the group, the attack on St. George Coptic Orthodox Church occurred Friday. The officer in charge of the raid reportedly ordered the church priest to evacuate and close down the church. The priest refused, as did the parishioners. When their orders were not obeyed, the police officers attacked the priest, according...