Funeral of Saint Mark Cathedral victims starts

Funeral of the victims of the terrorist attack on Saint Mark Cathedral in Alexandria started Monday at St Mina Monastery in King Marriott, West Alexandria.

The bodies of 11 persons, who were killed in Sunday's church attack in Alexandria, were moved to the Monastery of Saint Mina in King Marriott, west Alexandria, earlier in the day.

The blast left 17 persons; six Muslims and eleven Christians, dead and 48 others; 28 Muslims and 20 Christians, injured.

Funeral prayers were held at the Monastery where coffins of the victims were put at the main hall. Funeral mass was banned as Copts are witnessing the pain week. 

A number of top bishops of the Orthodox Church, including Bishop Rafael and Anba Armina, are taking part in the funeral. 

Alexandria Governor Mohammad Sultan, top security officials and families of the victims attended the funeral.
In a message to the families of the martyrs, Pope Tawadros II, 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, voiced grief over the death of innocent people on a day when Christians were celebrating Palm Sunday, a feast that commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

In his words, delivered on his behalf by Bishop Anba Daniel, the pope's deputy, expressed deep sorrow over the victims who have breathed their last during their fasting while carrying the palms of olives. 

He also voiced condolences over the death of several police victims who sacrificed their lives for the sake of their country.

Coffins of the victims were later moved to a special cemetery inside King MARRIOTT Monastery amid mourners' chants of revenge from the perpetrators.

Source: MENA