Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP's message in response to the bombings of two Coptic churches in Egypt

At the beginning of the holiest week in the Church's year, we have been appalled by the bombings of two Coptic Christian churches in Egypt by ISIS, the dozens of deaths and injuries, and the images of blackened and blood-stained sanctuaries.

My own grandmother was born in the then-peaceful city of Alexandria, after her family fled persecution elsewhere: now the Coptic Pope's Cathedral of St Mark has been wickedly bombed.

As we gather in parishes across Australia this week to commemorate the Lord's Passion, let us be thankful and never take for granted that we are able to do so in safety; and let us remember in our prayers those who – even today – are dying for their faith in Christ.