Abba Athanasius, Bishop of Bani Mazar and Bahnasa, ordained a new priest yesterday at the church of St. Mary and St. Abanoub, Nazlet Galf, Beni Mazar.

Security services in Sohag governorate have managed to arrest one member of a gang that killed a Copt and tried to kidnap other Copts.

A group of extremists have burned a bus owned by St. Mary Chruch at Dakados, Mit Ghamr, Dakahlia governorate.

The official spokesman of the Coptic Orthodox Church announced today that the church is going to organize a competition under the auspices of Pope Tawadros II for Coptic icons’ artists.

Magdi Alaptaty, governor of Beni Suef, charged mayor of Fashn city with visiting the family of Coptic child Abdel Massih Ezzat who was accused of stealing five loaves of bread. The boy was sentenced in absentia to a prison sentence without his family knowing.

Father Paul Fahmi, Agent of Coptic Catholics Bishopric in Beni Suef, said the Church will hold a Mass for the Feast of Christmas at the night of December 24th, but will not celebrate the feast or receive official congratulations until January 7th.

Security services in Behira arrested members of the Muslim Brotherhood who planned several bombings in the governorate.

Coptic Orthodox church held celebration at the Great Cathedral of St. Mark yesterday to welcome the Ethiopian People's diplomatic delegation.The Ethiopian People's diplomatic delegation, which included Mr. Abdullah Jimida, head of the Ethiopian parliament, and a group of representatives of the Ethiopian political parties, aswell as writers, artists, professors and businessmen.

Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of St. Mark See, said during the visit of Mr. Abdullah Jimida, head of the Ethiopian parliament, and the Ethiopian People's diplomatic delegation, that the Coptic Church prays for development in Ethiopia, and the Ethiopian people.

Mina Asaad, founder of “Protectors of the Faith” association said that the association supports the new Personal Status Law, which is currently discussed before the law is passed. He explained that the civil marriage stated in the law is the part that should be eliminated as it contradicts with Christianity. He added that more than 90% of personal status problems will be solved by the new law.

Liberal Muslims initiative in Austria holds conference on Friday in collaboration with some of the left-wing parties to discuss the danger of terrorist organization all over the world and their impact on coexistence and peace in Europe.

Austrian President Dr. Heinz Fischer participated in Christmas celebrations with a number of charity organizations.

Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of Saint Mark See, received today the Ethiopian People's diplomatic delegation, which included Mr. Abdullah Jimida, head of the Ethiopian parliament, and a group of representatives of the Ethiopian political parties, as well as writers, artists, professors and businessmen.

Mr. Abdullah Jimida, head of the Ethiopian parliament, said during his visit to Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of St. Mark See, that the relationship between the Coptic church and the Ethiopian church are well appreciated by the Ethiopians.

Abba Bachum, Bishop of Sohag, told Copts United that the Copts are suffering from inside and outside wars and terrorism aiming to destroy their unity and get the church involved in internal conflicts.

Association of protectors of the faith launched an Electronic campaign to denounce attacking Pope Tawadros by certain journalists, which was considered insults to leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Oum El Nour service celebrated the 10th anniversary in the presence of Ibrahim Mahlab, Egypt’s prime minster and many public figures including Eng Hany Azer, global tunnel expert, Dr. Ibrahim Samak, energy expert, Dr. Ghada Wali, Minister of Social Solidarity, Dr. Laila Iskandar, Minister of slums’ development, Maj. Gen. Murad Muwafi, former director of intelligence, and Major General Sameh Seif Yazal, strategic expert.

Abba Paula member of the Holy Synod said that civil marriage is considered fornication by the Church that only accepts marriage as a sacrament.

Naguib Gebrael, head of the Egyptian Union of Human Rights Organization, described the representation of the Copts in the next parliament as shameful.

Bishops of the Syriac Catholic Church demanded to release Mosul and Nineveh from the hands of jihadists of ISIS and allow the forced displaced families to return to their homes.

Abba Kyrillos, Bishop of Nag Hammadi, ordained two new priests yesterday in Zaltin village, Nag Hammadi.