On January 7, 2010, after Christmas Eve liturgy, eight Coptic Orthodox Christians were murdered as they exited the church in Nag Hammadi, Egypt. Three gunmen opened fire on the parishioners as they were coming out of church; the youngest was only 17. In addition to the deaths of the eight, several others were injured and remain in critical condition. The following day brought more destruction. Numerous homes and businesses were set ablaze leaving many homeless or without a livelihood.
Sadly, this is ONLY the latest round of violence in Egypt against Christians including many incidents of looting, murder, and arson. As reported in the press, these acts, though continuous throughout history, have escalated in the recent years.
May God protect His church and His people.