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Bombings, terror threats don't keep Copts away from Egyptian churches

During the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Egyptian Copts and Muslims both visit churches across Egypt, ignoring the high temperatures and terror attacks sweeping the country.
Christians leave after Sunday service at the Al-Galaa Church at Samalout Diocese, in Minya governorate, south of Cairo, May 3, 2015. Copts have long complained of discrimination under successive Egyptian leaders and Sisi's actions suggested he would deliver on promises of being an inclusive president who could unite the country after years of political turmoil. However, striking out at extremists abroad might prove easier than reining in radicals at home. Orthodox Copts, the Middle East's biggest Christian
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CAIRO — Christians and Muslims in Egypt flocked to churches and monasteries bearing the name of the Virgin Mary to take part in the festivities of the Assumption, which started on Aug. 6 and lasted 14 days. The Virgin Mary Church in Mostorod in Cairo has a special place in the Coptic history as one of the sites visited by the holy family when they came to the land of Egypt and an archaeological shrine of the Virgin Mary.

In the province of Assiut, on Aug. 8, Copts crowded the monastery of the Virgin Mary in Daranka, where the holy family also visited.

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