By Joseph Fahim
CAIRO: Christians and Muslims recited in unison the “Our Father” prayer in Tahrir on Sunday, a day intended to commemorate those killed in pro-democracy protests since Jan. 25.
Egypt’s Protestant Asr El-Dubara Church has played a big role in calling for a Christian prayer in the central Tahrir Square, in which protesters have camped since Jan. 25.
Protestant preacher Ihab El-Kharat led two sermons at 1 and 2 pm at the Square.
“This is a blessed land. … Peace will always prevail in this country,” he told the tens of thousands that flocked to Tahrir, or Liberation Square.
“We are all one. Muslims and Christians are one,” he said.
This was proved true when a man who identified himself as Antoine, an Egyptian-French affiliated with the Catholic Church but only representing himself, recited the “Our Father” prayer.
The widely known Christian prayer was loudly recited after him by Muslims and Christians alike in a heartwarming show of unity.
Objections rose when he reached the part about forgiveness. “And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us,” he said. “And we forgive Mubarak.”
The crowd refused to offer their forgiveness, citing the still-unrecognized killing of about 300 protesters.
Pope Shenouda, the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, had asked members of the church not to join protests. However, a man who said he’s from the Melli Council of the Coptic Church but only representing himself recited a prayer of gratitude.
All speakers emphasized however that they represent all Christians in Egypt regardless of the sect.
A memorial was also held for those killed during what was dubbed the “Sunday of Martyrs”.
To add a hopeful note, a couple tied the knot in Tahrir, celebrating their marriage with the protesters.
