Despite being ordered by the Pope not to talk to the press, Bishop Sergius spoke to al-Ahrām about the ‘Umrāniyyah riots and said that the biggest loss is to Egypt’s national security. He said that foreign entities are aiming to disturb Egypt’s security and national unity. The only solutions, he said, is for the government to issue a unified law for places of worship so that Copts do not have to circumvent the law. Other ecclesial figures called the rioters “ignorant” and expressed their confidence in the Governor of Giza.

Key Words: Pope Shenouda III – Bishop Sergius – Hānī ‘Azīz – Father Theodosius – Najīb Jabrā’īl