Thousands of Christians and Muslims began celebrating the Virgin Mary festival in Minya on Thursday under the slogan “Minya without Sectarianism.” Those celebrating expect the number of participants to exceed 2 million.

Security forces have intensified their presence in front of churches to secure prayer services, lectures, and meetings. Magdi Malik, public relations officer in the Coptic Orthodox Chruch, said that all of the participants raised the slogan of “Minya without Sectarianism,” by participating and sleeping in one tent.

Priest Matta Kamel of the Virgin Mary Church, and the general coordinator for the celebration, said that participants continue to join the celebration. Kamel called on media outlets to cover the celebration and convey the amicable spirit that exists between Christians and Muslims. Madouh Maklad, head of security, said that more than 2000 men and civil protection cars have been deployed to secure the area and connect it directly to security leaderships to respond to any new developments.

Governor Samir Salem asserted that bread has been provided by the Bread Depository and that ambulances have been stationed in case of an emergency. A control room has also been set up to monitor the celebration.

http://www.almasryalyoum.com/en/node/453420