A St. Mark Cathedral source welcomed initiatives by the January 25 revolution youths to protect the cathedral, emphasizing Coptic Orthodox Pope Shenouda III’s confidence in the interior ministry and the army and, above all, God in the protection of the Eastern Coptic Christmas Mass on January 7.

The source said there will be cooperation with the security guards of the cathedral, in addition to the help of metal detectors, noting entry into the papal seat will be strictly via special invitations. [‘Imād Khalīl and Sarah Jamīl, Al-Misrī al-Yawm, Jan. 3, p. 3]