Coptic Churches on Alert in Australia

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Official Coptic Christmas celebrations were canceled in Melbourne last week, following security concerns at Coptic Churches in Australia. This comes in the wake of the New Year's eve bombing in Egypt.

Christmas this year did not seem quite as joyful for some eighty thousand Coptic Christians living in Australia. In Melbourne official Christmas celebrations, which fall on January 7th, were canceled.

An ecumenical prayer service was held in its place. A press conference in Melbourne's Federation Square commemorated the 23 victims who were killed in the New Years eve attack on a church in Alexandria, Egypt.

Coptic Christians around the world feared more attacks during Christmas celebrations.

[H.G. Bishop Suriel, Bishop of Melbourne and Affiliated Regions]:
"Our hearts are full of grief and sorrow at this barbaric act of inhumanity that took place against our people in Alexandria, Egypt in New Year's day, 2011."

For one Melbourne family the tragedy struck too close to home.

[Justine Hamawi, Victim's Family]:
"We have lost four family members. Two of which were our cousins. Young, younger than us; 22 and 13."

[Marcelle Ghaly, Victim's Family]:
"It's just absolutely devastating. That's all I have to say."

There has been no official word yet on who was behind the attacks.

Muslim and Coptic Elders met on Egyptian television in a show of unity.

They and the Egyptian government blame the attacks on foreign hands.

However, it did not prevent violent clashes from erupting on the streets of Cairo between Christians and Muslims following the attack.

World leaders, including US President Barrack Obama, have condemned the attack. In Vatican City Pope Benedict XV1 called the attack a vile gesture.

In Australia a statement was released online by the Department of Foreign Affairs to condemn the attack.

However Bishop Suriel feels the Australian government needs to do more.