Regarding the Recent Coptic Church Fires

Today on the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin St. Mary, I can’t help but think of the recent church fire that killed 41 people. This was at the Abu Sifin church, inside the Church of the Blessed Virgin St. Mary at the Warraq Al Arab district, according to Reuters. Among them was Bishop Abdul Bahkit who was believed to have died trying to rescue some children. Afterwards, there has been a fire in a Minya church at Bishop Bishoy Church, believed to have been by two children playing in the alter. There have also been other related tragedies, leading people to believe this was willing negligence. That being said, regardless of what has happened, my heart and deepest condolences are to the families and victims of these tragedies. I love the Copts. They are my family, and a lot of my bloodline, and my heart goes out to all involved.