Coptic Orthodox Christians attend Christmas Mass in Cairo – in pictures

  • A priest prays during Coptic Orthodox Christmas Mass at the Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo, Egypt. EPA
    A priest prays during Coptic Orthodox Christmas Mass at the Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo, Egypt. EPA
  • A priest leads Christmas Mass at the Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church. Many Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on or near January 7, as their churches follow the Julian calendar. AFP
    A priest leads Christmas Mass at the Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church. Many Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on or near January 7, as their churches follow the Julian calendar. AFP
  • People pray during Christmas Mass at the Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church. Egypt’s Christians account for 10 per cent of the country’s 102 million population. AFP
    People pray during Christmas Mass at the Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church. Egypt’s Christians account for 10 per cent of the country’s 102 million population. AFP
  • Worshippers at Christmas Mass at the Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church. The Coptic Orthodox Church traces its origins to the first century when the Apostle Mark is said to have visited Egypt. AFP
    Worshippers at Christmas Mass at the Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church. The Coptic Orthodox Church traces its origins to the first century when the Apostle Mark is said to have visited Egypt. AFP
  • Coptic priest Athnaceyous leads Christmas Mass at the Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church. AFP
    Coptic priest Athnaceyous leads Christmas Mass at the Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church. AFP
  • Priests lead Christmas Mass at the Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church. The origin of the word “Coptic” is Aeygyptus – the Greek word for Egypt. AFP
    Priests lead Christmas Mass at the Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church. The origin of the word “Coptic” is Aeygyptus – the Greek word for Egypt. AFP
  • Worshippers attend Midnight Mass at the Church of St George in Cairo. Capacity at churches has been reduced due to the pandemic. AP Photo
    Worshippers attend Midnight Mass at the Church of St George in Cairo. Capacity at churches has been reduced due to the pandemic. AP Photo
  • Bishop Dawod Makram leads Midnight Mass at the Church of St George. Face masks are obligatory and social distancing is diligently observed. AP Photo
    Bishop Dawod Makram leads Midnight Mass at the Church of St George. Face masks are obligatory and social distancing is diligently observed. AP Photo
  • Worshippers attend Midnight Mass at the Church of St George. Christmas Mass begins around 8pm and ends at midnight, when worshippers go home to break a 43-day meat-free fast with traditional dishes. AP Photo
    Worshippers attend Midnight Mass at the Church of St George. Christmas Mass begins around 8pm and ends at midnight, when worshippers go home to break a 43-day meat-free fast with traditional dishes. AP Photo