Three Coptic Orthodox monks have been killed in a legal assault on the Monastery of Saint Mark the Apostle and Saint Bishop Samuel in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Tuesday.
The Coptic Orthodox Church expressed its deep sorrow in a press release, providing condolences to the households of the victims: Hegumen Monk Takla Samueli, Vicar of the Diocese of South Africa; Monk Justus Ava Marcos; and Monk Mina Ava Marcos.
Investigations Underway
Following the assault, South African authorities launched an investigation. The Egyptian Ministry of International Affairs confirmed that the Egyptian Embassy in Pretoria is in shut contact with South African authorities, with Ambassador Ahmed Al-Fadhli visiting the scene alongside investigators.
Spiritual Leaders Supply Condolences
Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Mark, is intently following developments and awaits the investigation’s consequence. He despatched messages of condolence to the victims’ households, expressing hope that “the merciful and simply God…reveal the info.”
Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, strongly condemned the assault, calling it a “hateful terrorist act” and demanding the swift arrest of the perpetrators. He expressed his condolences to Pope Tawadros II and the victims’ households.
