Until the Disaster Has Passed . . . A Coptic Chant of Psalm 57

American hearts go out to our Coptic Christian brothers and sisters in Egypt. Yesterday in Alexandria, at least 21 people were killed and 79 96 injured, almost all Christians, apparently by a 2 Muslim suicide bomber[s] who attacked worshipers as they left a midnight New Year's service.* Christianity was first adopted by Egyptians under Roman rule about 70 years after Cleopatra was bitten by the asp, brought to Alexandria by Mark, one of Christ's apostles. These days Egyptian Copts, many of them direct descendants of those early converts, are suffering increasing harassment and violent assaults by Muslims. The Egyptian government is pointing a finger at al Qaeda. [*amended 12:30 ET]

Here, in English translation, is a Chant of Psalm 57 from the Canonical Book of the Coptic Orthodox Church. It seems an especially appropriate prayer today.

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