Notes from the North Texas Coptic prayer meeting

His Grace Bishop Youssef of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States

COLLEYVILLE (star-telegram.com) - Pray for Egypt and its future. That was a key message that Bishop Youssef brought to about 100 people at St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church on Monday night: Pray that Egypt and all who live there finally find peace and democracy now that longtime President Hosni Mubarak is gone.

"I thank God for this revolution because it ended a regime that was full of corruption," said Youssef, bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. "What happened was not a surprise to many people. I expected a revolution to happen someday. We are thankful and grateful.

"How this revolution will develop, how the country will look -- it is unclear how it will develop and unfold. Let's pray for Egypt, for all the world, to have peace, freedom, equality, love."

Youssef, who oversees Coptic churches in 11 states, talked about how history was made when, after 18 days of demonstrations and protests, Mubarak left office on Feb. 11, and the responsibility of running the government was turned over to the military.

He called on Coptic Christians in Egypt -- about 10 percent of the population in the predominantly Muslim nation -- to vote for democracy when elections are called.
The journey to democracy won't be easy, he said.

"I can see some forces are fighting with each other to take this revolution for their benefit," he said in an interview. "I hope, my prayer is, that it won't end up with more persecution of the Christians."

He said he hopes that Egyptians will finally find freedom of religion. As it is now, Muslims can't become Christians or vice versa in Egypt. He also hopes that a person's choice of faith is removed from the national identification cards, which are similar to a Social Security card in the United States.

"We are excited. ... We get rid of a corrupted system," Youssef said. "But we are cautious [because] we don't know how it will develop."

Even during a celebration marking Mubarak's departure, CBS reporter Lara Logan was the victim of what her network called a "brutal and sustained sexual assault and beating" until a group of soldiers and Egyptian women rescued her.

"Women are an essential part of the country," Youssef said. "They should not be oppressed, billed as second class. They should be equal."

Maha Habashi, 46, of Fort Worth, a member of the Colleyville church, was among those heartened by Youssef's talk Monday night.

She said it is time, as he suggested, for Coptic Christians to join their voices together in a call for democracy.

"We will get together and voice our opinion," she said.