Thousands of Coptic Christians joined a major procession through the streets surrounding St Mary and St Mina Cathedral in Bexley, Sydney, on Friday 11 September to mark the Coptic New Year, known as Nayrouz.

Organised by the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney and its affiliated churches with the cathedral’s clergy and servants, the procession followed the evening prayer. Priests and deacons carried the relics of saints and martyrs by candlelight in commemoration of the Coptic Church’s martyrs through the ages.

The celebration was led by Bishop Daniel, Bishop of Sydney and its Affiliated Regions, and was attended by thousands of Copts from churches across Sydney, as well as clergy and representatives of several churches.

Among those attending were Egypt’s Consul-General in Sydney, Reem Zahran; former Prime Minister Tony Abbott; and federal and state representatives, including NSW MP Edmond Atalla, Assistant Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, representing NSW Premier Chris Minns.

By Ashraf Helmi