Minister Kenney marks the celebration of the first day of the Coptic New Year

Statement – Minister Kenney marks the celebration of the first day of the Coptic New Year

Ottawa, September 11, 2012 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism issued the following statement to mark the celebration of the Feast of El Nayrouz, the first day of the Coptic New Year and a commemoration of Coptic martyrs and confessors:

Today is the Feast of El Nayrouz, the first day of the Coptic New Year. I wish to extend my regards to all Coptic Orthodox and Catholic Christians observing today, both in Canada and around the world.

Sadly, this New Year observation comes at a time of recent mourning for many Egyptian Christians, who are presently living through increasing violence and anti-religious persecution.

The Coptic Church is one of the world’s oldest, established in Egypt by St. Mark early in the first century. While the Coptic calendar itself predates the birth of Christ by at least three millennia, and retains the names of 13 ancient Egyptian gods. Coptic Christians chose 284 A.D. to begin their counting of years, as this was the first year of the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who implemented the first heavy age of martyrdom and persecution of Christian Egyptians.

This day is steeped in tradition for many Copts, who eat dates on this day; the red colour symbolizing the blood that they were willing to shed for Christ, with the white colour on the inside serving as a reminder of the martyrs’ purity of heart.

Coptic Canadians are a community of strong values and vibrant growth. For all Canadians, this important day provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on the importance of faith and religious freedom, and the tremendous contribution of Coptic Christians to Canadian society.

As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I want to wish a blessed New Year to all Coptic Canadians and their families.