40 Days Later...

The murder of the Andraus Pasha sisters was perpetrated sometime during the night of January 6-7, 2013. Today the memorial Mass that is traditionally held 40 days after a death was celebrated. Representatives of CH, of whom I was one, made a point of being in attendance. Here is the announcement:

I never cease to be astonished at the way life goes on during a Coptic service here in Luxor: women chatting, children playing, and people, mostly children, snacking (the children in the pew in front of us were feasting on Hostess cupcakes, Doritos, Orange Fanta and bread rolls, etc.). It is all truly life-affirming!

An acolyte brought around a basket of blessed bread chunks after Communion--it was the first time I have "taken communion" in years.

We greeted and were greeted by Andraus family members as we left the church. They were all most appreciative of our presence and of the flowers that Tina had organized for the funeral.