 Pope Shenouda III is a man of a most contrite spirit. His modesty and long-suffering patience in the face of adversity is inspiring not just for the Coptic Christians of Egypt, but for all of the people of this nation. I illustrated his face contorted in pain because of the fratricide that took place in Upper Egypt, in Nagaa Hammadi. The ailing octogenarian is not in a compromising mood. He is determined to root out hatred and bigotry. This, after all, is a city not far from my own very hometown Bahgoura -- one of two villages in the vicinity of Nagaa Hammadi that were set ablaze by religious zealots. parent page (14 - 20 January 2010, issue #981) |