Suburban Coptic church reacts to bombings in Egypt

The bombings of two Coptic churches in Egypt were top of mind Sunday for members of St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Burr Ridge.

Worshippers prayed during Palm Sunday services for the 44 people who were killed and the many others injured in the attacks, claimed by the Islamic Slate group. Youth leader Joe Moawad says special prayers or lessons about the attacks could be incorporated into the daily services held this week leading up to Easter.

"We're in church all week praying," he said. "We're praying for them and their families."

The tragedy deeply affects the St. Mark congregation, which has a high percentage of members who immigrated from Egypt, Moawad said. At least two church members had relatives who were killed in the attacks, he said, and several formerly attended the two churches that were targeted.

"This definitely hits home for us," Moawad said.

Though Egypt's Christian minority has increasingly been the target of recent attacks, Moawad said members of the church have learned to support one another. They also find comfort in their belief that the victims are martyrs, he said.

"We have hope that there's a special place in heaven for the people who are killed in church while they're worshipping," he said. "They're not afraid to practice their faith."