Alexandria Church Bombing Kills 23 on New Year's Day

On January 1, 2011, a devastating suicide bombing struck outside a Coptic Orthodox Church in Alexandria, Egypt, as worshippers were leaving a New Year's service. The attack tragically killed 23 people, marking a significant escalation of violence against Egypt's Christian minority.

The Attack on Saints Church

The bombing occurred on New Year's Day, January 1, 2011, in Alexandria, Egypt's second-largest city. The target was the Saints Church, a Coptic Orthodox place of worship situated across the street from the Masjid Sharq El-Madina mosque.

As Christian worshippers exited the church following a New Year service, a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device. The attack resulted in the deaths of 23 people and left many others injured.

Context of Coptic Christians in Egypt

The Coptic Orthodox Church is a prominent Christian denomination with its roots in Egypt, tracing its leadership back to Saint Mark the Apostle. The Pope of Alexandria heads this ancient church.

This bombing was the deadliest act of violence against Egypt's Coptic Christians in a decade. It followed the 2000 Kosheh massacre, which claimed the lives of 20 Copts.

Alexandria: A Historic Mediterranean City

Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria grew to become a major center of Hellenic civilization and Egypt's capital, surpassing Memphis. It is the largest city on Egypt's Mediterranean coast.

Known internationally as the "Bride of the Mediterranean," Alexandria is not only a popular tourist destination but also a vital industrial hub, benefiting from its strategic location and proximity to oil and gas pipelines.

Key facts

• A suicide bombing occurred outside a Coptic Orthodox Church in Alexandria, Egypt, on January 1, 2011.
• The attack took place as worshippers were leaving a New Year service.
• Twenty-three people were killed in the bombing.
• The Saints Church was the target, located near a mosque.
• This was the deadliest attack on Coptic Christians in Egypt in ten years.

Frequently asked questions

When did the Alexandria church bombing happen?

The bombing took place on January 1, 2011, outside a Coptic Orthodox Church in Alexandria, Egypt.

How many people died in the attack?

Tragically, 23 people were killed in the suicide bombing.

What is the significance of the Coptic Orthodox Church?

The Coptic Orthodox Church is an ancient Christian denomination based in Egypt, with its head being the Pope of Alexandria, considered the successor to Saint Mark the Apostle.