Coptic orthodox Christians in Australia are marking the Neyrouz Feast or the Coptic new year according to the Coptic Calendar. The church in Sydney will hold a celebration at the NSW parliament. Hundreds of Coptic Christians will participate in the celebration with the bishop of Sydney and affiliated regions bishop Daniel.
The chronology of the Coptic Orthodox Church starts with the reign of Roman emperor Diocletian in 284 AD. This era is known for the persecution and torture of Christians especially the Copts in Egypt. It is known in the Coptic Church as "the martyrdom era". Hence, the Coptic year is identified by the abbreviation A.M. (for Anno Martyrum or "Year of the Martyrs").
John Nour the media officer in Coptic orthodox church in Sydney spoke to "Good morning Australia" on SBS Arabic24 about how Copts celebrate the feast.
Listen to the interview in Arabic above.
