“Tomorrow is Nayrouz, the first day of the New Year for Coptic Christians in Egypt and around the world. It is also a feast day, on which martyrs and confessors are commemorated.
“The calendar used by the Coptic Orthodox Church dates back to 4241 B.C. and stemmed from the celebration of the rising of the Nile waters. The Coptic Calendar was later adopted specifically for the Church during the persecution of the Romans under Emperor Diocletian.
“As a result of the persecutions during this time, the Copts called it the Era of Martyrs, Anno Martyri, establishing the Calendar of Martyrs in 283 A.D. It is for this reason that Nayrouz also honours those who were martyred for their faith.
“Today, Coptic Christians continue to face violence in the Middle East. Many have come to Canada to escape persecution and to openly practice their religion.
“Nayrouz provides all Canadians with the opportunity to thank Coptic Christians for their contributions towards building our peaceful, democratic society. We should also be mindful of those celebrating Nayrouz elsewhere in the world, who may not have the freedoms we enjoy in Canada.
“As the Minister for Multiculturalism, I wish all those celebrating a Happy Nayrouz.”
