[Europe.justus] Fwd: Thanks--here is our family update from Cairo

[Pierre Whalon]

Dea All,

A message from Paul Gordon-Chandler, Dean of All Saints Cathedral Cairo, Egypt, and a friend of mine...

Blessings

Bishop Pierre

Début du message réexpédié :

> De : paulgordonc at cs.com
> Date : 3 février 2011 09:04:12 HNEC
> À : bishop at tec-europe.org
> Objet : Thanks--here is our family update from yesterday
> 
> Dear friends, greetings again from Cairo!  Our internet has just been turned on so we are taking advantage immediately to send out a quick email regarding our situation, not knowing how long the internet will be on.  We see in the inbox that so many of you have written us emails of concern for our safety. Thanks so very much for your prayers.
>  
> We are safe as a family and this is the first day that things feel more normal. It has been a very intense week here…due to the anti-current government protests around Egypt, the dangerous looting that has taken place in the main cities, and the escape of thousands of criminals from notorious prisons throughout the country.   We have had some personally harrowing nights, and it is quite amazing how quickly one gets used hearing automatic gunfire in the streets around your neighborhood and seeing military tanks in the street.  One knows things “are different” when you rejoice to see a tank on your street!
>  
> We have had some scary personal experiences, which we will share more about at a later date; our own family’s distressful experiences were even covered on CNN.  However, we trust that today’s quieter atmosphere, with some businesses opening, and the curfew extended to begin at 5 PM instead of 3 PM, and the lack of gunfire in the street…..will reflect a return to some normalcy. 
>  
> We could not be more proud of Egyptians.  Not only have they courageously stood up for their rights, standing together as one, Muslim and Christian, but they have also come together to protect each neighborhood, in one of the most spontaneous well-organized neighborhood vigilante networks one could imagine.  And consequently, once we got used to the gunfire, we have felt safe under their care…knowing they are protecting us, together with their own families and property.  Every street in our neighborhood has make-shift barriers/road blocks, manned by the local “volunteer militia”….holding clubs, knives, swords, shotguns or pistols.  But they are there to help and protect us all : )
>  
> One thing that will be different, if things continue to calm, is that masses of foreigners here have left the country…with businesses, embassies, etc.   Again, Egypt has faced a mass exodus….this time not through the Sinai, but through the air!  It will depend on the continuing developments as to when they will all return.
>  
> A few days ago we made the decision to stay unless of course the situation seriously deteriorated and we felt our safely was in question.    We find that we have an important role to serve at this time helping to encourage those who are still here, and standing as well in solidarity with our Egyptians friends and colleagues…both Christian and Muslim.
>  
> It has yet to be determined what will happen in the next few days or weeks. This current calm might be the quiet before a storm….or the peace after the storm.  We think we will have a better sense as to the near future after this coming Friday, when mass demonstrations are expected once again.
>  
> As many of you know, we were expecting to begin our interfaith Caravan Festival of the Arts this coming Thursday, Feb 3 (tomorrow). Obviously that had to be postponed as not only are many away from Cairo due to the conflict, but we are under a curfew every evening.
>  
> We thank you with all our hearts for your prayers, concern, love and interest!   It has been a privilege to be here during this time for some many reasons (albeit a “scary privilege”).   If the internet continues to say on, and if things continue to remain fairly calm, we will write again soon.
>  
> Meanwhile, please know we are holding onto your prayers and thank God for each of you.  The Episcopal Church wrote a news items regarding all I have shared above, that you might find of interest. Please see: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79425_126790_ENG_HTM.htm
>  
> Warmly,
> Paul-Gordon and Lynne Chandler
> 
> Rev. Canon Paul-Gordon Chandler
> Rector, St. John's Church-Maadi
> Cairo, Egypt
> www.paulgordonchandler.com
> www.maadichurch.org
> www.oncaravan.org
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Pierre Whalon <bishop at tec-europe.org>
> To: Paul-Gordon Chandler <PaulGordonC at cs.com>
> Sent: Tue, Feb 1, 2011 10:11 am
> Subject: Prayers and thoughts
> 
> Dear Paul,
> 
> 
> 
> Please know that we in Europe have been praying for you specifically, and the 
> 
> Diocese of Egypt as well as the nation, that you would be safe and that a 
> 
> peaceful solution can be found.
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> 
> 
> Also, my cell group of English bishops has commended you and the nation to their 
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> dioceses' prayers.
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> 
> 
> God keep you all.
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> 
> 
> When you get this please let me know.
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> In Christ,
> 
> 
> 
> 
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> 
> 
> Bishop Pierre 
> 
> 
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> 
> 
> Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe
> 
> 23, avenue George V
> 
> 75008 Paris France
> 
> +33 1 53 23 84 06  (tel)
> 
> +33 1 49 52 96 85 (fax)
> 
> office at tec-europe.org
> 
> 
> 
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> 
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> 
> 

Bishop (Mgr) Pierre Whalon
Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe
23, avenue George V
75008 Paris France
+33 1 53 23 84 06  (tel)
+33 1 49 52 96 85 (fax)
office at tec-europe.org



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