Latest News #307
April 1, 2005

The following news concerns Egypt.

New bookshop in ‘strategic’ location

Church leaders from all Christian denominations celebrated the dedication of the Bible Society of Egypt's new outlet is in the heart of downtown Al Minya on March 22, 2005.

EGYPT — The Bible Society in Egypt (BSE) has opened a bookshop in a strategic location within one of the most 'Christianised' areas of the country.

The new outlet is in the heart of the downtown district of Al Minya, the capital of the governorate of the same name.

The city of Al Minya is situated on the banks of the Nile River, about 153 miles south of Cairo. It boasts a university and has a population of around 200,000, as many as half of whom, according to some sources, are Christian. Historically an important center for cotton, today it is more associated with the soap, perfume and sugar industries.

The area of 'greater' Al Minya has a population of some 3.3 million scattered throughout more than 300 towns and villages and, with nearly 180 churches, is one of the most 'Christianised' areas in Egypt.

"[The shop's] position between clothing and jewellery shops, a bakery and ice-cream shops, makes BSE posters and products easily visible to passers-by," said Ramez Attallah, General Director of the Society. "This excellent position is a real miracle and a gift from God."

The new bookshop, he added, was "a masterpiece of artistic design and by far the most attractive shop in the city."

At the official opening, on March 22, His Grace Bishop Arsanious, Bishop of the Governorate of Al Minya, led a delegation of church leaders from all Christian denominations in the dedication of the new premises.

Church leaders from all Christian denominations celebrated the dedication of the Bible Society of Egypt's new outlet is in the heart of downtown Al Minya on March 22, 2005.