EGYPT GIVES MUSLIMS HOLIDAYS BUT FORCES 10 MILLION CHRISTIANS TO WORK ON EASTER
EGYPT GIVES MUSLIMS HOLIDAYS BUT FORCES 10 MILLION CHRISTIANS TO WORK ON EASTER
Egyptian Christians are pushing to have Easter recognized as an official public holiday after the Prime Minister rejected their initial petition. A coalition of lawyers and citizens from diverse religious backgrounds, supported by Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International, submitted an appeal to Egypt's State Administrative Court Authority.
The appeal followed the Cabinet of Ministers' rejection of a petition filed in April 2025 by a group of lawyers who asked the government to recognize Easter as a paid day off so Christians could celebrate with their families. The coalition argues that failing to designate Easter as a holiday violates the rights of over 10 million Christians in Egypt.
The petition states that many Coptic Christians cannot celebrate Easter because of work obligations in essential sectors like legal practice, or because the holiday coincides with academic examinations and coursework at universities. "As a result, many are deprived of the ability to observe their religious rituals and to partake in the celebration with their families in a dignified and meaningful way," the petitioners said.
Kelsey Zorzi, director of Global Religious Freedom for ADF International, stated the petition provides an opportunity to "advance the right of Christians to freely practice their faith in Egypt." He added
"For millions of Egyptian Christians, recognizing Easter as a public holiday would mean being able to fully observe one of the most sacred days of their faith without having to choose between work or school and their religious practices. It's a meaningful step toward ensuring their rights are respected."
ADF International noted that the Egyptian government already officially recognizes other religious holidays, including Orthodox Christmas and Muslim celebrations. The lack of recognition for Easter forces Christians to choose between observing their faith and fulfilling their professional or academic duties.
The State Administrative Court Authority is part of Egypt's State Council, an independent judicial body that handles administrative disputes, legal advice, and legislation review. The appeal will be reviewed by Commissioners who are judicial officials that prepare cases for judgment and mediate settlements.
Christians comprise approximately 10 percent of Egypt's population. According to ADF International, they face daily discrimination, harsh restrictions, and constant pressure to hide their faith. In January 2025, Open Doors International released a report titled "Egypt: Persecution Dynamics" detailing the persecution of Christians in Egypt.
The Open Doors report stated, "The lack of serious law enforcement and the unwillingness of local authorities to protect Christians leave them vulnerable to attacks, especially in Upper Egypt. In addition, due to the authoritarian nature of government administration, it is futile for Church leaders or other Christians to speak out against these practices."
The report explained that Christians find it difficult to establish churches and places of worship, despite an increasing number of churches being legalized through official registration.
Lizzie Francis Brink, legal counsel for Global Religious Freedom with ADF International, stated, "While Article 64 of the Egyptian Constitution guarantees 'absolute' freedom of religion or belief, this right is restricted in practice. Only followers of the three recognized 'heavenly religions,' Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, can legally practice their faith and build houses of worship publicly."
Despite Egypt's constitutional guarantees, Christians and other minority faith groups continue to face restrictions on their religious freedom. Discriminatory laws and practices limit the ability of Christians, Shia Muslims, Ahmadis, and other non-Sunni or non state recognized communities to freely express and practice their beliefs, according to the report.
Haytham Ereifej, attorney and representative of ADF International in the Middle East, said, "Recognizing Easter as a public holiday is essential because it removes a significant barrier for millions of Egyptian Christians who currently must choose between their faith and their work or education." He added that this change would uphold their constitutional and international rights, ensuring equal treatment and respect for religious freedom across Egypt.
THE CRUSADER'S OPINION
Egypt celebrates Muslim holidays.
Egypt celebrates Orthodox Christmas.
But Easter?
Too much to ask.
Ten million Christians forced to choose between their jobs and the resurrection of Christ.
This is what second class citizenship looks like.
The Egyptian Constitution promises religious freedom.
The reality is discrimination wrapped in bureaucracy.
Christians built Egypt's ancient heritage.
Now they can't even take Easter off.
This isn't about holidays.
It's about a government that tolerates Christianity but refuses to respect it.
TAKE ACTION
1. Alliance Defending Freedom International: Support legal advocacy for Egyptian Christians at www.adfinternational.org or email info@adfinternational.org.
2. Contact Egyptian Embassy: Call the Egyptian Embassy in your country and demand they recognize Easter as a public holiday for 10 million Christians. US Embassy: +1 (202) 895-5400.
3. Open Doors: Support persecuted Christians in Egypt at www.opendoorsusa.org/donate or call +1 (888) 524-2535.
4. Share and pressure: Post this article with #EasterForEgypt and tag your government representatives. Demand they raise religious freedom violations with Egyptian officials.
5. Pray strategically: Pray for the State Administrative Court review and for courage for Egyptian Christians facing this discrimination daily.
