The Sirte Martyrs will be celebrated on February 15, the date of their deaths, on both calendars, making them the first saints to be honored by both Churches since they split following the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD.

“There is no anti-conversion law in West Bengal yet, said Rettig, adding “there is greater religious freedom there, compared to other parts of the country.”

Bishop Kyrillos oversaw the largest Coptic Catholic diocese in Egypt for 31 years, and during that period he became renowned for his efforts to strengthen the spirit of cooperation between all Egyptians.

The bishop points out the irony of radical Hindus accusing missionaries of converting people in exchange for food or money, when they do not seem to have a problem with the Church’s massive social projects.

"Whenever I see a hungry child I remember, there is Christ. It is my duty, as a Christian, to make sure the cihld is fed. Jesus is always present.”

“Everywhere we go we try to show that God is love. We have not been here for long, but through our way of life we try to show what it means for God to be merciful, to be loving."