Young members from the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) and the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) have organized patrols in protecting churches during the celebrations of the New Year, and vowed to continue their role as "human shields" during Coptic Christmas on January 7. The celebrations will be attended by the MB Deputy Chairman Dr. Mahmoud Ezzat after he was invited to attend Mass by Pope Shenouda.

In Alexandria, FJP's newly elected MP Mustafa Mohamed Mustafa attended a commemoration organized for the anniversary of the Two Saints church in Alexandria bombing.

In Helwan, the MB in conjunction with the FJP organized a watch at the Al-Eryan Monastery  to safeguard the area to ensure a peaceful observance. The patrol was headed by Mohamed Fahmy along with Isaac Ghaly the assistant of Father Bassanty.

According to Ghaly, the churches were secured after he made rounds: "I personally checked on the 4 churches in the district in addition to the Monastery and found the MB and FJP youths protecting the churches and the worshippers during the Mass. Such actions are truly inspiring".

Special thanks were made by father Bassanty before Mass to the MB who initiated the patrols in protection of their Copt brethrens: "Freedom and Justice will truly surface in Egypt just as the FJP had promised".

In Giza the FJP in coordination with the security forces also formed a watch protecting churches there and were thanked by Father Gabriel Adeeb who voiced his appreciation. He also thanked the MB for their continued interaction on all occasions indicating tolerance and unity.

"We pray today that the love and tolerance in Egypt continue and that the nation prospers and be safe from any harm", he said.

Similar guards were also set up in the governorates of Sharqia and Sohag. FJP leader in Sohag Dr. Mohamed Masry stated that Representatives from the MB met with Church representatives to propose the initiative and were welcomed.