Charlotte Coptic church members shaken after deadly attacks in Egypt

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — ISIS claimed responsibility for two deadly attacks on Coptic churches in Egypt Sunday.

Saint Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Charlotte was full of people celebrating Palm Sunday, but there was an acute awareness among the congregation of what had happened overseas to people doing the exact same thing.

They shared their sadness and concern, especially after learning the head of Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church was inside one of the churches when the attacks happened.

"It is hard. It is hard. What happened is hard. When you think about it, when you see the picture, it's hard, God have mercy," Akram Melak said.

At least 44 people were killed in the bomb attacks at the cathedral of the Coptic pope and another church, and more than 100 people were injured.

"How can they do barbarian things like that and claim it for religion?" Salwa Collins said, "It was very sad. It brought me to tears. I was just saying prayer to myself, 'Oh God, why this has to happen when we're approaching the feast?'"

The congregation at St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church were trying to make sense of another deadly attack.

"Terrorism. Terrorism is everywhere, doesn't know any religion," Amin Messieh said.

Father Arsanios Ragheb, the church's priest, echoed a similar sentiment.

"This terrorist act, it’s not against Christians. [It's] against peace,” Ragheb said,

Ragheb led services as normal, continuing to celebrate the faith's holy period.

"Celebrating the Lord's event, Jesus Christ, it comforts,” Ragheb said. “It helps and it supports and that's why we celebrate these feasts. When we celebrate them, they heal us from our wounds, difficulties and conflicts that we face."