Listen to the audio:
Editors’ note: Egypt has an estimated 1.5 million orphaned children and is home to numerous orphanages, primarily run by nongovernmental organizations, churches and religious groups. Aside from parental death, reasons for orphanhood include parental illness, abandonment, poverty, domestic violence and family disintegration. The Coptic Orthodox Church established two orphanages in Port Said, ensuring that they have more of a family environment.
My reporting begins at the Santa Marina House in Port Said, which is related to the Coptic Orthodox Church. I had the privilege of sharing breakfast with the girls and the caregivers of the house. After breakfast, while we were still in the dining hall, I asked the girls about their experiences. One by one, they shared how the house had saved them, providing peace and closer connection to God.
However, not all stories were the same. One girl, new to the house, showed through her body language that she hadn’t yet found her peace.
The reasons these girls find themselves at the house vary. Some have lost a parent or suffered family abuses. Others were sent by their families to forget a romantic relationship, often with a Muslim man.
These bring us to a challenging ethical dilemma. On one hand, keeping in one against the will is troubling. On the other hand, these girls are underage, and their families believe they are protecting them from making reckless decisions, such as running away and getting lost.
While I disapprove of keeping anyone against his or her will, I understand the logic of the families and the church. Egypt is a conservative society that does not accept relationships outside of the marriage, especially when the girl is underage.
The caregivers at the house have developed a deep understanding of the stages the girls go through. They show patience, wisdom and dedication to help the girl forget past relationships and develop a stronger connection with God and start a new life. The dedication, passion and love shown by the caregivers are truly inspiring. They work tirelessly to provide a safe and nurturing environment for these girls, helping them heal and grow.
Read more about the Coptic Orthodox Church’s work with these vulnerable young women, as well as with young boys, in “A Place They Call ‘Home’ ” in the March 2025 issue of ONE.