Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Egypt Bolsters Security for Coptic Christmas VOA News 06 January 2011 An Egyptian Christian boy holds a cross pendant outside a Coptic church in Cairo. Egyptian security forces began throwing up a cordon of steel as Coptic Christians prepared to mark Christmas after a N Photo: AFP An Egyptian Christian boy holds a cross pendant outside a Coptic church in Cairo. Egyptian security forces began throwing up a cordon of steel as Coptic Christians prepared to mark Christmas after a New Year's Day church bombing killed 21 people in Alexandria, 6 Jan 2011 Egypt has tightened security as Coptic Christians mark their traditional Christmas, following a New Year's Day suicide church bombing that killed 23 worshipers in Alexandria. Copts are gathering in large numbers Thursday for Christmas Eve services. Authorities say police have set up a large-scale security operation to protect the worshipers. In Vatican City, Pope Benedict XVI sent âheartfelt greetingsâ to Christians in Eastern churches who are celebrating Christmas on Friday, under the Coptic calendar. In an apparent reference to the Egypt blast, the pontiff said he was praying that God would strengthen and comfort communities that are suffering. Also Thursday, Egyptian police released a sketch of the suspected suicide bomber. Authorities say they created the image based on evidence found at the scene, including parts of the alleged bomber's head. No one has claimed responsibility for the blast, but authorities suspect al-Qaida. The church bombing sparked riots and complaints of discrimination against Christians. Last year, on Coptic Christmas Eve, gunmen killed six Coptic worshippers as they were leaving services in Cairo.  NEW: Follow our Middle East reports on [1]Twitter and discuss them on our [2]Facebook page. References 1. http://twitter.com/VOAMidEast 2. http://www.facebook.com/pages/VOAMiddleEastVoices/124360240958667? v=wall .