Head of the Coptic Orthodox Church Pope Tawadros II headed Saturday the funeral prayer for Metropolitan Archbishop Abraham of Jerusalem and the Near East.

Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat attended the funeral on behalf of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

During the funeral, Pope Tawadros II considered the church's participation in the funeral prayers as a duty.

The pope noted that an Egyptian church team came to Jerusalem to see off Metropolitan Archbishop Abraham.

Pope Tawadros II said he attended the funeral to offer condolences and highlight the key role played by Archbishop Abraham.

He added that he worked with Archbishop Abraham for two years.

Sources: MENA