(CNN) -- Egyptian authorities beefed up security Thursday as Coptic Christians warily ushered in Christmas Eve after a New Year's Day bombing in front of a church that killed nearly two dozen of their members.
The Coptic Christians celebrate Christmas according to the Julian calendar and therefore will observe it Friday.
"Police plan a large-scale security operation for tonight to protect Egypt's Coptic Christians and their churches". Col. Alla Mahmoud of the interior ministry said.
In addition, hundreds of supporters gathered outside the prestigious Al-Azhar University on Thursday in a show of solidarity for the Coptic community.
On Wednesday, Egyptian authorities released a sketch of a man they think may be responsible for the attack.
"The man in the picture is unknown and authorities are trying to confirm his identity," said Col. Alla Mahmoud of the interior ministry. CNN
