The Coptic Orthodox Church launches a new ministry in the City of London to commence on the 4th March 2012

Press Release from the Coptic Orthodox Church UK

For immediate use

Date:  17th February 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Public Relations Office

The Coptic Orthodox Church launches a new ministry in the City of London to commence on the 4^th March 2012.

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church announced the launch of The St. Paul Ministry, a new initiative of the Church in the United Kingdom. Held in the beautiful and historic St. Mary-le-Bow church in the City of London, monthly services will be offered in the English language while maintaining the traditional Coptic spirituality and hymnology. Services will be followed by a fellowship meal and a contemporary Bible study and discussion. The first service will be held on Sunday 4^th March at 10am.

Bishop Angaelos who, with a dynamic and dedicated steering group, established the ministry, said the following:

“While this is a new and exciting ministry for the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, it follows the ethos that has been at its core for centuries, introducing people to our Lord Jesus Christ through the lived perspective of the Church in a real and relevant way. The words of Acts 2:42 have always been especially pertinent to me, and it is exciting to see them presented in a fresh 21^st Century expression.”

Mission Statement

The St Paul Ministry is founded on a novel and fresh approach to fellowship, with the aim of encountering Christ through the life and practice of the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Christian Church of Egypt. This Ministry aims to make the ancient apostolic Faith practical, reachable and tangible within a Western context. Our goal is to enable the enrichment of lives through the fellowship of the Church, the manifest Body of Christ.

In line with Acts 2:42, the St Paul Ministry aims to achieve this by: 
1. Providing opportunities for greater knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures and teachings of the Fathers. 
2. Creating a safe and familiar space for interaction with like-minded people along their spiritual journey. 
3. Making manifest the Faith and practice of the Church through its Sacraments.
4. Having a time of focused collective prayer and worship.

First Service:

The first service will be held on Sunday 4th March at 10am in St. Mary-le-Bow church.

Resources:

St. Paul Ministry Website: www.StPaulMinistry.com

On Twitter: @StPaulMinistry , www.twitter.com/StPaulMinistry

E-mail: Contact@StPaulMinistry.com

[ENDS]

For more information contact:

Media and Public Relations Officer Coptic Orthodox Church UK Media and Public Relations Office The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre Shephalbury Manor Broadhall Way, Stevenage Hertfordshire SG2 8NP England, United Kingdom Tel.: +44 (0)207 1937076 Fax: +44 (0)1438 313879 Office Email: Media@CopticCentre.com Website: www.CopticCentre.com Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CopticMediaUK YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/CopticMediaUK

Prayer Day for Egypt at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Following the success of last year's day of prayer for Egypt with Egyptian Christians from all denominations, a similar day will be held this year on Saturday the 3rd of March at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK. This will be an all day event starting with Liturgy, brunch, and then meet in the hall to pray together. Everyone is invited to attend. Visit www.CopticCentre.com or e-mail VisitUs@CopticCentre.com

PRESS RELEASE: Anglican and Oriental Orthodox co-operation in England

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Media and Public Relations Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE ANGLICAN-ORIENTAL ORTHODOX REGIONAL FORUM (AOORF)

Ecumenical Forum Formally Established

Members of AOORF wish to publicise a new development in the ecumenical relationship between the Church of England and the Oriental Orthodox Churches.

The Forum has existed informally for a number of years, but has now formalised and clarified its role by the drawing up of a document setting out its Aims and Objectives.  

The purpose of the Forum is to bring together representatives from the Church of England and those Oriental Orthodox Churches who are increasingly present in the United Kingdom.

In summary the aims of the Forum are:

·         To receive and consider documents from international dialogues and their local relevance and implications amongst both clergy and laity.

·         To encourage the unity of the Church through common prayer, worship, witness and education.

·         To discuss current pastoral, social and political issues and where appropriate make representations and responses to these issues.

The Forum is Co Chaired by The Right Reverend Dr Geoffrey Rowell (Bishop in Europe) and His Grace Bishop Angaelos (Coptic Orthodox Church).

Bishop Geoffrey comments: “As Anglican Co-Chair of the Anglican-Oriental Orthodox International joint doctrinal Commission, I am delighted that the regional forum which has provided an informal channel of communication between Anglicans and Oriental Orthodox in England is now put on a firmer footing. With the increased numbers of Christians from the Oriental Orthodox Churches living in this country it is important that Anglicans build closer relationships with these churches. The appointment of Bishop Angaelos as an official ecumenical representative at the General Synod is a sign of this and is greatly to be welcomed.”

Bishop Angaelos comments: "At a time of increased challenge to the basic principles of morality and hope, concrete and visible unity in the life and witness of the Church is needed as a real support for our faithful and the wider community, and an affirmation of the viability and applicability of the Christian message. I feel that working together through AOORF provides a very real opportunity for our role to be even more prophetic in the United Kingdom as individual Churches, and the wider Church."

***

For further information please contact:

The Anglican Co-Secretary - The Revd Stephen Stavrou - stephenfrancisstavrou@yahoo.co.uk

The Orthodox Co-Secretary – Father Peter Farrington – fatherpeter@britishorthodox.org


Media and Public Relations Officer
The Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Tel: +44 (0)207 1937076

Media and Public Relations Office
The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre
Shephalbury Manor
Broadhall Way, Stevenage
Hertfordshire SG2 8NP
England, United Kingdom

Tel.: +44 (0)207 1937076
Fax: +44 (0)1438 313879
Office Email: Media@CopticCentre.com
Website: www.CopticCentre.com
Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CopticMediaUK
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/CopticMediaUK