The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK hosted the Annual Men's Basketball Tournament

On March 15- 17 2013, The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre hosted the annual men’s basketball tournament, the Coptic Orthodox British Elite Basketball Association (COBEBA). 

Under the care of His Grace Bishop Angaelos, the tournament saw youth from across the United Kingdom gather to support their respective teams, and to enjoy a weekend of healthy fellowship. The teams and supporters from parishes in Brighton, Newcastle, Golders Green, Kensington, and Stevenage, also joined the congregation in the Cathedral of St George in praying a Liturgical service on Sunday 17 March. The service marked the first anniversary since of the departure of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, the 117th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, who departed on 17 March 2012.

Bishop Angaelos said:

‘His Holiness is known for his words ‘the Church without youth is a Church without a future,’ and it would bring great joy to his heart to see hundreds of youth gathered here together in the house of God, in healthy fellowship during this weekend of sports ministry, as was the case at the time of his departure. We all, in remembering His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, do not mourn, but rather give thanks for his life and faithful ministry.’

One of the organisers, Mark Galta said:

‘What truly touched me about the tournament this year was the spirit of fellowship and unity, clearly shown by the attitude of all the players and supporters. After the competition I received feedback from other teams, and they expressed their desire to set up a league and have games throughout the year, encouraging people to get together more often in that same spirit of fellowship and love. It was clear to see that all the teams and their supporters had a great time.’ 

The defending champions, the Newcastle ‘Phoenix’ (above) reclaimed their title in a dynamic game, beating the Brighton ‘Cobras’ with a score of 104-94.

Press Release: HG Bishop Angaelos attends the enthronement of the new Archbishop of Canterbury

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
21 March 2013

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Media and Communications Office

His Grace Bishop Angaelos attends the enthronement of, and meets with the new Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby. 

On 21 March 2013, approximately 2000 guests were in attendance at Canterbury Cathedral during the enthronement service of the Most Revd Justin Welby, the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury. Amongst those attending were the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, Prime Minister David Cameron, and other members of parliament, with representation from the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches, and the whole breadth of Christian Churches, denominations, and expressions.

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom was also in attendance representing His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, the Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, and said the following shortly after the service:

‘After having attended the enthronement service for the His Grace, the Archbishop of Canterbury, we pray for the continued good relations between our Churches and our common witness here in the United Kingdom on so many fronts and at so many levels. 

At this pivotal time during which we have witnessed the appointment of new leaders in the Church of England, the Roman Catholic Church and our own Coptic Orthodox Church, we pray that there is a common heart and intention for fellowship and unity, and for collaboration on valuable witness and testimony, not only for members of our own Churches but for the whole world. I echo the words of His Grace, the Archbishop, in saying that ‘there is every possible reason for optimism about the future of Christian Faith in the world, and this country.’’

*Ends*

Pope Francis, 266 Pope of the Roman Catholic Church announced

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
13 March 2013

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

On the announcement of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as Pope Francis, the 266 Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom said:

‘I express my heartfelt joy shared with our Catholic brethren around the world on the appointment of Pope Francis. We pray God’s joy and blessing upon our sister Catholic Church as it embraces its new father and shepherd, and we also pray for His Holiness as he commences this sacred ministry, strengthened and overshadowed by the grace of God. 

As Co-chair of the Catholic-Oriental Orthodox Regional Forum in the United Kingdom, I celebrate this day with my brother and Co-chair, His Grace Archbishop Kevin McDonald, members of our Forum, and our Catholic brethren across the United Kingdom.’

*Ends*

Press Release: HH Pope Tawadros II and 60 members of The Holy Synod enthroned 4 Bishops, consecrated 7

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
10 March 2013

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

The 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II and over 60 members of the Holy Synod consecrated 7 bishops and enthroned 4 existing bishops on 10 March 2013 in the Grand Cathedral of St Mark, Cairo, Egypt.

Having taken part in the consecration service in Cairo, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom commented from Cairo:

‘In the ever expanding ministry of The Coptic Orthodox Church, and with a greater focus on concentrated pastoral care, we have found a need to consecrate more bishops to fill vacant Diocese, to facilitate greater and more focused care for larger and older Diocese that have been divided upon the passing of their bishops, and to establish new diocese abroad. 

As the Church is the Body of Christ that lives and breathes, caring for her children, we see yet another sign of this dynamic existence continuing to bring light into the world at every level. 

We pray for our new bishops, their diocese, and the whole Body of Christ, as we continue to live and share His message and mission in the world.’

The four bishops enthroned are:
Bishop Daniel for Maadi and Albasateen
Bishop Theodosious for Giza
Bishop Botros for Shebin El Qanater
Bishop Mina for Mississauga and West Canada

The seven priests consecrated are: 
Fr Epiphanious El-Maqari as abbot of the monastery of St Macarious in Wadi el Natroun
Fr Maqar El-Baramousi for Al-Sharkaya
Fr Salib El-Samueli for Latmoum and its affiliated regions
Fr Zakaria El-Souriani for October City and Ouseem
Fr Youannes El-Souriani for Giza North
Fr Zosima El-Antouni for Atfih and El-Saf and their affiliated regions
Fr Youlyous Ava-Mina as general bishop for old Cairo

**Ends**

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Democracy in Egypt – Theory and Reality

Lecture by HG Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK 

Centre for Muslim Christian Studies, Oxford England

On Tuesday 26 February 2013, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom gave a lecture on ‘Democracy in Egypt – Theory and Reality’ at the Centre for Muslim-Christian Studies, Oxford.  Tariq Ramadan, HH Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani Professor of Contemporary Islamic Studies, Oriental Institute, Oxford, also gave a lecture, ‘Building Democracy: The Challenge Ahead for Muslim-Christian Relations’. 

His Grace Bishop Angaelos highlighted the various challenges faced by Egyptians in light of the 2011 uprising, and the role of Coptic Orthodox Christians as the indigenous people of Egypt. Noting that Christians were present alongside their Muslim brethren during the Tahrir uprising, His Grace indicated that Egyptian Christians still seek a unified nation state.

Elaborating on the significant contribution of Coptic Christians as active citizens in the ever changing climate of Egypt, Bishop Angaelos spoke about the need for continued efforts towards the development of a national identity for all Egyptians, in order to safeguard the rights of every citizen, Muslim and Christian alike. 

The audio from the lecture is available here: http://bit.ly/ZVj9DV