Press Release: The Second International Coptic Symposium draws to a close at the iconic St Mary-le-Bow Church in London

Press Release

For immediate use

26 July 2013

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

Media and Communications Office

The Second International Coptic Symposium drew to a close with the final lectures and reception at the iconic St Mary-le-Bow Church in London on 24 July 2013.

The closing ceremony was attended by His Excellency the Ambassador of Egypt and the Consul General, as well as numerous other official guests representing Her Majesty’s government, House of Lords, ecumenical and inter-religious leaders, members of the diplomatic core and academics.

'Adaptation, Assimilation and Representation', the theme of the Symposium held at the Coptic Orthodox Church Centre from 21 to 24 July 2013, attracted 25 academic speakers from 10 countries around the world, including: researchers, historians, cultural heritage specialists, art historians, linguists and political sociologists to present a diverse and broad perspective on various aspects of Coptic Culture.

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, who gave a final address at the closing ceremony, said:

In this and similar Symposia, we are reminded of the wealth and heritage that is the foundation of Coptic culture as lived today in Egypt and throughout the world. Having our closing ceremony at St Mary-le-Bow Church further illustrates the integration of centuries’ old Coptic culture embedded within a very real and lived contemporary British context.

The conference organiser Dr Mariam Ayad, Associate Professor of Egyptology at the American University in Cairo, said:

The vision behind this series of Symposia is to make academic scholarship more accessible to members of the community so that we can learn about and appreciate our past and our heritage. The breadth and depth of the topics presented this year, dealing with art, music, language, religious practice, and aspects of social history, illustrates the diversity and beauty of our heritage.  So this is an opportunity for us to look to our past, informing our present.

Lectures will be gathered and published in due course. The publication from the first Symposium can be found here

*Ends*

His Grace Bishop Angaelos announces that The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom will dedicate three days of prayer for Egypt

After witnessing millions of Egyptians across the whole nation and from all walks of life standing together to peacefully express their desire for a new Egypt, it is unfortunate that this unified effort is being undermined by needless violence and bloodshed.

At this formative time, the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom dedicates three days (Tuesday 9 July – Thursday 11 July) of prayer for peace, reconciliation and an end to needless violence and loss of life in Egypt.

These three days represent the end of the Fast of the Apostles for Coptic Orthodox Christians and the beginning of the month of Ramadan for Muslims, and so we invite every Egyptian and all our friends in the United Kingdom to join us in prayer for the sake of the many millions whose lives are now affected in Egypt.

For the good of Egypt, it is imperative that all parties work towards a common future, realising that any lives taken are those of fellow Egyptians. We continue to pray for unity and reconciliation, confident that the spirit that has been developing over the past two years and culminated in June 30 2013 will endure over these vital weeks and months ahead.

Statement on the current state in Egypt by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom on 4 July 2013

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate use

4 July 2013

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

Media and Communications Office

Statement on the current state in Egypt by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom on 4 July 2013

What has been seen in the streets of Egypt over the past week would have been considered by many as impossible, especially when set against the backdrop of two years which commenced joyfully, but became increasingly challenging through a state of fragmentation, a failing economy and a weakened state of law and order. This situation deteriorated further when the state of social fragmentation developed into one of complete polarisation, and the hopes that were held for a strengthened economy, a unified people, and an empowered, reborn nation in 2011 were not realised.

With the age old scourge of illiteracy and poverty unaddressed and the development of a cohesive sense of national pride and unity unrealised, the people of Egypt took to the streets to follow their desire for dignity and social justice in the way that proved successful just over two years prior. 

The scenes of rejoicing and jubilation in Egypt’s squares must now be followed by an intentional and proactive programme of reconciliation among all parties.

We feel the pain of those who may consider themselves defeated, and who now fear marginalisation and alienation; sentiments which we as Christians have experienced at times over the centuries in Egypt. That being said however, what is needed now is a way of embracing these valued members of the wider community, as well as every other Egyptian, confirming that the path of reconciliation and unity is the only way ahead. Years of fragmentation, distrust, anger, and resentment, must be healed, and this will only happen when those who are now given the opportunity to lead Egypt, both in the short and long term, make the resolution of these negative experiences a priority and aim to achieve it. 

We pray that no more blood is shed, no more families or communities grieve, no more violence spreads, and that cooperation and collaboration become principle foundations throughout this continuing formative process. The next weeks and months will be crucial, needing the support of every Egyptian and guiding him or her to no longer think in terms of tribes or separation, but rather in terms of unity and collaboration for the good of all. 

We pray for peace and prosperity in Egypt and for every Egyptian, we pray for reconciliation and healing within and between communities, so that no one feels marginalised, victimised or rejected by any part of this greater family. I am confident that the people of Egypt seek, and will find, the peace that embraces all and that welcomes all once again into a joy that can be shared.  

*Ends*

HG Bishop Angaelos on BBCNewsnight 3 July 2013 speaking about the situation in Egypt - click here to watch.