For immediate use
21 October 2014
Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office
Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)
Media and Communications Office
His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom will address members of the House of Lords, House of Commons, members of the diplomatic core and various ecumenical and official guests on matters of international religious freedom and the plight of Christians in the Middle East during a Coptic service at St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey on 21 October 2014.
The service will commemorate the Coptic Feast of Nayrouz, marking the new Coptic Year in remembrance of the martyrs of the past two millennia and those who continue to suffer for their Faith to date.
In the lead up to the service, Bishop Angaelos said:
“It is a blessing to celebrate this new Coptic year with friends representing the wider Christian family, other religions and the broader civic society in which we live. This is an opportunity for us all to raise our hearts in prayer for those suffering gross violations of religious freedom in Iraq, Syria, and the broader Middle East, as well as Nigeria and other places currently overcome by conflict. We will stand in fellowship in the historic church of St Margaret’s Westminster, to mark a significant contribution at a time when unity and collaborative effort are increasingly needed.”
During the service there will be addresses from members of parliament, and messages will be delivered from His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, The Right Honourable David Cameron Prime Minister, The Most Reverend Archbishop Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, with a greeting by Archbishop Antonio Mennini.
*Ends*
