Bishop Angaelos attends swearing in ceremony in Washington for Ambassador at Large for Religious Freedom

For immediate use
20 February 2015

​Coptic Orthodox Church UK

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Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

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Bishop Angaelos attends swearing in ceremony of new Ambassador at Large for Religious Freedom, Rabbi David Saperstein in Washington DC

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom met with Ambassador Saperstein during his swearing in ceremony at the State Department. In his inaugural address, the Ambassador mentioned the recent brutal murder of 21 Coptic Christians in Libya, highlighting the need to protect religious freedom for all in the region.

Prior to the ceremony, Bishop Angaelos met with the Archbishop of Washington, Cardinal Wuerl, Katrina Lantos Swett, President of the Lantos foundation, members of the United States Commission for Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and various representatives of the State Department. This meeting, hosted by In Defense of Christians, incorporated a press conference and round table meeting addressing responses to the persecution of Christians in the Middle East. 

During the press conference Cardinal Wuerl expressed his concern for, and solidarity with, the Coptic Orthodox Community in light of the murder of Coptic Christians in Libya, saying:

“I am here to say to Bishop Angaelos that we are raising our voice with you…and I thank him for being a part of this important conversation.”

In response Bishop Angaelos said:

“The truth must be spoken, and people of faith must speak to protect the rights of all regardless of their religious affiliation. As we attempt to respond to the atrocities that are facing various Christian and faith communities in the Middle East and across the world we must ensure that we do not allow hatred to enter our hearts.”

Katrina Lantos Swett, members of USCIRF, representatives of the State Department, and Nermine Riad of Coptic Orphans, were also present during the press conference.

Bishop Angaelos also attended a round-table meeting and discussion arranged by Nina Shea Director of the Centre for Religious Freedom at the Hudson Institute on nuanced approaches to religious freedom and engagement.

Launch of appeal for families of Coptic Christians brutally murdered in Libya

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

                                   Media and Communications Office

Launch of ‘When Left Behind’ appeal for the families of Coptic Christians brutally murdered in Libya in February 2015.

19 February 2015

His Grace Bishop Angaelos General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom launched the #WhenLeftBehind appeal for the families of those brutally murdered in Libya at a memorial service in St Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church, Kensington on 18 February 2015.

The service, led by Bishop Angaelos, was attended by clergy and congregation from the Coptic Orthodox community across the United Kingdom as well as His Excellency Mr Nasser Kamel the Ambassador of Egypt, the Consul General Dr Hesham Khalil, and numerous official and ecumenical guests.

During his sermon, Bishop Angaelos spoke of the immense courage, strength and dignity shown by those who lost their lives in Libya, saying:

“As we mourn with the families of those who died we also rejoice in the faithful conviction, strength, dignity and bravery of these men; these fathers, brothers, uncles and sons who will never be forgotten.”

At the end of the service, Bishop Angaelos expressed his thanks to the British Prime Minister, The Right Honourable David Cameron, and the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, The Right Honourable Eric Pickles, for their personal calls expressing their condolences. He also thanked the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby for his personal visit to the Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in the United Kingdom earlier that day to express his support, and His Eminence the Cardinal of Westminster, Vincent Nichols for his personal message of condolence.

Bishop Angaelos also thanked all those who expressed their support and solidarity with the Coptic community over the past week, and invited all to contribute to the ‘When Left Behind’ appeal, saying:

“These young men were bread winners for their families and their loss will not only rob them of the joy of their presence but will leave a significant financial void in an already impoverished community.”

DONATE via www.JustGiving.com/CopticOrthodoxChurch or TEXT ‘COPT21 £(amount)’ to 70070.

More information via @WhenLeftBehind and www.CopticMediaUK.com and www.CopticCentre.com

The names of the young men killed in Libya are:

1. Milad Makeen Zaky
2. Abanub Ayad Atiya
3. Maged Solaiman Shehata
4. Yusuf Shukry Yunan
5. Kirollos Shokry Fawzy
6. Bishoy Astafanus Kamel
7. Somaily Astafanus Kamel
8. Malak Ibrahim Sinweet
9. Tawadros Yusuf Tawadros
10. Girgis Milad Sinweet
11. Mina Fayez Aziz
12. Hany Abdelmesih Salib
13. Bishoy Adel Khalaf
14. Samuel Alham Wilson
15. Worker from Awr village
16. Ezat Bishri Naseef
17. Loqa Nagaty
18. Gaber Munir Adly
19. Esam Badir Samir
20. Malak Farag Abram
21. Sameh Salah Faruq

For more information about the appeal please contact Advocacy@CopticCentre.com

*Ends*

Prime Minister David Cameron speaks with HG Bishop Angaelos to offer condolences following the death of Coptic Christians in Libya

For immediate use
16 February 2015

​Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

Media and Communications Office

The Right Honourable David Cameron Prime Minister spoke by telephone with His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom to offer his condolences following the death of Coptic Christians murdered in Libya.

The Prime Minister issued a statement today expressing concern over the tragic and brutal loss of life in Libya, deeming the attacks as “barbaric and inhumane”. During the conversation the issues of dehumanisation and the importance of maintaining human dignity were discussed.

Commenting on the conversation, Bishop Angaelos said:

“It was gracious of the Prime Minister to call personally in the midst of his numerous responsibilities expressing his condolences to myself and our community. I felt that this was both a personal and powerful gesture, demonstrating his concern and sadness at the senseless loss felt by families and communities in Egypt.

As discussed with the Prime Minister, I will be passing these sentiments to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, our Holy Synod and the Coptic Orthodox community here in Britain.”

Following the attacks in Libya, Bishop Angaelos issued a statement saying, “We cannot remember our Coptic brothers without also remembering all those who have lost their lives in equally brutal circumstances: journalists, aid workers, medical staff, religious leaders, a young pilot and communities that are considered incompatible with a fringe and intolerant element.” The full statement can be read via www.CopticMediaUK.com

*Ends*


Recent news interviews with His Grace Bishop Angaelos regarding the brutal murder of Coptic Christians in Libya can be found via www.Youtube.com/CopticMediaUK

Statement by HG Bishop Angaelos following the brutal murder of Coptic Christians in Libya

Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom following the brutal murder of Coptic Christians in Libya

15 February 2015 

It is with deep feelings of sorrow and pain that we received confirmation earlier this evening of the brutal murder of Coptic Christians in Libya at the hands of Daesh (IS). While every life is sacred and every death tragic, the particular brutality demonstrated in this instance and others like it shows not only a disregard for life but a gross misunderstanding of its sanctity and equal value in every person.

Our prayers are particularly with the families of these young Coptic men, who were fathers, brothers, sons and friends of many within their tight-knit rural communities, in which their absence will cause significant loss and sorrow. Their families are not only deprived of breadwinners who had travelled to Libya to support them, but of the joy that they bring when they return. 

While it may seem illogical or incomprehensible, we also pray for those who have carried out these horrific crimes, that the value of God's creation and human life may become more evident to them, and in this realisation, that the wider effects of pain brought by this and other acts of brutality may be realised and avoided. We pray for an end to the dehumanisation of captives who become mere commodities to be bartered, traded and negotiated with.

We cannot remember our Coptic brothers without also remembering all those who have lost their lives in equally brutal circumstances: journalists, aid workers, medical staff, religious leaders, a young pilot and communities that are considered incompatible with a fringe and intolerant element.

In the midst of this sorrow however, we must continue to dig deeper for the joy that comes from an understanding that  this life is but a "vapour that appears for a little time and then vanishes away" (James 4:14), and that true glory and joy are found in an eternal life prepared for all those who live in and for love and peace.

It is only through this understanding that we can continue to live according to the words of 1 Peter 3:15 as demonstrated in the life and witness of the Coptic Church and her children over centuries, "...always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you..."

*Ends*

News interviews with His Grace regarding the murder of Coptic Christians in Libya:

BBC World Interviews HG Bishop Angaelos following the murder of Copts in Libya

• BBC World Service Radio interview here
• Al Jazeera English TV Interview here

Tribute to Dr Helmy Guirguis by His Grace Bishop Angaelos

Tribute to Dr Helmy Guirguis, Founder and Chair of the UK Copts Association and international champion for Coptic Christians, who departed on 31 January 2015, by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom

Dr Helmy Guirguis (pictured right) on panel during a press conference for the victims of the Maspero Massacre

Dr Helmy Guirguis was the father of Coptic Activism in Britain and Europe, and in some ways around the world. He has served faithfully as an advocate for over thirty years and has been a strong and wise ally for the past twenty as we have worked side by side on many issues that have touched the Coptic community in Egypt and Britain.

Dr Guirguis is one of the first Coptic Christians outside Egypt to have pioneered and championed advocacy, and has always spoken powerfully and effectively with graciousness and dignity. As a result, he has been respected and heard by many prominent decision and policy makers in Britain, Brussels, and around the world. He will always be remembered for his ability to provide a natural and seamless combination of gentle diplomacy and powerful advocacy, and has left a legacy that we are all inspired by and aspire to.

Helmy had been unstoppable in his struggle with illness for over two decades, most recently experiencing a variety of medical complications, yet had remained strong throughout. 

In conjunction with the UK Copts Association, which Helmy founded and headed, and both the Coptic and Egyptian medical societies, we are arranging a gathering in the coming weeks to remember, give thanks for, and celebrate the life of this great advocate. 

Our prayers are with his wonderful family, community and friends, that we all be comforted in the expectation of our beloved and respected Helmy receiving that wonderful commendation from our Lord and Chief Advocate Himself, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” (Matthew 25:21)