Press Release: HH Pope Tawadros II received by Her Majesty The Queen, His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, during his first pastoral visit to the United Kingdom

Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

                                Media and Communications Office

HH Pope Tawadros II received by Her Majesty The Queen, His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, during his first pastoral visit to the United Kingdom

17 May 2017

On his first pastoral visit, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, 118^th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, has been visiting Coptic Orthodox parishes and meeting with communities across the United Kingdom. Pope Tawadros has also consecrated churches, presided over Liturgies and Vespers services, and addressed hundreds of young people at a Coptic youth gathering.

During his visit, Pope Tawadros II was received by Her Majesty The Queen at Windsor Castle on 9 May. This historic audience with Her Majesty was also attended by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, and the Rt Rev David Conner, Dean of Windsor. During the meeting HH Pope Tawadros II presented Her Majesty with a Coptic icon depicting the ‘Flight to Egypt’ of the Holy Family.

After the audience, Bishop Angaelos said:

“This meeting between Her Majesty and His Holiness is an embodiment of our Coptic Orthodox Church here in Britain, made up of those, many of whom will have roots in Egypt, who still feel connected to Egypt, but are very integrated as British Copts. I am personally thankful for this meeting that reinforces this composite and naturally organic identity at the highest level of our Church and nations.”

Photo credit: Coptic Church UK

Shortly after meeting with Her Majesty The Queen, Pope Tawadros was received by His Excellency Mr Nasser Kamel, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the United Kingdom, at a dinner and reception at the Egyptian Embassy in London. The reception was attended by Coptic clergy and laity, as well as the wider British Egyptian community.

Photo credit: Coptic Church UK

In the days following, Pope Tawadros was the Guest of Honour at a lunch in the Palace of Westminster, hosted by The Rt Revd the Lord Bishop of Coventry, Dr Christopher Cocksworth, who spoke in his address about the witness of Christians in the Middle East, saying:

“…we feel deeply united with you and your people in sufferings that you experience, and we pray for you very much. I know that connection extends beyond those who would call themselves Christians, to a solidarity of humanity with you and your people and a huge respect for, to quote another virtue from the Bible, the ‘patient endurance’ that you always express when these difficulties occur and your words of peace.”

The lunch was attended by members of the House of Lords, ecumenical guests and members of the Coptic Orthodox clergy and community in the United Kingdom. Following the lunch, Pope Tawadros laid a wreath at the Recording Angel memorial in Westminster Hall, in honour of PC Keith Palmer, who lost his life in the Westminster attack on 22 March 2017.

Photo credit: Coptic Church UK

During his stay Pope Tawadros received individuals and groups at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in Hertfordshire, including the Coptic Medical Board and the Coptic Partnership for Relief and Development, both established by Bishop Angaelos with members of the Coptic community to ensure the highest level of collaboration for those most in need in Egypt. Among his meetings, His Holiness also received His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan.

Photo credit: Lambeth Palace

On Friday 12 May, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II was received by The Most Revd Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, at a historic meeting in Lambeth Palace. During the visit, Pope Tawadros met privately with the Archbishop, later joining the rest of the Coptic delegation and ecumenical guests, when addresses were delivered. His Holiness signed the official guestbook with the words ‘Love Never Ends’, and presented a Coptic icon of the ‘Flight to Egypt’ of the Holy Family to Archbishop Justin.

During his address, Pope Tawadros II thanked the Archbishop for his hospitality and said:

“We are grateful to God for the co-operation, dialogue, and Christian love between our two Churches. We are hopeful and pray for more and more Christian unity globally and we believe it is possible through the love of God, and through the ecumenical blood of all Christian martyrs.”

In his address to His Holiness, His Grace the Archbishop commented on the resilient example of Coptic Christians in Egypt, saying:

“The experience of the Coptic people in Egypt is not only an example to the Body of Christ around the world, but also a profound inspiration. The courage of your people – their constant faith, their steadfastness, their long endurance – brings to life those words we read so often in the epistles of Saint Paul, and we are truly grateful and give thanks to God for you and for your people.”

Picture(s) by : Westminster Abbey/Picture Partnership.

Following the meeting at Lambeth Palace, the two Church leaders and their delegations, attended Evensong at Westminster Abbey at the invitation of the Dean of Westminster Rev Dr John Hall, walking side by side during the procession, and praying together at the shrine of St Edward the Confessor.

Evensong was followed by a general meeting led by His Holiness the Pope, with members of the Coptic community, in St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey. The Pope gave a sermon and presented gifts to members of the community. Before the meeting, Pope Tawadros was officially welcomed by the Dean of Westminster who spoke of his solidarity with the plight of Christians in the Middle East and in Egypt, and spoke of unity, saying:

“The cause of unity between Christians is something which is dear to us and immensely precious. It is wonderful that in this 21^st Century, relations between all the Churches, develop so strongly and warmly together, and Your role, Your Holiness, in convening leaders of the Churches including Pope Francis and others has been an example to all of us.”

Photo by Mark Kessler

Photo by Mr Sami Gabriel

On 17 May, His Holiness the Pope, accompanied by Bishop Angaelos, was received by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales at Clarence House. In December 2013, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales was received by Bishop Angaelos at The Coptic Centre in Stevenage for the first time, as part of a series of visits in which he sought to highlight the plight of Christians in the Middle East. His Royal Highness continues to be supportive in response to the suffering of Christian and minority groups in the region. 

At the commencement of the visit, an official vespers service was held in his honour at the Coptic Cathedral of Saint George in Hertfordshire. The event was held on 6 May 2017, and attended by members of the House of Lords, the Diplomatic Corps, the Foreign Commonwealth Office, the Home Office, humanitarian and advocacy organisations, and various ecumenical and inter-religious guests.

Commenting on the visit as a whole, His Grace Bishop Angaelos said:

“It has been a blessing for the Coptic community here in the United Kingdom to engage with their shepherd. It was also an opportunity for His Holiness to meet his flock and to encounter some of the work being done under the various ministries within the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom.

I am thankful that the visit was fruitful and gave His Holiness an overview of the diverse and dynamic role of Coptic Christians across Britain who endeavour to live faithfully according to their Christian principles, while being fully integrated into their surrounding community. I am also pleased that we had the opportunity to learn from the example of peaceful yet powerful resilience that His Holiness and our brothers and sisters in Egypt demonstrate on a daily basis.” 

Photo by Michael Hani

More photographs available via www.Flickr.com/CopticMedia (Many more photographs and videos will become available over the coming weeks)

HRH The Prince of Wales highlights the plight of minorities suffering religious persecution worldwide

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

                                Media and Communications Office

HRH The Prince of Wales highlights the plight of minorities
suffering religious persecution worldwide

22 December 2016

His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, has spoken out today for minorities suffering religious persecution in a video message for Aid to the Church in Need and on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Thought for the Day’.

During his message, His Royal Highness spoke about the persecution of Christians and religious minorities, saying that for many “religious freedom is a daily stark choice between life and death. The scale of religious persecution is not widely appreciated…in some countries even more insidious forms of extremism have recently surfaced which aim to eliminate all types of religious diversity.” He went on to speak about the vast numbers of people displaced as a result of religious persecution in their homelands, and their ongoing struggle as they seek refuge elsewhere.

This message comes just one week after the brutal bombing and killing of 27 people, mostly women and children, in St Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo, targeted purely for their Christian belief. In response to the bombing, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales wrote a letter of condolence to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark, also offering his condolence in person to His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, at a private meeting at Clarence House on 14 December 2016.

In December 2013 His Royal Highness visited The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in the United Kingdom to express his support for Christians suffering persecution across the Middle East.

*Ends*

Comment by HG Bishop Angaelos on the emergence of revelations relating to the Archbishop of Canterbury

Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)
Media and Communications Office

Comment by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom on the emergence of revelations relating to the Archbishop of Canterbury

9 April 2016

The emergence of revelations relating to our dear brother Archbishop Justin and his family remind us of the vulnerability of anyone who takes public office, and more so those who are called to public ministry. These revelations would have been startling and painful enough for any individual and his family to learn and process, but to have them revealed and discussed so publicly will need a very particular grace. Thankfully however, we know that this grace is in no short supply in the lives of Archbishop Justin and his family.

In his personal statement on the matter, Archbishop Justin writes:

‘I have had a life of great blessing and wonderful support, especially from Caroline and our children, as well as a great many wonderful friends and family. My own experience is typical of many people. To find that one's father is other than imagined is not unusual. To be the child of families with great difficulties in relationships, with substance abuse or other matters, is far too normal.  

This revelation has, of course, been a surprise, but in my life and in our marriage Caroline and I have had far worse. I know that I find who I am in Jesus Christ, not in genetics, and my identity in him never changes. Even more importantly my role as Archbishop makes me constantly aware of the real and genuine pain and suffering of many around the world, which should be the main focus of our prayers.  

Although there are elements of sadness, and even tragedy in my father's (Gavin Welby’s) case, this is a story of redemption and hope from a place of tumultuous difficulty and near despair in several lives. It is a testimony to the grace and power of Christ to liberate and redeem us, grace and power which is offered to every human being.  

At the very outset of my inauguration service three years ago, Evangeline Kanagasooriam, a young member of the Canterbury Cathedral congregation, said: “We greet you in the name of Christ. Who are you, and why do you request entry?” To which I responded: “I am Justin, a servant of Jesus Christ, and I come as one seeking the grace of God to travel with you in His service together.” What has changed? Nothing!’

I know that it is unconventional to quote such a long passage from another’s statement, but I found the archbishop’s to be very moving indeed, and indicative of the peace, love, forgiveness and resolve that we are not only all called to, but all endowed with if we but allow God’s healing, reconciling and comforting presence in our lives. This is of course also indicative of the personable and ‘real’ character we have all come to know to be Justin Welby, who, I am confident, will have this experience further enrich his ministry of compassion.

We pray for Archbishop Justin and his family, and particularly his mother, as they deal with this challenging time, and for all those unknown to us who must go through similar experiences every day, but who may not be so supported. We also pray healing for every pain, reconciliation for every struggle, and hope for every apparently hopeless situation.

*Ends*

Press Release: His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan was received by His Grace Bishop Angaelos during a historic visit and interfaith gathering at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre on 13 November 2013.

Press Release
For immediate use
14 November 2013

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

 

 Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

Media and Communications Office

 

 

 His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan was received by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, during a historic visit and interfaith gathering at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre on 13 November 2013.

This visit facilitated a gathering of guests from a variety of faith backgrounds who met in the Cathedral of St George to listen and respond to addresses by Bishop Angaelos and Prince Hassan on the subject of interreligious dialogue and cooperation at an interreligious level.

In welcoming Prince Hassan, Bishop Angaelos, a Scholar-Consultant on the Christian Muslim Forum of England and Moderator of the Churches' Inter Religious Network, said:

“Having recently celebrated Armistice Day, as the end of war and celebration of all those who gave their lives, the words ‘Lest we forget’ should also be applied to heroes of faith and inclusion. We are a reality in each other’s lives and reconciliation is our only way ahead, both in the Middle East and around the world.

I believe that faith and advocacy are inseparable; a faith that does not advocate is not a Godly faith. This is why we are here with the Cathedral of St George as our backdrop. The altar is the place of our greatest worship and what we are doing here is part of that worship, to be able to integrate our belief with our daily witness in our lives.”

His Royal Highness, who is President of the Foundation for Inter-religious and Intercultural Research and Dialogue, spoke in his address of the need for a strategy to stabilise the Middle East, further indicating the need for a process leading to free and responsible Arab citizenship. Following the address, His Royal Highness answered a variety of questions relating to the rapid decline in the number of Christians in the Middle East and the course of action required to address the increasing challenges facing various faith communities in the region.

During a presentation ceremony following the address, Bishop Angaelos presented His Royal Highness with the gift of a traditional Coptic Orthodox icon of Saint George, after which guests were able to further their conversations during an informal reception.

Resulting from the day’s events was a shared desire to engage more at an interreligious level with the furthered prospect of addressing the state of Christians in the Middle East and the challenges they face.

Among the guests were the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Chief Inspector Richard Harbon, The Rt Hon Stephen McPartland MP, as well as representatives of Churches Together in England, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, the Awareness Foundation, and the Muslim Christian Forum. Also in attendance were members of clergy and community of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and representatives from the broad spectrum of the Christian Church and the Muslim and Baha’i communities in the United Kingdom.

Comment on the on-going situation in Egypt by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom - 16 August 2013

As a clergyman for over twenty years, and a Christian for the whole of my life, one thing I recognise as un-debateable is the value and sanctity of human life. We believe that God has created us all in His image and likeness and has given us a rational and reasoning spirit to be able to experience and understand Him while at the same time appreciate and value His creation.

What we have witnessed on the streets of Egypt over the past weeks, and particularly earlier this week, is nothing short of devastating. To see so many lives lost whether of victims or perpetrators is not only a loss to families and communities, but a loss to the nation and to humanity as a whole. At this point and without reservation or exception we offer our prayers for all those who mourn; those who have lost loved ones, who have been injured, or who feel more powerless than they did.

That which distinguishes us as humans from any other creation is that we are not merely territorial or instinctual beings but are created with the ability to feel compassion and empathy and to share in both the joys and the sufferings of those around us.

It is without a doubt that we are witnessing a struggle in Egypt, looking very different depending on the perspective and direction from which it is viewed. This is understandable as it is the nature of human reasoning, conflict and interaction. What is incomprehensible however is that a difference of opinion can lead to the justification of, and sometimes the rejoicing in, the loss of even a single sacred human life.

While there may be numerous initiatives, political or otherwise, to resolve the current conflict in Egypt, it is obvious that the only real way ahead is for restoration of peace and an application, albeit slow and gradual, of true reconciliation within a now fractured community that has seen loss of life and a heightened sense of lawlessness and impunity. The one element that will always work against any of these initiatives or intentions however is the rhetoric and incitement that leads to the ‘justified’ attack on others.

Over the past weeks we have witnessed an increasing trend of anti-Christian rhetoric calling for, as I stressed in my latest statement, ‘the attack upon and eradication of Christians and churches’ in Egypt. The result of such incitement, at least in part, has been the unprecedented attack on fifty two churches and numerous Christian homes and businesses across eight governorates in Egypt within the space of twenty four hours. One must wonder what end this could possibly serve. To inflame against a significant part of a community, alienating and marginalising it, means that one also potentially loses the proactive and positive input of that same part.

Over the past year we have seen an increased marginalisation of Christians and minority groups in Egypt followed by what some see, in these attacks on churches, as intentional instigation of anger attempting to prompt a retaliation that would lead to a spiralling pattern of violence. If this indeed is a ploy, it will of course fail, as it has been proven over centuries that the nature of Christians in Egypt is not to retaliate but rather to continue striving as loyal and law-abiding citizens of their indigenous homeland. While Christians in Egypt have been accused of being Western sympathisers and seeking Western intervention for decades, in actual fact what we have witnessed in our contemporary history and in particular over the past few weeks, is quite the opposite.

While we recognise that the priority now is for the peace and restoration of order in Egypt as a whole, the unprecedented attack on fifty two churches carried out almost simultaneously over a brief twenty four hour period, indicating a premeditation and co-ordination that goes beyond sporadic acts of instantaneous anger, requires thorough investigation at the appropriate time. If we were to find, however unrealistic, that these acts were indeed sporadic, this would point to a much greater concern for the community and a much greater need for a proactive programme of reconciliation and cohesion leading to healing over the longer term.

We continue to pray for Egypt, comprised of her ninety million Egyptians of various religions, beliefs, and outlooks, praying that a much needed peace and wisdom descends upon all. We further pray that Egypt, a land once blessed by the Lord as a place of refuge for Him in His infancy, returns to being a nation for all, and not one governed by some, to the exclusion of others. 

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*

The Most Revd Justin Welby, 105th Archbishop of Canterbury visited His Holiness Pope Tawadros II at the Papal Residence in Cairo on 24 June 2013

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate use

24 June 2013

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

Media and Communications Office

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark, receives the Most Revd Justin Welby, 105^th Archbishop of Canterbury, at the Papal Residence in Cairo on 24 June 2013.

The Most Revd Justin Welby visited His Holiness Pope Tawadros II at the Papal Residence in Cairo. His Holiness was accompanied by His Eminence Metropolitan Bishoy, Co-Chair of the Anglican-Oriental Orthodox International Commission, His Grace Bishop Thomas of Quosia, His Grace Bishop Youannes and His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, who is a member of the International Commission and Co-Chair of the Regional Forum in the United Kingdom. Archbishop Justin was accompanied by His Grace Bishop Mounir Hanna, Primate of the Episcopal Church in Egypt and the Horn of Africa, Bishop Michael Lewis, Bishop of Cyprus and the Gulf, Bishop Grant LeMarquand, Area Bishop for the Horn of Africa, and members of the Lambeth Palace ecumenical and inter-religious offices.

The meeting was cordial and addressed the re-initiation of the International Commission later this year in England, and the nature of ongoing relations between the Coptic Orthodox Church, and the wider Oriental Orthodox family, and the Church of England and the Anglican Communion worldwide.

In welcoming the Archbishop, Pope Tawadros said:

‘We must build our dialogue and studies on love and crown them with prayers; we must also prepare our people to love, accept and work with each other in the spirit of unity found in John 17.’

Commenting on the meeting, Archbishop Justin said:

‘We had a very wide-ranging discussion, coming back several times to the question of how the Church can flourish and grow in prayer, in love for one another and in teaching of the scriptures to our contemporaries. It’s important that we find a way of enabling our affection for one another to be transformed into effective shared witness. I also had the opportunity to express the prayer and solidarity of the Anglican Communion with all the Christians of the Middle East as they seek the common good of their various nations.’

Speaking from Cairo, Bishop Angaelos said:

‘In what is proving to be a historic year for meetings between new heads of Churches across the world, this most recent visit of His Grace Archbishop Justin to His Holiness Pope Tawadros has highlighted the continued efforts towards continued good relations and greater unity between our Churches. Having commenced their ministries in leading their respective Churches only months apart, I am sure that this will be an opportunity for Pope Tawadros and Archbishop Justin to develop these existing relationships.  It is very significant that our International Commission is recommencing this year after ten years, and I am sure that it will recreate a valuable platform for common understanding, leading to a greater witness of solidarity, not only for members of our own Churches but for the wider Christian Church and the whole world.’

*Ends*

View the Press Release online via CopticMediaUK.com or click here

For more information please contact:

Angela Mikhail

Media and Communications Officer
The Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Tel: +44 (0)20 71937076

Media and Communications Office
The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre
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Press Release: The 118th Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church was announced on 4 November 2012

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
4 November 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK
Media and Public Relations Office

The 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark was announced on 4 November 2012. Bishop Tawadros was chosen in an altar ballot, concluding the Papal Selection Process for the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Bishop Tawadros succeeds the late Pope Shenouda III, who departed on 17 March 2012. In a process that has taken nine months, the new Pope was selected in an altar ballot during a Liturgical service at The Grand Cathedral of St Mark in Cairo on 4 November 2012. The date of the enthronement of the new Pope will take place on Sunday 18th November 2012 at the Grand Cathedral of St Mark, Cairo.

From St Mark Cathedral, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom said,

'The atmosphere was wonderfully joyous in the Cathedral, as people not only here but all over the world raised their hearts asking God’s selection for our new Pope and Patriarch. There was such a euphoric reaction when the name of Bishop Tawadros was announced, and we now shift our prayers from God’s selection to God’s guidance and grace upon him to lead our beloved Coptic Orthodox Church as it continues its mission to be light and salt in Egypt and throughout the world.'

For full details of the Papal Selection Process please visit www.CopticCentre.Blogspot.com , or click here.

**ENDS**

Press Release: Final five Papal candidates announced

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
Date: 13 Oct 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Media and Communications Office

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, announced the final 5 candidates for papacy following the official announcement of the Coptic Orthodox Church Nominations Committee.

On 13 October 2012, His Grace Bishop Angaelos announced the final 5 candidates for papacy following the official announcement, in Egypt, of the Coptic Orthodox Church Nominations Committee. 

Two of the papal candidates are bishops and three are monks. The candidates are:

Bishop Roufail
Bishop Tawadros
Father Rafael Ava-Mina
Father Pakhamious El-Souriani
Father Seraphim El-Souriani   

The final 5 candidates will be put forward for the papal election on 24 November, where the list will be reduced to 3 candidates. The new pope to succeed the late Pope Shenouda III will be chosen on 2 December 2012 from among those three by altar ballot, and enthroned later that month. Pope Shenouda III departed on 17 March 2012 after forty-one years of papacy.

*Ends*

For more information please contact:

Angela Mikhail
Media and Communications 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
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Press Release: The Coptic Cathedral of St George at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK will ring its bells in unison with churches across the country signifying the first day of the Olympics.

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
Date: 26 July 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK
Media and Public Relations Office

The Coptic Cathedral of St George at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK will ring its bells in unison with churches across the country signifying the first day of the Olympics.

On Friday 27 July at 8:12am, the Coptic Cathedral of St George at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK will ring its bells in unison with churches across the country, signifying the first day of the Olympics.

As part of the unifying effort to encourage a spirit of peace, community and excitement for the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom said the following:

“2012 has been a mixed year of festive celebrations and economic struggles, and this historic third hosting of the Olympic Games in London brings hope of greater social interaction, hope and prosperity. We celebrate as a nation and as nations together, praying for joy, safety and peace. We also pray for those who are organising, participating and supporting, that God may bless this time for them, and keep this empowering and unifying spirit alive for months and years to come.”

*ENDS*

For more information please contact:

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
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Press Release: Explanation of the Papal Election Process by HG Bishop Angaelos

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
Date: 4^th May 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK
Media and Public Relations Office

Explanation of the Papal Selection Process for the Coptic Orthodox Church by HG Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom

The Coptic Orthodox Church has begun the process of selecting a new pope after the forty-day memorial period ended for of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, the 117^th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark. H.H. Pope Shenouda III departed on 17^th March 2012 after forty-one years of papacy.

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom has issued a detailed explanation of the papal selection process, along with a timeline which identifies key stages of the process, saying the following:

“This is an experience with which many will not have been involved in their lifetime, so it was important to provide a simplified explanation, allowing engagement at every level. Within these steps we find a robust process that includes: nominations from peers within the Holy Synod, nominations from laity through the General Lay Council, systematic scrutiny with a process of challenges and appeals, representative democratic election, and above all, the Altar Ballot that encompasses this whole process with a spirit of prayer and trustful submission to the will of God.”

For the explanation and timeline please visit the Coptic Orthodox Church Centre Blog, www.CopticCentre.Blogspot.com, or click here.

For more information please contact:

Media and Public Relations Officer
The Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Tel: +44 (0)207 193 7076

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

 

Blog: www.CopticCentre.Blogspot.com
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UK Memorial Service for H.H. Pope Shenouda III at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK on 24th March 2012

Memorial Service for H.H. Pope Shenouda III at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in the UK

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, 117th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark the Evangelist, departed on March 17th 2012. A memorial service for the United Kingdom, celebrating his life and ministry was held on Saturday 24th March in the Cathedral of Saint George at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre.

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, and former secretary to the Pope, officiated the service which was attended by representatives of Her Majesty the Queen and His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, as well as numerous Ecumenical, Inter-Religious and Civil representatives. Bishop Angaelos was joined by HE Metropolitan Seraphim, also of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Prior to the service, the Church in the United Kingdom was inundated with messages of condolence and saw an incredible response worldwide. As many were unable to attend the funeral service in Cairo on Tuesday 20th March 2012, this memorial service was seen to provide an opportunity for people to gather together and pray for the repose of the soul of His Holiness, and for the Church at large.

Bishop Angaelos said the following leading up to the memorial service:

“We have been inundated with messages of condolence from many friends across the United Kingdom. It is only fitting to hold this memorial service in order to allow people to join in giving thanks for the life and ministry of His Holiness. It is undoubtedly very sad to farewell a father, yet as a Church, we are confident in the knowledge that our Lord, through the power of His Resurrection that we will celebrate in only a few weeks’ time, promises us life after death, and we join together to pray for His Holiness as he is welcomed into that heavenly promise.”

In his address, he commented on the Pope’s love for people, his heart for Egypt, national unity, for youth, ecumenical unity, and his faithfulness to his spiritual life which supported his service, and stated the following:

“Today is an especially important day for us; the last visit of His Holiness, and indeed his last pastoral ministry engagement in the United Kingdom, was to consecrate this Cathedral. Today we gather to give thanks not only for that, but for his ministry in the United Kingdom and throughout the world over the past 41 years.”

A message from the Archbishop of Canterbury, His Grace the Rt Hon and Rt Rev Dr. Rowan Williams was read during the service by the Rt Rev Bishop Christopher Chessun of Southwark. In it, the Archbishop said:

“We were all very deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Holiness and pray that his memory will be eternal, giving thanks for his life of heroic service and passionate concern for the well-being of the faithful, especially for the young people of the Church, a ministry so clearly prioritised in the work of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom.”

The memorial service was attended by hundreds of people, after which many took the opportunity to sign a book of condolence, expressing their thoughts and memories of H.H. Pope Shenouda III.

Press Release: Archbishop of Canterbury stepping down in December 2012

Press Release from the Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

For immediate use

Date:  16^th March 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Media and Public Relations Office

After receiving news that the Most Reverend Dr. Rowan Williams will be stepping down as Archbishop of Canterbury at the end of December 2012, HG Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom issued the following statement:

While I received the news of the stepping down of the Most Reverend Dr. Rowan Williams as Archbishop of Canterbury with great sadness, I am confident of the spirituality, wisdom, integrity and careful consideration that must drive such a decision. 

Through his ten years at Lambeth Palace, Archbishop Rowan has sought to deepen and strengthen relations within the Christian family around the world and has always been mindful of the deep and historic relationship between the Anglican Communion and the Coptic Orthodox Church, and at a wider level, with the family of Oriental Orthodox Churches internationally. We have also seen his great interest in and representation of Christians in the Middle East, as exemplified in the House of Lords Debate on the 9th December 2011. In the Archbishop we have also seen constant and faithful efforts aimed at holding together the Anglican Communion through what has been a very challenging time.

I will always hold very fond memories of the Archbishop’s visits to our Coptic Orthodox Church Centre, and the many ways in which we have worked together during the past ten years. I am also grateful for the numerous visits that His Grace has made to His Holiness Pope Shenouda III in Egypt.

In praying for Archbishop Rowan, whom I also consider a friend, I look forward to our continued co-operation in these coming months and beyond. As president of The Council of Oriental Orthodox Churches, I express our appreciation for the relationship we have had over these past years and assure him of our continued prayers.  

For more information please contact:

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

Resources:

Statement by HG Bishop Angaelos regarding the debate led by His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury on the 9th December 2011: Consensus in the British House of Lords on the state of Christians in the Middle East

Press Release: House of Lords debate on Christians in the Middle East, 9th December 2011

Press Releases and Statements: The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK Blog

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