A message for the New Year by His Grace Bishop Angaelos

A message for the New Year by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop
of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom 

2014 has been a challenging year, demanding greater humanitarian assistance and advocacy for a variety of people across the world, and in many instances this has generated an immensely positive response from individuals and society as a whole. For that reason, while reflecting on the darkness of the tragedies that have been unfolding, we must also remember to give thanks for the light shining through the good works of faithful people in their response to them, some of whom have sadly paid the ultimate price.

Through these occurrences the world has experienced an extremist narrative seeking the destruction of centuries-old communities. In response to this alarming development however, there have been greater unified efforts across the ecumenical and inter-religious spectrums to express solidarity with, advocate on behalf of, and provide much needed aid to, those suffering.

Religious and civic leaders have been challenged to speak out against violations of basic human rights, and in many cases have responded to that call with a greater sense of responsibility and commitment. This response however, is still disproportionate to the suffering, destruction and devastation that has been experienced, and much remains to be done.

It is increasingly difficult to provide hope with the backdrop of those who continue to suffer gross violations of their rights, and yet we are reminded, particularly at this time of the year, that through the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ, the whole of humanity has been freely gifted with respect, love and peace through the message of Salvation.

The global community is founded upon the safeguarding of fundamental principles of God-given freedom, liberty, and equality, and while many around the world are denied these rights, we who are free to enjoy them must advocate and do all we can to protect those same rights for them. We have an individual and collective responsibility towards our brothers and sisters, regardless of their religious affiliation, as every individual is entitled to live in peace, and with the freedom to choose and live his or her faith, as long as that does not impede on the choices of others.

Our Lord Jesus Christ was born into adversity and poverty, and at an early age fled to, and sought asylum in, Egypt. His family fled from oppressive persecution, and He continued to live His life facing immense challenges and struggles in order that we may find comfort in His example and His victory over all that seeks to overcome us. Our Lord warned us that “in the world you will have tribulation,” but then immediately reassures us with His powerfully comforting words “but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

When considering oppression on a global scale, or closer to home, we must remember that God bestowed basic human rights upon the whole of humanity, and where those rights are violated we must act, because we are reminded that “faith [in this principle] without works is dead” (James 2:26).

We should take the opportunity at the beginning of this New Year to consider how we as individuals and communities can positively impact the lives of those around us, beginning with correcting those things within ourselves that may cause pain to others.

I wish you all the blessings of the Feast of the holy Nativity, and a New Year filled with good health, success and joy in all that it is dear.

+Angaelos
General Bishop

Coptic Orthodox Church

United Kingdom

Nativity Message from His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom

Nativity Message

7 January 2014

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

Media and Communications Office

Nativity Message from His Grace Bishop Angaelos,
General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom

Reconciliation in the Incarnation

Reconciliation is nothing new in Christianity, and its importance has become more evident both in the lives of individuals and, on a larger scale, in that of communities. The very concept of reconciliation was made manifest most powerfully through the Incarnation, and ultimately in the Cross of our Lord. Through the Incarnation, we, as the most precious of all creation, once again became reconciled to God, our Creator and loving Father, “…that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the Cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.” (Ephesians 2:16)

The heart of God has always been one of reconciliation, to restore what was lost and to repair broken bonds; and we can see this both in the New and Old Testaments.  Not only is it the intention of our Father to be reconciled with all humanity, but through the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ, we have been given an example and are called to follow in His footsteps; this is evident in 2 Corinthians 5:18, “Now all things are of God, Who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation”.

We are encouraged when we remember, especially during this Holy Feast of the blessed Nativity, that our Lord did not make Himself manifest to humanity in a glorified state, but rather took flesh and willingly bore the pains of poverty. Our Lord lived in adversity and endured hostility with all humility in order that we may attain strength through Him, and in that knowledge, to overcome any challenges we may encounter.

Our true strength as Christians lies in the determined and continued efforts to faithfully abide in our Lord, living and serving as He did. As has been the case for centuries, the powerful witness of Christians in Egypt and throughout the Middle East, and the spirit of non-retaliation and love for those who consider themselves enemies, comes naturally by the grace of God and continues to testify to the presence of our Lord as He instructs us saying, “…But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:44-45)

The world has truly witnessed the manifest love of Christ in the spirit of forgiveness demonstrated by members of our community in Egypt as they have suffered repeated assaults and endured hostility, incitement and hatred. In bearing the very personal attacks on individuals, communities, churches, homes and businesses, the super-human power of restraint and forgiveness, which can only come from our Lord, has overcome all that has sought to threaten our very existence in Egypt. Despite repeated attempts to provoke Christians to anger and retaliation, there has been nothing but resilience, perseverance, humility, restraint and love demonstrated towards all those who seek to cause harm.

Whether one lives in the Middle East, in the United Kingdom, or anywhere in the world, there will always be an opportunity to be a reconciling agent at some level, and it is at this time that we follow in our Saviour’s footsteps and become “peacemakers” so that we are “children of our heavenly Father”.

As we celebrate the Feast of the Nativity, we must remember that through this witness, as with the humble reconciling Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are called to be those who continually testify to the love of God for all humanity. In doing so we can “overcome evil with good”, providing, in the midst of such apparent darkness, a guiding light and the opportunity for all to be reconciled to Christ.  

We pray blessings, joy and protection upon all those celebrating this New Year and the commemoration of the Birth of our Saviour, while holding in our prayers those living in areas of conflict in the Middle East, Africa and throughout the world, that we may sing with the angels “Glory be to God in the Highest, peace on earth and goodwill towards men.”

Royal Mail unveils their 2013 Christmas stamp collection featuring a Coptic Nativity icon by Hertfordshire-based iconographer Fadi Mikhail.

Press Release

For immediate use

29 November 2013

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

Media and Communications Office

Royal Mail unveils their 2013 Christmas stamp collection featuring a Coptic Nativity icon by Hertfordshire-based iconographer Fadi Mikhail.

The stamp, entitled ‘Theotokos, Mother of God’ depicts the Virgin Saint Mary embracing the Infant Christ. It is an example of the beauty and deeply rooted Faith and culture of the Coptic Orthodox Church, the largest Christian denomination in the Middle East which traces its roots back to the Apostle Mark in the first Century.

Since its establishment in the United Kingdom in the 1960s the Coptic Orthodox community has been increasing in size, and more recently in activity. The Coptic faithful in the United Kingdom are active members of society who contribute to their wider community through a variety of spiritual and social networks and programmes.

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, said:

“This is an opportunity to not only portray the beautiful iconographic heritage of the Coptic Orthodox Church within British culture, but also its theology and teaching with respect to the message of hope and salvation in the Nativity, a Feast that is often transformed into a purely commercial occasion. It also lives as a testimony to the resilience of the Copts, who continue to live their Faith in the birthplace of Christianity and across the world despite the many challenges they have faced in recent months and years.”

Fadi Mikhail, an active youth member of The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre said:

“Coptic iconography was redeveloped in the 1960s and has enjoyed increased international interest since that time. I'm happy that this stamp is helping to elevate that status. Whether it is through art, music, language, or the reconstruction of churches, there is a movement both within and outside Egypt in which Copts are rebuilding themselves for the future, and I see Coptic iconography as a key factor in heralding this movement forward.”

Along with this historic stamp, an icon from the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral of St George depicting St Mary and the Child Jesus, also written by Fadi Mikhail, has been chosen by Christians Aware as part of their Christmas card collection for 2013.

*Ends*

Resources:

Coptic Iconography in the United Kingdom: www.UKCopticIcons.com

Royal Mail Christmas collection 2013 here

HG Bishop Angaelos attends a carol service at St John's Mar Thoma Church, London

On 9 December 2012 His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom preached at a carol service at St John’s Mar Thoma Church in London. 

The evening began with a procession and welcome speech by Reverend Eapen Abraham, followed by a selection of Christmas carols and readings from Scripture. In his address Bishop Angaelos spoke about the importance and relevance of Christmas for humanity:

‘The Nativity brings with it a promise of renewal, transformation, glory and abundant life, calling us all to shine in the world as a living manifestation of Emmanuel, ‘God with us’’