His Holiness Pope Tawadros II to meet His Holiness Pope Francis in Rome

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate use

8 May 2013

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

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 will visit His Holiness Pope Francis, the 266 Pope of the Roman Catholic Church.

This visit comes 40 years after His Holiness the late Pope Shenouda III, and His Holiness the late Pope Paul VI signed the Christological agreement between their respective Churches in 1973.

Pope Shenouda III’s visit to Rome came approximately one thousand five hundred years after the Christological schism of the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD, and encouraged the move towards greater unity between the Churches.

*Ends*

Press Release: Statement by HG Bishop Angaelos following the attack on the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate in Cairo on 7 April 2013

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
7 April 2013

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom following the attack on the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate in Cairo on 7 April 2013

While the Arab Spring and uprising in Tahrir Square were expected to bring about a fresh start for Egypt, the only true difference is that the situation seems to have become progressively worse for many millions of Egyptian citizens. 

Today, Egypt saw an unprecedented attack on the See of the Pope of Alexandria, the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate in Cairo, by mobs, with the police arriving far too late and doing very little, if anything at all, to prevent them. 

Reports have indicated that Egypt’s president, Mr Mohammed Morsi had made telephone contact with the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark, saying that ‘the protection of the lives of all Egyptians, Muslims and Christian, is the responsibility of the state.’ It is now clear that the state needs to take that responsibility far more seriously.

We have seen escalating and increasing attacks on Christians, Christian communities, churches and now the Patriarchate during this past period of expected improvement, and so questions must be asked. What are the authorities waiting for? More bloodshed, violence, hostility, alienation, marginalisation, division, or just more anarchy? It is clear that without intentional, pragmatic and proactive leadership by the state, and the effective law enforcement by its security forces, that this pattern of increasing violence and lawlessness is the only possible outcome. With these incidents being dealt with in this way, we see a growth of expectation of impunity and thus encouragement by some to continue breaking the law while assured that they will not be held accountable. 

Last year, the streets of Abasseya around the Grand Cathedral of St Mark saw many thousands of Egyptians, Christians and Muslims alike, standing to pay their respects at the departure of our late Pope Shenouda III. Now those streets see an attack on that same Cathedral. So what has changed, and how can we return to the collective pride, passion and faithfulness of Egypt that we saw in Tahrir Square in 2011 with the thousands flying Egyptian flags, and calling for a unified state for all Egyptians? 

We pray for Egypt because we believe that Egypt, as blessed by God, still has a chance. This chance however, hinges on faithful, pragmatic and visionary leadership, otherwise these coming months and years will only introduce more heartache, bloodshed and division that will inevitably lead to the decline of the nation, that was once the birthplace of civilisation, and its individual members.

*Ends*

Press Release: HG Bishop Angaelos' Statement RE Nadia Eweida Case

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate use

16 January 2013

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Having spoken to Nadia Eweida on 16 January 2013 to congratulate her on winning her case at the European Court of Human Rights, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom issued the following statement saying:

‘Having provided personal and pastoral support for Nadia throughout her courageous effort to seek justice over the past 6 years I, along with The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, have considered her case one of extreme importance, offering support in laying a precedent for people who may be placed in a similar predicament. Witnessing the many parts of the world in which the significant human rights of faith and belief are limited or even revoked, whether passively or aggressively, we hold fast to calling for these God-given rights to be upheld and protected in the United Kingdom.’

The full statement can be viewed online via www.CopticMediaUK.com or by clicking here. 

Press Release: Explosion kills 4, injures 2 at Coptic Orthodox Church building, Libya

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
30 Dec 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Media and Public Relations Office

Two dead, and four injured as early reports confirm explosion at a Coptic Orthodox Church building in Libya on 29 December 2012.

Initial reports reveal that two people have been killed and four injured after an explosion at a Coptic Orthodox Church building in Libya. His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom said:

‘After speaking to His Eminence Metropolitan Pakhomious, Metropolitan of Beheira and Pentapolis, it was determined that authorities in Libya are co-operating and updates will be given as soon as more information is available.’

***Ends***

For more information please contact our media and public relations office:

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
Website: www.CopticCentre.com
Blog: www.CopticCentre.Blogspot.com
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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: Statement by HG Bishop Angaelos RE alleged Coptic involvement in film 'Innocence of Muslims' and the resulting unrest

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate use
Date: 14 Sep 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Media and Public Relations Office

In relation to the claims of the alleged involvement of Coptic Christians in the film ‘Innocence of Muslims’ and the resulting unrest in the Middle East, His Grace Bishop Angaelos has released a statement.

“It is of course the right of individuals or groups to protest in a responsible manner against conduct that insults what they hold sacred. Having said that, as these protests continue to escalate, sometimes dangerously out of hand, there must be a realisation that in Egypt, its surrounding region, and beyond, it is only local citizens and communities, and the reputation of these states that is being damaged through such aggressive and violent behaviour.”

The full statement is available here.

***Ends***

For more information please contact our media and public relations office:

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
Website: www.CopticCentre.com
Blog: www.CopticCentre.Blogspot.com
Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CopticMediaUK
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Press Release: The Coptic Orthodox Church announces Papal Selection dates

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
Date: 13 Sep 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Media and Public Relations Office

The new pope of The Coptic Orthodox Church will be chosen on 2 December 2012 as announced by the Holy Synod and Nominations Committee on Wednesday 12 September 2012. The official list of Papal nominees and final dates that will bring the Papal selection process to a close was also announced.

The Holy Synod and Nominations Committee of the Coptic Orthodox Church have announced that the new pope to succeed His Holiness the late Pope Shenouda III, the 117th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark, will be chosen on 2 December 2012. Pope Shenouda III departed on 17th March 2012 after forty-one years of papacy.

The Papal Selection Timeline as announced on Wednesday 12 September 2012 is as follows:

• 14 September- Final papal nominations announced by nominations committee
• 15-30 September - Period for challenges to nominations by voters
• 1-3 October - Church-wide fast for the coming stage of the process
• 3 October - Nominations committee commences deliberations and creates a shortlist of 5-7 candidates for papal election
• 19-21 November - Church-wide fast before Papal election
• 24 November - Papal election
• 26-29 November - Church-wide fast preceding Altar Ballot
• 2 December - Liturgical service at the Grand Cathedral of St Mark in which the Altar Ballot will take place and the new pope will be chosen.

The Nominations Committee will formally issue the final list of Papal Candidates on Friday 14 September, and they are:

• Metropolitan Bishoy of Damietta
• Bishop Youannes
• Bishop Rafael
• Bishop Pafnotious of Samalout
• Bishop Boutros
• Bishop Tawadros
• Bishop Kyrollos of Milan
• Father Rafael Ava-Mina
• Father Maximos El-Antony
• Father Shenouda Anba-Bishoy
• Father Pakhomious El-Souriany
• Father Daniel El-Souriani
• Father Anastasi El-Samuel
• Father Bishoy Anba-Paula
• Father Saweris Anba-Paula
• Father Seraphim El-Souriany
• Father Pigol Anba-Bishoy

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom who has issued a detailed explanation of the papal selection process said:

“The papal selection process, albeit lengthy, has been carried out thus far with integrity, transparency and inclusion of the broad spectrum of the Coptic Orthodox Church both inside and outside Egypt. As we approach the selection of the new pope, we are confident that this process has been carried out for centuries, and is not merely based on democratic election, but primarily on a collective prayerfulness and faith in God’s choice.”

***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

Website: www.CopticCentre.com

Blog: www.CopticCentre.Blogspot.com

Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CopticMediaUK

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Press Release: Departure of His Holiness Abune Paulos, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate use
Date: 16 August 2012

 The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Media and Public Relations Office

Departure of His Holiness Abune Paulos, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church on 16 August 2012.  

The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom extends its condolences to and offers its prayers for her sister Ethiopian Orthodox Church upon the departure of His Holiness Abune Paulos, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

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

“Upon hearing of the departure of His Holiness the late Abune Paulos, I contacted His Eminence Archbishop Antonios of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church here in the United Kingdom, expressing our condolences and assuring him of our prayers. We pray repose for the soul of Abune Paulos and for comfort, strength and wisdom for the Ethiopian Orthodox faithful around the world. Having ourselves recently experienced the departure of our pope and patriarch, we are as confident that God will provide our brethren in our sister church a faithful shepherd and servant, as we are that He will provide the same for us.”

**ENDS**

For more information please contact our media and public relations office:

Angela Mikhail

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
Website: www.CopticCentre.com

Blog: www.CopticCentre.Blogspot.com
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PRESS RELEASE: Preliminary list of names presented to the Nominations Committee in Egypt of those put forward as Papal candidates for The Coptic Orthodox Church

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
Date: 30th May 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK
Media and Public Relations Office

The preliminary list of names presented to the Nominations Committee of those put forward as Papal candidates was announced and published on Wednesday 30th May 2012, in Cairo as part of the Papal Selection Process for the Coptic Orthodox Church.

The Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church has announced the preliminary list of names presented to the Nominations Committee of those put forward as Papal candidates as part of the process of selecting a new pope to succeed His Holiness the late Pope Shenouda III, the 117th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark. H.H. Pope Shenouda III departed on 17th March 2012 after forty-one years of papacy.

A final list of eligible voters is yet to be announced, and the period for challenges to be presented to the Nominations Challenges Committee with regards to Papal candidates will only commence once this is done.

The preliminary Papal candidate list is as follows:

Metropolitan Bishoy of Damietta
Bishop Youannes
Bishop Roufail
Bishop Pavnotious of Samalout
Bishop Boutros
Bishop Tawadros
Bishop Kirollos of Milan
Father Rafael Avva-Mina
Father Maximos El-Antony
Father Shenouda Anba-Bishoy
Father Pakhomous El-Souriani
Father Daniel El-Souriani
Father Anastasi El-Samuel
Father Bishoy Anba-Paula
Father Sawaries Anba-Paula
Father Seraphim El-Souriani
Father Pigol Anba-Bishoy

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 Blog or click here.

For more information or to arrange an interview with His Grace Bishop Angaelos 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
Website: www.CopticCentre.com
Blog: www.CopticCentre.Blogspot.com
Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CopticMediaUK
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/CopticMediaUK

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
Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CopticMediaUK
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/CopticMediaUK

Press Release: HG Bishop Angaelos announces the departure of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE USE

Date: 17^th March 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Media and Public Relations Office

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK announced the departure of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III.

On 17^th March 2012 His Grace Bishop Angaelos announced the departure 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 the Evangelist of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria.

In a statement released today Bishop Angaelos said the following:

“His Holiness Pope Shenouda III will be remembered by his Church as a dedicated servant of God and of the people, a man who faithfully endured through conflict, opposition, and persecution. His Holiness built upon the foundation laid by our Lord Jesus Christ, enhancing the Church in a variety of ways, encouraging a spirit of unity for all of humanity. May his prayers be with us all, and may he find joy and rest in the Kingdom of our gracious Lord.”

The announcement came during a sports ministry event at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre involving hundreds of youth from across the United Kingdom; His Grace commented that “this was especially pertinent as youth ministry has always been one of the passions of His Holiness and it would have given him joy to see this gathering.”

His Holiness Pope Shenouda was consecrated Pope of Alexandria on November 14, 1971, and under his leadership the Church experienced rapid growth within Egypt and in the lands of immigration, including the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia, with over 200 churches in North America being established, there being only 4 at the time of his succession.

His Holiness gave weekly meetings to over seven thousand people in the Cathedral of St. Mark in Cairo, authored over 100 spiritual books, later translated into many languages for consumption worldwide; he also ordained over 80 Metropolitans and Bishops and over 600 priests.  

His Holiness was also dedicated to ecumenism and helped to pave the way towards greater unity between the Oriental, Catholic, and Protestant among other Churches worldwide being the first pope in over 1500 years to visit the Vatican in 1973, agreeing to establish joint commissions for dialogue on unity.

There will be a book of condolence available at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre from Monday 19^th March 2012 for those who would like to show their respects. Please contact Admin@CopticCentre.com or phone 01438-745232.

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
Website: www.CopticCentre.com

Blog: www.CopticCentre.Blogspot.com
Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CopticMediaUK
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The Coptic Orthodox Church launches a new ministry in the City of London to commence on the 4th March 2012

Press Release from the Coptic Orthodox Church UK

For immediate use

Date:  17th February 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Public Relations Office

The Coptic Orthodox Church launches a new ministry in the City of London to commence on the 4^th March 2012.

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church announced the launch of The St. Paul Ministry, a new initiative of the Church in the United Kingdom. Held in the beautiful and historic St. Mary-le-Bow church in the City of London, monthly services will be offered in the English language while maintaining the traditional Coptic spirituality and hymnology. Services will be followed by a fellowship meal and a contemporary Bible study and discussion. The first service will be held on Sunday 4^th March at 10am.

Bishop Angaelos who, with a dynamic and dedicated steering group, established the ministry, said the following:

“While this is a new and exciting ministry for the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, it follows the ethos that has been at its core for centuries, introducing people to our Lord Jesus Christ through the lived perspective of the Church in a real and relevant way. The words of Acts 2:42 have always been especially pertinent to me, and it is exciting to see them presented in a fresh 21^st Century expression.”

Mission Statement

The St Paul Ministry is founded on a novel and fresh approach to fellowship, with the aim of encountering Christ through the life and practice of the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Christian Church of Egypt. This Ministry aims to make the ancient apostolic Faith practical, reachable and tangible within a Western context. Our goal is to enable the enrichment of lives through the fellowship of the Church, the manifest Body of Christ.

In line with Acts 2:42, the St Paul Ministry aims to achieve this by: 
1. Providing opportunities for greater knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures and teachings of the Fathers. 
2. Creating a safe and familiar space for interaction with like-minded people along their spiritual journey. 
3. Making manifest the Faith and practice of the Church through its Sacraments.
4. Having a time of focused collective prayer and worship.

First Service:

The first service will be held on Sunday 4th March at 10am in St. Mary-le-Bow church.

Resources:

St. Paul Ministry Website: www.StPaulMinistry.com

On Twitter: @StPaulMinistry , www.twitter.com/StPaulMinistry

E-mail: Contact@StPaulMinistry.com

[ENDS]

For more information contact:

Media and Public Relations Officer Coptic Orthodox Church UK 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 Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CopticMediaUK YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/CopticMediaUK

Press Release: The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in the UK denies any involvement with former Egyptian finance minister

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre

Media and Public Relations Office

PRESS RELEASE

5^th December 2011

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in the UK denies any involvement with former Egyptian finance minister

In response to untrue allegations made by Al Ahram group, The Coptic Orthodox Centre UK categorically denies the presence of the former Egyptian finance minister Youssef Botrous Ghaly at the Centre now or at any time in the past. The Coptic Centre further denies any involvement in any official or unofficial dealings with the former minister. The Centre and HG Bishop Angaelos have no official or unofficial relationship with Dr Ghaly and are unaware of his whereabouts.

Bishop Angaelos has expressed the following with regards to this matter, “We are not in a position to judge as to the relationship between Egypt and former minister Youssef Botrous Ghaly as I understand that this is a matter for the authorities in Egypt. We have however not had any dealings with him here in the United Kingdom. I find this utterly irresponsible and a further incitement against Christians and the Church that is totally unfounded.”

The Centre is seeking the Al Ahram group to retract and correct this information or legal proceedings will be initiated as this is an irresponsible action that presents a real risk for which the newspaper will be held accountable.

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
Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CopticMediaUK