Sunday 28 July 2024

Statement: His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos OBE, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London on the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics 2024

 

Media and Communications Office
Coptic Orthodox Church
United Kingdom
 





STATEMENT
His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos OBE,

Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London and Papal Legate to the United Kingdom
on the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games 2024


28 July 2024

Like many, I was looking forward to the opening ceremony of this year’s Olympic Games hosted by Paris, expecting a unifying moment that could bring us together in a way that transcends the conflict, polarisation, geopolitical posturing and war that has gripped the world. I was saddened however by what appeared, and is now globally perceived to be, a parody and blatant derision of the Last Supper during the opening ceremony. I have taken time to reflect and have allowed time for the International Olympic Committee or the National Olympic Committee to provide clarification. It has been forty-eight hours since the ceremony and there has been no adequate response.

If it was not the intention of the organisers to depict the Last Supper, and it was indeed meant to represent the Feast of Dionysius as is being alluded to by some, then why has there not been an official clarification of what was intended, and why is there no apparent concern on behalf of the organisers in light of the global response and offence felt and expressed by so many around the world? The only responses to date have been to refer to France’s rights regarding freedom to worship and to not worship, which does not address the offence caused by the misrepresentation of a beautiful moment in history and one that is core to the Christian Faith.

Inclusivity, diversity, and freedom of belief and the right not to believe are not protected or advanced by such disrespect to millions globally.

At a time when we are working globally to protect the freedom of religion or belief for all, we must ensure that it is safeguarded for everyone around the world, equally. If this performance had mocked the beliefs of any other religious community, or any other community for that matter, it would be a cause for equal concern and offence.

It has been reported that the opening ceremony video has been removed from official Olympic channels and that some funders and advertisers are responding by withdrawing their support. If the offence caused was unintentional, then clarification would be a remedy, but if this was indeed, even in part or by inference, a depiction of the Last Supper, then that is entirely unacceptable.

Many Christians, as well as those of other faiths and none, around the world have been offended by this performance, and this must be a consideration for members of the International Olympic Committee, for whom the impact of hurtful and offensive terminology around a number of issues has been a focus, and yet they remain silent on this matter. The Olympic Games represent a space that has historically been inclusive and welcoming, and the perception of the global community has always been, and should always remain, important in this space that is meant to be safeguarded as respectful of the diverse nature of all humanity.

I, like many, will sadly be looking at this year’s Olympic Games very differently. I will be wholeheartedly supporting Team GB and Team Egypt, and will be in admiration of every athlete who has been training for years to reach this milestone. I will think back to the days of London 2012 when there was so much solidarity and such joy, and think how very differently if feels today, and how far we are from that.

Pursuant to the International Olympic Committee’s own guidelines which stress respect, consistency and sensitivity “irrespective of gender, race, religion or sexual orientation”, I call upon the International Olympic Committee and National Olympic Committee to directly address the global offence that this performance has caused, as I pray for a spirit of accountability and wisdom. 

*Ends*


Resources:    
Statements, reports, comments and press releases via www.CopticMediaUK.com

Wednesday 6 December 2023

His Majesty King Charles III visits The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK, ten years after his first historic visit on 17 December 2013

 Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office

 

Press Release
For immediate use
6 December 2023

 

His Majesty King Charles III visits The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK,
ten years after his first historic visit on 17 December 2013

His Majesty King Charles III attended an Advent Service and Christmas Reception at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in Hertfordshire on 5 December 2023 which was attended by over six hundred guests from the House of Lords and House of Commons, the Diplomatic Corps, the Foreign Commonwealth Office, humanitarian, and advocacy organisations, as well as ecumenical and interreligious guests, and members of the Coptic Orthodox clergy and community in the United Kingdom.


The King was greeted on arrival by His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos OBE, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London and Papal Legate to the United Kingdom, and The Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Mr Robert Voss CBE CStJ, who then introduced His Majesty to The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Liz Green, The Rt Reverend the Lord Bishop of St Albans, Bishop Alan Smith, the Mayor of Stevenage, Cllr. Myla Arceno, and other civic dignitaries.




His Majesty attended a Coptic Orthodox prayer service in the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral of Saint George, after which he met volunteers from the Church's youth, advocacy and benevolent ministries, who presented the various services offered by the church that align with His Majesty’s Coronation pledge ‘to serve’. The King was then greeted by members of the Coptic Orthodox Church community, and signed a visitors book before unveiling a plaque to mark the occasion of his visit.





His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos presented to His Majesty a fragment of stone from the Coptic Orthodox Altar within the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, speaking of its unparalleled significance in Christian history and the enduring legacy of the Christian Faith and the universal message of hope and resurrection that it offers, from the place of the Resurrection.


His Majesty then addressed the congregation and spoke of his joy at returning to the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral after ten years and meeting people who had been there at the previous visit in 2013. He concluded by wishing everyone a blessed Christmas.

Commenting on the visit, Archbishop Angaelos said:

“It was a true joy to welcome His Majesty back to our Centre and Cathedral during his Coronation Year. The response which we received from our community to attend a midweek morning service was overwhelming, and the genuine love and enthusiasm expressed was heartening. Seeing His Majesty move among the people and engage with them with such warmth and sincerity speaks to his commitment to being the servant King. He touched and left a lasting impression on the hearts of so many individuals and families within our community.

As part of the visit, we were conscious to present some of the major ministries of the Church related to youth, homelessness, social welfare and advocacy in order to demonstrate the breadth of engagement that we have, and this was further represented in the number of our ecumenical, interreligious and official guests who joined us on the day. We were also delighted that His Majesty planted a tree with us, something that speaks to the importance of environmental stewardship as faith communities.

We are very thankful to His Majesty for his visit, his time and genuine sincerity and warmth, and we pray a blessing upon him, the Nation and the Commonwealth and the world during this Advent period, which is a period of hope amidst many global challenges that are affecting so many at this time.”


The King was invited to plant a plum tree on the grounds of The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre, before farewelling guests.

His Majesty King Charles III (formerly The Prince of Wales) first visited The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre a decade ago, to attend a Christmas service and to witness the increasing engagement of the Coptic Orthodox community, an indigenous Egyptian Christian community, now very much at home in the United Kingdom. The King’s visit in 2013, was the first of a series of annual Advent visits to diverse Christian communities carried out by His Majesty.

*Ends*

All photographs are credited to The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Background Information

Royal Visit to The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in 2013, see here

On 5th December 2018 His Majesty spoke at a historic service at Westminster Abbey to celebrate the contribution of Christians in the Middle East. Archbishop Angaelos and the Coptic Orthodox Choir in the United Kingdom took part in this historic service. Read more here.

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, the 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark,  met The King at Clarence House on 17 May 2017 during his first pastoral visit to the United Kingdom. Read more here.

In November 2021, The King also met His Holiness Pope Tawadros II in Egypt.

In March 1995 His Majesty met with His Holiness the late Pope Shenouda III, the 117th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, in Egypt.

 

More on The Coptic Orthodox Church

Coptic Orthodox Christians make up approximately 15% of the population of Egypt, numbering around 15 million. An indigenous community, they are now the largest presence of Christians in the entire Middle East due to widespread immigration and displacement.

There are approximately 40,000 Coptic Orthodox Christians in the UK.  

Tuesday 12 September 2023

Coptic Orthodox Diocese of London opens Diocesan Hub named 'The Sanctuary' in the heart of the City of London, with a Message from His Majesty King Charles III

 

Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office


Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)
Media and Communications Office

 


 

Coptic Orthodox Diocese of London opens Diocesan Hub, The Sanctuary,
in the heart of the City of London, with a Message from
His Majesty King Charles III




11 September 2023

The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of London held a service, officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London and Papal Legate to the United Kingdom, on Monday 11 September 2023, to mark the inauguration of its new Diocesan hub, named The Sanctuary, at Saint Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe, in the heart of the City of London.

 


A Message from His Majesty King Charles III was read during the service by The Right Reverend Christopher Cocksworth, Bishop of Coventry and Dean Designate of Windsor.  In his message, His Majesty offered his best wishes to the Coptic Orthodox community on the establishment of its new home and ministry hub, recognising his own experience of the life and ministry of the Coptic Orthodox Church for many years, especially in the areas of youth work, homelessness, and advocacy. King Charles commended efforts leading to environmental stewardship, as Saint Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe has recently been renovated as part of an ecumenical partnership, and is now believed to be the first Grade I listed church in London to be carbon neutral.

Today also marks the beginning of the Coptic New Year (Nayrouz), making this historic event even more poignant for members of the Coptic Orthodox community in the United Kingdom and around the world.

The service was attended by senior Church leaders and representatives, ecumenical and interfaith partners, members of the Diplomatic Corps, members of Parliament, representatives of advocacy and non-governmental organisations, as well as the breadth of civil society, accompanied by clergy and members of the Coptic Orthodox Church community.

 



In his sermon, His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos spoke of renewal and the importance of valuing tradition, saying:

“During this New Year, it is wonderful for us to focus on renewal, but it is equally important for us to hold onto our heritage as well. The Coptic Orthodox Church, established by Saint Mark the Apostle in Egypt, has been faithful for two thousand years in living and sharing its Faith. It is also a Church that, today, here, worships in English, and has a variety of diverse ministries that range from children to youth to sporting ministries, homeless ministry to advocacy, and much more.”

Speaking of the vision underpinning the new Diocesan hub, His Eminence continued:

“Our message is a message of hope; a message of resurrection; a message of love. It is a message that has been unchanged for over two millennia. We are constantly delivering it to different people at different times, throughout different generations in different settings, with different backgrounds and different cultures, and that is an exciting prospect. It is inspiring that people representing this vast and diverse mosaic are able to stand here, in one place, and pray together, looking towards a new beginning.”

Archbishop Angaelos concluded by saying:

“We thank God for new beginnings and all that they bring. We also give thanks for that which is coming that may not be known, but that will excite and inspire us, and speak to our hearts; those things that, above all, will shine the light of our Lord into a world drastically in need of His peace.”

 

 

In a message from The Most Reverend Archbishop of Canterbury, read by The Right Reverend Jonathan Baker, Bishop of Fulham, he said:

"I wanted to give you my congratulations on this momentous occasion… As we work together for the unity of all Christ's people, such a sign of our togetherness in Christ is a powerful witness to the world.  I hope and pray that St. Andrew's will prove a happy, lasting home for your church community, and a place of prayer and refuge for your people."

 


 

In a message from The Right Honourable Rishi Sunak MP, Prime Minister, read by Mr. David Burrowes, the Prime Minister's Deputy Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, he said:

"I want to emphasise the immense value that the Coptic Orthodox Church brings not only to the United Kingdom but also to the global community. The Coptic Orthodox Church has been a beacon of faith, unity, and compassion for so many, and it has made a significant and positive impact on countless lives. The opening of the Diocesan hub in the City of London is a noteworthy moment. The bustling City is not only a financial centre but also a vibrant community with diverse businesses and city workers. The presence of the Coptic Orthodox Church in this setting will undoubtedly enrich the lives of those who live and work in the area. The Church's teachings of love, acceptance, and service will undoubtedly resonate within the community."

 

 


 

The Bishop of London, The Right Reverend and The Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally, began her address by saying:

"It is a delight to be here in person this evening…not only because it is Coptic Orthodox New Year, but also because it is the start of a new ministry and worship in this place for the Coptic Orthodox Church in the Diocese of London.”

Referring to the Gospel message read during the service, she continued:

“I often feel that they are not quite treasures hidden in a field, but our churches are treasures hidden among skyscrapers and big buildings, and having the partnership here with the Coptic Orthodox Church allows that treasure to maybe shine slightly brighter and more constant than it has been.  We often talk about ecumenical partnership but, today, we do not only talk about it, we see it demonstrated in action."

 


 

Dr. Debbie Weekes-Bernard, London's Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice, offered greetings from the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and in her address, wishing the congregation a Happy New Year and speaking of her engagement with the Coptic Orthodox Church, she said:

“I have had the honour of meeting and working with faith leaders across London, many of whom are assembled here today, and including Archbishop Angaelos and his representatives, through, for example, the London Faith Sector Panel and our regular interfaith breakfast meetings.” 

Highlighting the vital work carried out by various ministries in the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of London, she said:

“The support that you and other faith groups have given to London’s communities is essential to their health and wellbeing. And we see this in the work of the Coptic churches with Exodus Youth Worx UK, and through your youth ministries, empowering young people and fostering their emotional, physical, mental, social, and spiritual growth. We see this also in the Coptic City Mission which goes into the streets of London on a weekly basis to provide food for the homeless. We know how vital collaboration and partnerships are to ensuring that communities have the support that they need in times of crisis. So, I would like to thank all partners in the room for all you do to support Londoners.” 

She concluded by saying:

“It is important that we learn from the work that has happened here and continue to build connections and partnerships so that we can continue to serve Londoners and make London a better place, now and in the future. I look forward to working even more closely with Archbishop Angaelos and his representatives over the coming months.” 

 


The service was also attended by the Archdeacon of London, the Venerable Luke Miller, the Rector of Saint Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe, who was presented with a special icon by Archbishop Angaelos with a word of thanks to him and the parish congregation for their hard work and companionship on this journey. 

The Sanctuary will serve as a space in the heart of the City of London for ministries already established within the Diocese. These include ministries specifically serving children, youth, students, young women and men, seniors, and the homeless, amongst other existing ministries. The Sanctuary will also be a place from which the Church’s ecumenical and interfaith relations, official engagements, and advocacy work will continue.

 

*Ends*