Messages received from Her Majesty The Queen, HRH the Prince of Wales, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Prime Minister at the annual Coptic New Year (Nayrouz) Service at St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey

 

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Messages received from Her Majesty The Queen, HRH the Prince of Wales, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Prime Minister at the annual Coptic New Year (Nayrouz) Service at St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey

10 November 2021

Messages were received from Her Majesty The Queen, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, the Most Reverend Archbishop Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Right Honourable Boris Johnson MP, Prime Minister, as the annual Nayrouz (Coptic New Year) Service returned to St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey on 9 November 2021. Addresses were delivered by The Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict and Minster of State (Minister for South Asia, United Nations and the Commonwealth), and the Baroness Cox of Queensbury and Dr Ewelina Ochab, Deputy Director of Refcemi, The Coptic Orthodox Office for Advocacy and Public Policy.

Members of the House of Lords and House of Commons, the Diplomatic Corps, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Home Office, and humanitarian and advocacy organisations, as well as various ecumenical and inter-religious guests, joined members of the Coptic Orthodox community in the United Kingdom for the annual celebration, which was able to be held in-person, later than usual, after a year of challenges presented by the ongoing pandemic. The service commenced with a welcome by the Reverend Canon Anthony Ball, Canon of Westminster & Rector of St Margaret’s.

In his sermon, which focused on new beginnings, His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, said:

“Today, although a little later than usual, we celebrate New Beginnings. It is always a good opportunity to experience new beginnings, wherever or whenever they may occur. Some of us however fall into the romanticised view of what a good new beginning is. We speak of the joy of a fresh start, a fresh page, and we romanticise that; but new beginnings are, without a doubt, often difficult. There are so many around us who are starting afresh and yet doing so with considerable struggle.”

“We are asked to follow in the footsteps of our Creator, Who prepared everything for us, Who paved the way for us in His Incarnation so that we are helped as we journey, and Who reconciles us completely as we return. Today we must think more about others than ourselves. Let us not look at others from our own perspective, but theirs. When we see people journeying, let us walk in their shoes, for at least a small part of their journey, so that maybe then the complexity and challenge of those new beginnings may be better understood. We must exercise our generosity to those who deal with us at the personal level, to those within our communities, and to our world at large; recognising that when we are faithful stewards, more is given to us, so that we can be faithful over more. So, as we gather, we pray for new beginnings and new journeys, ours and those of others, and endeavour to do all we can for all those who may need our help along the way.”

Messages and Addresses followed the Service, beginning with a heartening message addressed to His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos from Her Majesty The Queen, read by Bishop David Hamid, in which Her Majesty wrote:

“Occasions such as this provide an opportunity to remember all those around the world who suffer hardship on account of their faith, especially in recent times. They remain in our thoughts and prayers.

At this time of reflection as you remember and honour the faithful witness and resilience of Coptic Christians throughout the ages, I wish all in the Coptic community a peaceful and blessed year ahead.”          

The message of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, read by Bishop Jonathan Clark, spoke of the importance of gathering in prayer, especially for communities that face hardship on account of their religion or belief around the world:

“Gathering together is an essential part of religious and community life. It helps us feel connected, not just at an individual level but, importantly, to something larger than ourselves. After such a challenging year for the global community, I am encouraged to know that the Feast of Nayrouz, the marking of the beginning of the Coptic new Year, will be a moment to see each other in person. In challenging times, the fact that the annual Nayrouz Service brings together so many people from different backgrounds and walks of life alongside the Coptic Orthodox community in the U.K. is a true symbol of solidarity and unity.”

“As communities around the world continue to face persecution and endure dreadful hardship for their faith, I join you today in prayer for all those who continue to suffer injustice and religious persecution.”

In a message from the Most Reverend Archbishop of Canterbury, read by Revd Dr Matthias Grebe, he focused on the importance of solidarity and collaboration, saying:

“Nayrouz or New Year, which takes place when normally the waters of the Nile rise, is a good time both to think of transitions and of the martyrs whose transition from death to life has so richly nourished the Church. Water can deal death and wash away dirt, and at the same time it gives new life, just as it does in baptism. The grace of this great sacrament is what we see displayed in the lives of the martyrs who inspire us to live out that same grace in our lives.”

“This is why our friendship is so important. It is not just a human friendship but a coming together in Christ. Not only does each growth in friendship take a step towards a more united world, but it increases Christ’s influence in the world.”

“May all of us, united in our faith in Jesus Christ, increase in the relationship of love He wants us to have with each other. Our prayers will be strengthened and our witness more effective.”

The Right Honourable Boris Johnson MP, Prime Minister reiterated the commitment of Her Majesty’s Government to respecting religious freedom and belief, in a Message read by Fiona Bruce MP, Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief:

“It is heartening that you are able to gather in person again for this significant event after such a challenging time for us all. Standing together in solidarity to respect and advocate for one another is testament to the resilience and character of your community.”

"As you commemorate the lives of so many Christians and people of all faiths and none who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their faith or belief, it is important for us all to remember that faith and minority groups continue to suffer persecution around the world. Respect for people of faiths is of fundamental importance to Her Majesty’s Government.”

“I hope that these celebrations usher in a blessed and peaceful year for the Coptic Orthodox Church community both here in Britain and worldwide.”

Dr Ewelina Ochab, Deputy Director of Refcemi, said in her address:

“All over the world, people – and whole communities – are suffering from persecution purely because of their religion or beliefs. This includes acts of violence and even attempts to annihilate whole communities. As we observe it, such acts are increasing globally. In the past five years alone, there have been several cases of atrocities which meet the legal definition of genocide. Yazidis, Christians and other religious minorities targeted by Daesh in Iraq Rohingya Muslims and other religious minorities targeted by the Burmese military in Myanmar. Uyghurs, Christians, Falun Gong practitioners, Tibetan Buddhists and others targeted in China. Christians targeted by Boko Haram and other militias in Nigeria —in all those cases, religious communities were targeted because of their religion or belief.”

“This is also the very reason for the establishment of Refcemi, the Coptic Orthodox Office for Advocacy and Public Policy founded in October 2019 by His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos. ‘Refcemi’ is the Coptic word for ‘advocate’. It speaks to the resilience of the Coptic Orthodox community which has lived through millennia of persecution, and in spite of these struggles,            has not retracted into a state of victimhood, but rather, has used this experience to stand and advocate for others.”

The Baroness Cox of Queensbury highlighted the persecution of a number of minority communities across the world, and said in her address:

“My message is a plea for more churches in relative comfort zones in societies such as ours, to remember St. Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth:

‘When one part of the Body of Christ suffers, we all suffer.’

I hope and pray that we will be alongside in prayer with our brothers and sisters suffering persecution in so many countries today – and remember ‘Prayer without deeds is dead.’

Thank you for letting me share some of the pain, the passion and the privilege of being with our persecuted brothers and sisters. And may our prayers for them enable us to be more worthy of the price they are paying for our faith.”

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon gave the concluding address, raising awareness of a number of religious freedom issues around the world, and reiterating the government’s commitment to working in the area of Freedom of Religion or Belief:

“Next summer, we will host an international Ministerial Conference on freedom of religion or belief.

The Foreign Secretary, the Prime Ministers’ Special Envoy Fiona Bruce, and myself, are all working hard to lay the foundations for a conference that energises the work of civil society, religious and non-religious communities, and Governments.”

“Your Eminence, Archbishop Angaelos, you have been a staunch ally in our shared mission to spread understanding, respect, and friendship between religious and non-religious communities.

I look forward to continuing our work together, as we promote and defend equality, inclusion and respect, at home and abroad; for everyone.”

Lord Ahmad concluded by expressing that the greatest test of anyone’s faith is the willingness and conviction to safeguard the faith of others.

*Ends*

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II appoints His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos Papal Legate to the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney & its Affiliated Regions

You can also read the announcement HERE

G7 Prayer Breakfast addresses 'State sponsored persecution: The G7 role in upholding Religious Freedom'

G7 Prayer Breakfast addresses ‘State sponsored persecution: 
The G7 role in upholding Religious Freedom’

14 June 2021

For immediate release

His Grace the Bishop of Truro, the Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, and His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, jointly hosted the G7 Prayer Breakfast at St Hilary’s Church in Cornwall on 13 June 2021, featuring a keynote address from Nury Turkel, Commissioner on the United States Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).  

In his welcome remarks to both in-person and online attendees, Bishop Philip said:

“Welcome to Cornwall. The world’s spotlight is on this beautiful part of the world at the moment, and rightly so; particularly because of the G7 taking place just a few miles up the road. It is very appropriate that we look today at this vital international issue (of Freedom of Religion or Belief), as it were, on the fringes of the G7, so that we can continue to advocate for keeping this vital issue at the centre of the world’s political agenda where it deserves to be.”

After opening the event with prayer, His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos remarked on the importance of the ‘Independent Review into the Persecution of Christians’, led by the Bishop of Truro, saying:

“It flagged up what we all knew, that Christians around the world were persecuted, and continue to be persecuted, but it also presented the opportunity to look at this issue through a lens of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all. As I always say, ‘as Christians there is nothing more un-Christian we can do than not stand for others’, even if those ‘others’ choose to decline our faith. Our Lord Himself gives us all the opportunity to reject Him.” 

Archbishop Angaelos is the Founder and Director of Refcemi, the Coptic Orthodox Church Office for Advocacy and Public Policy, which was founded on the principles of advocating for others, using the unique position and experience of the Coptic Orthodox Church, which understands persecution on the basis of its Faith first-hand. 

Speaking of the role of Christians to advocate, the Archbishop continued:

“What is at the very heart of this matter is that these freedoms are indeed enshrined in conventions, laws and rules, but in actual fact, are God-given, and given equally to all. So we must do all we can, as people of faith or of none, to ensure that the rights we have, or in fact, in our situation in the Coptic Orthodox Church, have been deprived of at times, are valued enough to secure them for others who are on the receiving end of persecution.”

The Archbishop went on to speak about the need for a holistic approach to combat FoRB violations worldwide, urging that actions taken must be collaborative between civil society, policy makers, religious leaders, NGOs, state actors and more. 

In his keynote address, Nury Turkel thanked both His Grace Bishop Philip and His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos for hosting the event, and spoke of USCIRF’s ongoing work on the plight of people of all faiths and none suffering for exercising their right to FoRB, saying:

“During 2020, USCIRF was concerned about several governments whose actions met the statutory requirement of systematic, ongoing and egregious religious freedom violations.” 

Mr Turkel went on to speak on numerous FoRB violations in a number of countries, noting various instances where rights are denied, including forced conversions, prevention of the freedom to worship, criminal cases against those falsely considered ‘extremist’ due to their religious beliefs, arrests, kidnapping, the denial of access to medical care, blasphemy charges, the dire situation of religious minority women and girls, and more.

Speaking on the ongoing plight of the Uyghur community in China, Mr Turkel said:

“Given the alarming scale of global assault on religious freedom, unilateral action is not enough. The United States must work alongside like-minded partners to protect freedom of religion or belief.”

Mr Turkel continued to suggest a number of actions that could be taken by state actors, saying:

 “As we gather here on the margins of the G7, I would like to highlight some of our recommendations where there are opportunities for collective actions by G7 members… 

The G7 should stand together with a firm voice to protect religious freedom at the UN and to counter efforts to undermine that system by States that egregiously violate religious freedom and other human rights.”

Following the keynote address, Dr Ewelina U. Ochab, Deputy Director of Refcemi and Co-Founder of the Coalition for Genocide Response, moderated the panel discussion on State-sanctioned violations of FoRB - discussing the situation in North Korea, Myanmar, Nagorno-Karabakh, Cuba, China, the Tigray region of Ethiopia and more. 

The panel included:

• Lord Alton of Liverpool, Cross-bench peer at the UK House of Lords and patron of the Coalition for Genocide Response

• Baroness Cox, Cross-bench peer at the UK House of Lords, Founder and CEO of HART, 

• Mervyn Thomas CMG, Founder President of CSW 

• Michael Polak, barrister, Church Court Chambers

• Rahima Mahmut, artist, Uyghur advocate

• Dolkun Isa, President of the World Uyghur Congress

• Dr Krish Kandiah, Social Entrepreneur 

• Dr Jo Smith-Finley, reader in Chinese studies at Newcastle University

Video messages were also received from Jim Shannon MP, chair of the APPG on FoRB and Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP, who urged continued action from the British government with regard to safeguarding the fundamental FoRB rights of people around the world.

Closing remarks were given by Archbishop Angaelos and Bishop Philip, who concluded the event with an inclusive prayer to cater for all those in attendance. 

Derek Thomas, the Local MP for St Ives, was among those who attended the event in person, which had a limited in-person attendance capacity due to the ongoing pandemic, joined by webinar attendees comprising of members of the diplomatic corps, MPs, NGOs, advocates and members of the general public. 

*ENDS*

More information:

In 2019, Bishop Philip chaired the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s independent review of the persecution of Christians across the globe. The Bishop of Truro’s Independent Review can be accessed here https://christianpersecutionreview.org.uk

To find out more about Refcemi, visit www.Refcemi.org

G7 Prayer Breakfast hosted by the Bishop of Truro and HE Archbishop Angaelos, to address 'State sponsored persecution: The G7 role in upholding Religious Freedom'

 

Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office 

Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office

 

G7 Prayer Breakfast to address ‘State sponsored persecution:
The G7 role in upholding Religious Freedom’

(To register your virtual attendance please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/g7-prayer-breakfast-tickets-157525716659)

7 June 2021

For immediate release

Nury Turkel, the U.S. Commissioner on International Religious Freedom, named on Fortune's List of the World's 50 Greatest Leaders, will address the G7 Prayer Breakfast in Cornwall on Sunday 13th June 2021, hosted jointly by the Bishop of Truro, the Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, and His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, and Director of Refcemi (The Coptic Orthodox Office for Advocacy and Public Policy).

The Uyghur-American lawyer and human rights advocate will deliver the keynote address at a breakfast gathering entitled, “State sponsored persecution: The G7 role in upholding religious freedom”, followed by a panel discussion featuring numerous distinguished guests working in the field of Freedom of Religion or Belief. 

In 2019, Bishop Philip chaired the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s independent review of the persecution of Christians across the globe. “Having the G7 meet here in Cornwall provides us with the perfect opportunity to put the spotlight on this key global issue,” says Bishop Philip. “I’m delighted to welcome Nury Turkel here to lead us in our thinking – and to point the way forward to further action.”          

Speaking of the relevance of this event, Archbishop Angaelos said, “Having an event that focuses on freedom of religion or belief in the context of the G7 meeting in Cornwall allows us the opportunity to look at the human cost of inequality and persecution around the world. During this time I know that policy makers will be encouraged to look at what they can do to stand for and with those most deprived of their God-given rights, and of the human dignity we all share.”     

The meeting, hosted in Penzance, due to Covid restrictions, will be limited to an in-person presence of 30 participants, but open to those who register for online webinar attendance.

To register your virtual attendance please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/g7-prayer-breakfast-tickets-157525716659

ENDS

Editors Notes         

The Bishop of Truro’s Independent Review can be accessed here https://christianpersecutionreview.org.uk

To find out more about Refcemi, visit www.Refcemi.org         

Transcript of Address by HE Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, to the Church of England General Synod 2021

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Transcript of Address by
His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London
to the Church of England General Synod on 23 April 2021

Sisters and Brothers, Christ is Risen!

While one part of the Body of Christ has celebrated the Feast of the Resurrection of our Lord, another part, including my own Church, prepares to go into Palm Sunday, and of course this time is pivotal and is core.

As Christians two things automatically come to mind. The first, is this is a celebration of our hope in the risen Lord, and His victory to liberate us and set us free. Secondly, it is a time that we have seen historically where Christian communities come under attack during these most festive days. The Cross is still being carried by sisters and brothers around the world.

Just last week we heard of the execution of a 62-year-old Coptic Orthodox Christian, Nabil Habashi Salama, executed by ISIS in North Sinai for building a church.  2 days ago, we commemorated the 2nd anniversary of the Easter bombing of the churches in Sri Lanka. Yesterday we commemorated eight years since the Archbishops of the Syriac Orthodox and Greek Orthodox Churches of Aleppo were abducted in Syria. Today we see the ongoing suffering of Christians in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and, as Bishop Nick mentioned, the continued house arrest of Abouna Antonios, the Canonical Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Church. Tomorrow I will be in Coventry Cathedral with my brother Bishop Hovakim of the Armenian Orthodox Church to mark the victims of the Armenian genocide and the sufferings of their communities until today. At the same time, there are ongoing religious freedom infringements against Christians in Nigeria, Pakistan, China, North Korea and over 120 countries. 

Whether we look at what St Cyril of Alexandria said, that “The Son is Himself an advocate, both in name and in reality”, or Nelson Mandela, who said that “The purpose of freedom is to create it for others”, what is evident is that we are called to action. 

I would like to pay tribute to Bishop Philip Mountstephen, the Bishop of Truro, for his Independent Review, which confirmed what we have always known; that there is systemic persecution of Christians around the world. This must of course also be seen within the context of persecution of other communities, including the Rohingya, the Uyghurs, and the Bahai communities.

While our freedom is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, particularly Article 18, those rights are given to us by God. Luke 4:18 speaks of our Lord being the Chief Advocate, and in that spirit, we as the Church must continue to be custodians of those rights; custodians of this truth and of the sanctity of life.

I was humbled to be in a room in December of 2018, with the then Foreign Secretary, His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, friends from Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Open Doors and Aid to the Church In Need, where the Independent Review was announced. We understand the concept of ‘fullness of time’.  This ‘fullness of time’ was of a serving Foreign Secretary making representation to a Prime Minister, and then approached the Archbishop of Canterbury, who approached a Bishop of the Church of England, who then took on this feat and was supported by NGO's and advocates; all working together. We worked together along with the Bishop of Truro through Refcemi, our advocacy office, to look at how we could understand and recognise the phenomenon of Christian persecution around the world.

As the Church of England continues to be the church for England, it will realise that it represents much more than our national boundaries, because many people present in Britain are represented abroad. For that reason, and as I discussed with my ecumenical colleagues earlier today, we ask you to recognise this reality, and we commend this item to you, so that at this time, at this moment, when we are called to act, we stand for those less fortunate than us, and we place ourselves at their service. 

Thank you.

***Ends***

Resources:

www.Refcemi.org 

 

Statement from His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, on the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

 

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Statement from His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, on the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh 

9 April 2021

It is with exceptional sadness that I received the news of the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh today. Having had the pleasure of meeting with His Royal Highness on numerous occasions over the past twenty years, I will hold on to fond memories of his intelligence, sharp wit and uplifting sense of humour. Prince Philip’s dedication to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, and his avid love for serving others, most notably his admirable support to and of Her Majesty The Queen, has always demonstrated incredible dignity and strength of character.

This will undoubtedly be a time of sadness for Her Majesty and all members of The Royal Family and Household, while also being a time to rejoice in the life of His Royal Highness, and the rich legacy he so generously leaves us.

It is comforting that the departure of His Royal Highness comes so close to the celebration of the Feast of the Resurrection both in the Anglican and the Orthodox calendars, a time at which we reflect on death being a mere departure to a new and more glorious life with our Lord Jesus Christ.

May he rest in peace, and rise in glory.

My prayers and those of my community are with Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family at this difficult time. 

+Angaelos 
Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London       
Papal Legate to the United Kingdom         

The Coptic Orthodox Church marks ‘Contemporary Martyrs Day’ convened by HE Archbishop Angaelos, with Messages from His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, and His Holiness Pope Francis, and addresses by The Archbishop of Canterbury, Cardinal Koch, Fiona Bruce MP, The Bishop of Truro, and a panel of distinguished guests

 

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The Coptic Orthodox Church marks ‘Contemporary Martyrs Day’ with Messages from His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, and His Holiness Pope Francis, and addresses by The Archbishop of Canterbury, Cardinal Koch, Fiona Bruce MP, The Bishop of Truro, and a panel of distinguished guests

16 February 2021

‘Contemporary Martyrs Day’ is marked annually by The Coptic Orthodox Church to commemorate the anniversary of the 21 Libya Martyrs who were murdered by Isis on 15 February 2015 in Libya. It has also been established to commemorate members of the Coptic Orthodox Church who have lost their lives in contemporary history as a result of religious persecution. The commemoration was initially established during a meeting of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

To mark the day this year, a webinar was hosted by Refcemi (The Coptic Orthodox Office for Advocacy and Public Policy) and The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of London, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London and Founder and Director of Refcemi.

Archbishop Angaelos gave context to the webinar by explaining that advocacy initiatives on behalf of the Coptic Orthodox Church stem from centuries of persecution experienced by its community, saying:

“The Coptic Orthodox Church is in a unique place, through its own experience of persecution across the centuries, to speak for those of all faiths and none who continue to suffer today, and it is for this reason that we gather to raise awareness and advocate for those who are not in a position to speak for themselves.”

Addresses from the panel focused on Freedom of Religion or Belief in the broadest sense, touching on communities that continue to suffer marginalisation and persecution as a result of their religious beliefs, especially the ongoing plight of Christian communities worldwide; approximately 80% of the world’s persecuted religious believers are Christian, as documented in The Bishop of Truro’s report^[1]. Speakers also addressed the plight of the Uighur and Rohingya Muslim communities, and others that are suffering ongoing violations of their religious freedoms. 

The event included a video message from His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, and a video message of solidarity from His Holiness Pope Francis I, Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. After the video messages, addresses were given by a distinguished panel of senior religious leaders, politicians, advocates, and others, which included:

The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury
His Eminence Cardinal Koch, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity
His Excellency Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, The Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain
His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, Director of Refcemi and Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London
The Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, The Bishop of Truro
The Lord Alton of Liverpool, UK House of Lords 
Fiona Bruce MP, Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief
Mervyn Thomas CMG, Founder President of Christian Solidarity Worldwide
Neville Kyrke-Smith, Chairman of Aid to the Church in Need
Martin Mosebach, Author of ‘The 21’

For all messages and addresses in full, watch the webinar here: https://youtu.be/wRR0Om67gwQ

In his message, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II emphasised the importance of keeping the Church’s history and heritage of martyrdom alive and in the consciousness of its members so as to inspire and encourage Faith in adversity. His Holiness also spoke about the many ways in which Christians can live a faithful life of witness, and shared contemplations on what the martyrdom of the men in Libya means for the Christian family of believers.

Reflecting on martyrdom His Holiness said:

“It is true that we are proud of the Faith of all martyrs, who can face death with courage to witness to their Faith, yet we cannot by any means tolerate persecution, a word that should be wiped out of the dictionary of humanity. We also have great faith in the value of human life, which is a gift from God and no man has the right to end human life by any means.

It is well understood by all Christians that witnessing our Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is joyful, even if it is through giving our life. That is why we today celebrate the commemoration of our beloved martyrs of Libya, and all martyrs of Faith with complete understanding of the verse ‘For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain’ (Philippians 1:21).”

Contemplating on the life and witness of the Libya Martyrs, His Holiness Pope Francis said:

“They, are our Saints, Saints belonging to all Christians, Saints of all Christian denominations and traditions. They are those who have washed their lives white in the blood of the Lamb…they have received the greatest gift a Christian can ever receive: to bear witness to Jesus Christ to the point of giving his own life.”

“I thank the bishops, and the priests of our sister Coptic Church who have brought them up, and taught them to grow in the Faith. And I thank the mothers of these men, these twenty-one men, who have passed the faith to them…in a dialect which goes beyond languages, the dialect of belonging.

“I join all of you, my brother bishops, present at this commemoration. To you, great and beloved Tawadros, my brother bishop and friend. To you, Justin Welby, who also wanted to participate at this meeting. I also join all the other bishops and priests, but above all the holy faithful people of God who in its simplicity, with its fidelity and infidelities, with its graces and sins, carries forward the confession of Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ is Lord.”

The Lord Alton of Liverpool spoke of the ongoing plight of the Muslim Uighur community, and other persecuted communities in various parts of the world. He also highlighted the witness of Matthew Ayariga, a man from Ghana who was martyred alongside the 20 Coptic Christians on 15 February 2015, saying:

“It was so fitting that, in September 2020, Matthew’s mortal remains were taken to Egypt so that he could be buried, alongside those other remarkable men, in the church of the Martyrs of Faith bult in Al Our.  For me, the key point about Matthew Ayariga was that in a truly remarkable – supreme - act of solidarity he was willing to give his liberty and his life rather than walk away from his Coptic brothers. What a contrast to our indifference to the persecution of 250 million Christians worldwide.”

“His act of extraordinary solidarity shames so many of us when we consider our tepid response – often based on political expediency, institutional considerations, or trade and business – to the persecution which is experienced by religious and ethnic groups the world over – discrimination that morphs into persecution; then persecution which morphs into crimes against humanity; and then ultimately into the crime above all crimes, genocide.”

“The Coptic tradition of Christianity has so much to teach us – not least their experience and understanding of endless centuries of discrimination, persecution, and martyrdom…Heroic bravery in the face of evil demands a better response from us – even if it is only a pale imitation of the remarkable act of solidarity by Matthew Ayariga on that deadly beach in Libya in 2015.”

Reflecting on ‘the ecumenism of blood’, The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury said:

“The reality of the ‘ecumenism of blood’ is felt on this day as we commemorate the modern martyrs. It reminds us, and I am reminded too by a fellow bishop in the Church of England who is themselves from a family where there is a modern martyr, that ecumenism and solidarity are with the persecuted, for we are united to them by their blood, it is not just something we feel for the persecuted, or that we stand towards the persecuted; with is the key word.”

“If we are going to be with them, whether it is the 21 martyrs in Libya, and I still remember the horror of that news, or whether it is in Nigeria, or so many other parts of the world, we are there to listen as well as to speak ---more to listen, to be in solidarity with them.”

Fiona Bruce MP, the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, gave an encouraging address on how the UK Government is working to protect Freedom of Religion or Belief worldwide in light of ongoing violations taking place:

“It is a privilege to follow such eminent champions of Freedom of Religion or Belief, and it is therefore in a spirit of humility that I speak as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief to commemorate those who have been martyred and to affirm Freedom of Religion or Belief as a fundamental right of every human being, a right to which the Prime Minister himself is resolutely committed.”

Quoting the Prime Minister, she continued:

“We all know that wherever Freedom of Religion or Belief is under attack, other human rights are under attack as well. We will continue to work closely with like-minded partners to stand up for members of such marginalised communities.”

Highlighting the worsening situation of certain marginalised communities, a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and the scapegoating and discrimination they are facing in terms of receiving food, aid and healthcare, the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy said:

“And yet, may I encourage you that today there is also growing international awareness of such violations and increasing advocacy on behalf of victims of persecution and the UK is showing itself to be a global leader in this, protecting and promoting Freedom of Religion or Belief is a key human rights priority for our Government.”

The Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, The Bishop of Truro, who was tasked with ‘The Independent Review of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Response to Christian Persecution’, spoke of the steps that the UK Government is taking to promote Freedom of Religion or Belief, especially in light of the Truro Report, and said:

“The net result of all this is that the fundamental human right of Freedom of Religion or Belief and a recognition of its widespread abuse is on the political agenda in the UK in a way that it simply has not been before, and furthermore it would now be very hard to remove it from that agenda. Perhaps the key recommendation of my review is that implementation should be fully reviewed three years on from publication; so the clock is ticking and it is absolutely vital that this issue remains high on the political agenda.”

His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, Director of Refcemi and Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London concluded the webinar by saying:

“What we are talking about here is not an attack on the Coptic Orthodox Church, or Coptic Orthodox Christians, because there is no monopoly of suffering or persecution. For to persecute is to dehumanise, to commodify, to take away the image and likeness of God that is within and that is at the core of our humanity.”

“Through the witness of the 21 we have learned resilience, we have learned generosity, we have learned graciousness, we have learned to love quite literally those who seek to kill us, and we have learned to forgive, and so we are thankful for their witness.”

“As Christians this is our calling, who we are, we would not be true to ourselves if we do not advocate and stand together for people of all faiths and none, because we all share that humanity…when we stand against oppression and against persecution, we gain, because our humanity is enriched.”

Concluding with Scripture, Archbishop Angaelos said:

“We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

*Ends*

 

More Information:

‘Refcemi’ The Coptic Orthodox Office for Advocacy and Public Policy: www.Refcemi.org

The Bishop of Truro’s Independent Review for the Foreign Secretary of FCO Support for Persecuted Christians: https://christianpersecutionreview.org.uk/report/

15 February 2015: Statement following the brutal murder of Coptic Christians in Libya https://copticcentre.blogspot.com/2015/02/statement-by-hg-bishop-angaelos.html

6 March 2015: HRH The Prince of Wales and The Archbishop of Canterbury support appeal for families of those brutally murdered in Libya https://copticcentre.blogspot.com/2015/03/hrh-prince-of-wales-and-archbishop-of.html

20 April 2015: Statement following the murder of Ethiopian Christians in Libya https://copticcentre.blogspot.com/2015/04/statement-by-hg-bishop-angaelos.html

15 May 2018: Comment by HE Archbishop Angaelos on Bodies of Libya Martyrs Repatriated to Egypt https://copticcentre.blogspot.com/2018/05/comment-by-he-archbishop-angaelos-on.html

A Christmas Message of Light and Hope

 

A Christmas Message of Light and Hope
December 2020

'Christmas is a time to remember the fulfilment of promise and realisation of hope in the birth of Jesus Christ. We remember that the Light shone into darkness and transformed it, and likewise, so many have shone as bright lights throughout this past year, as beacons of hope for those around the world who have lived various forms of darkness, ranging from bereavement and illness to persecution and displacement.

This Christmas, we stand together to commit ourselves once again to a spirit of cooperation and collaboration, and to continuing to do all we can to shine a light of hope, promise and kindness into a world that has such need of it.

As we stand together, we give thanks for those who continue to be our inspiration: both those who make our work possible through their tireless commitment, and even more importantly, those for whom we stand and whose resilience and courage continue to be a testimony to their own strength and faithfulness.

We wish you a very Merry Christmas, and a safe, healthy and happy New Year'

The Lord Alton of Liverpool
Crossbench Peer
House of Lords

Archbishop Angaelos
Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London
Founder and Director
Refcemi, Coptic Advocacy

Henrietta Blyth
CEO
Open Doors UK & Ireland

Tim Dieppe
Head of Public Policy
Christian Concern

Amanda Khozi Mukwashi
CEO
Christian Aid

Neville Kyrke-Smith
National Director
Aid to the Church in Need UK

Tim Livesey
CEO
Embrace the Middle East

The Revd Dr Nadim Nassar
Executive Director
Awareness Foundation

Huda Nassar
Director for the Middle East
Awareness Foundation 

Lisa Pearce
Chief Development and Advocacy Officer
Open Doors International

Paul Robinson
CEO
Release International

Mark Sheard
CEO
World Vision

Mervyn Thomas CMG
Founder President
CSW

Gareth Wallace
Head of Policy & Communications
World Vision UK

Prof Paul S Williams
CEO
Bible Society

Statement by His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, on Human Rights Day 2020

 

Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office 

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)
        Media and Communications Office

Statement by His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, 
Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London
on Human Rights Day 2020

10 December 2020

As we commemorate Human Rights Day this year while experiencing the devastation of a global pandemic, we are ever more conscious of the importance of human relations and interaction, and the value of every human being. While Covid-19 has indeed affected the whole world, it has increasingly come to light that when tragedies or challenges befall individuals and communities, those who are already vulnerable, marginalised, discriminated against, and/or oppressed, are impacted disproportionately to a much greater extent. Sadly, these same individuals and communities tend to be deprived of the provisions and safeguards ensured by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights[1], a document adopted by the United Nations in 1948 affirming the inalienable equal rights of everyone, everywhere.

This year in Britain we have been placed in a position in which we can directly empathise with so many around the world whose ongoing reality encompasses the challenges of poverty, inequality, restrictions on public worship, financial instability, the inaccessibility of education, and so much more. We have become familiar, first-hand and for the first time in over a century, with child poverty and child food poverty, something no society should endure or tolerate. While we are becoming more aware of these vulnerabilities within pockets of our own societies, we must remember what it is to put ourselves in the place of those who are enduring these hardships on a daily basis as part of their daily reality, and feel their pain as we do all we can to alleviate it.

Human Rights Day is another reminder of the equal value we have before God, Who has provided us all with His image and likeness, indiscriminately and without exception. It is also a reminder that we are entrusted with the protection of human dignity and the value of human life that He has provided for each and every one of us. Where we see injustice in the application, or lack thereof, of those rights, we must voice concern, advocate for, and stand by, those whose rights are denied, remembering the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer that “not to speak is to speak, and not to act is to act”. When we stand for one another’s rights, we stand for our own.

We have seen such wonderful acts of compassion, solidarity, and comradery during the pandemic here in Britain and around the world, sometimes from unexpected places. We have also seen and continue to witness selfless acts of bravery, courage and kindness from individuals and groups in a variety of sectors, and that is the spirit of a diverse humanity working in harmony. That is the spirit that the world needs, and is the spirit of Human Rights Day; to ensure kindness, respect and dignity for all, even those beyond the reach of our immediate environments.

Today and every day we pray for our world and for every one of its members, all of whom stand equal before God, and are equally deserving to be seen and catered for by humankind. We also pray for human rights defenders and advocates who are often in the most dangerous parts of the world, and continue to be the voice and hope of those for whom they courageously and selflessly stand.

The sentiments of equality are not merely philosophical, but must be translated into meaningful terms and realised action. This year has taught us that the vulnerability of any individual or nation adds to our own corporate vulnerability, and so in acknowledging and safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of others, we play our part in doing so for the whole world.

*Ends*

---

[1] https://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/

 

His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London on the suffering of communities in Nagorno-Karabahk, Ethiopia and Eritrea

 

Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office 

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)
                             Media and Communications Office

His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London on the suffering of communities in Nagorno-Karabahk, Ethiopia and Eritrea

16 November 2020

We are currently becoming more aware of the magnitude and scale of the incredible suffering endured by communities as a result of war and conflict in Nagorno-Karabahk, Ethiopia and Eritrea. The resulting loss of life and displacement of peoples has tragically soared, and we have witnessed increasing vulnerability amongst young and old already impacted by and struggling with the global Covid pandemic.

I have been in conversation, over these past weeks, with the clergy and leadership of the Armenian, Ethiopian and Eritrean Churches both here in Britain and globally to develop a clearer understanding of the situation on the ground in their home nations and to see how we can offer greater support at this time. In the interim, we continue to pray repose for the departed, comfort for the bereaved, healing for the injured and traumatised, safety for the displaced and peace for all involved, as we pray wisdom for all those in leadership and entrusted with the lives and well-being of their people.

We are taught in Scripture that “when one part of the Body suffers we all suffer” (1 Corinthians 12:26) and so, at this time we share in the suffering of members of our sister Armenian Apostolic, Ethiopian Tewahedo, and Eritrean Orthodox Churches and their communities, along with their wider communities that encompass Christians of all denominations, and people of all faiths and none.

*Ends*