Press Release
For immediate use
17 November 2013
Coptic
Orthodox Church UK
Media and
Communications Office
Coptic
Orthodox Church (Europe)
Media and
Communications Office
The Holy Synod of the
Coptic Orthodox Church headed by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, 118th
Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of
Saint Mark, consecrated bishops to new responsibilities at the Grand Cathedral
of St Mark on the weekend of 16 -17 November 2013.
At a Vespers service on
the evening of Saturday 16 November, His Grace Bishop David was enthroned over
the new diocese of New York and New England in the United States of America,
and His Grace Bishop Selwanis was appointed abbot over the historic monastery
of St Pakhomious near Luxor. At the Liturgical service on Sunday 17 November,
Father Seraphim Al-Moharaqy was also consecrated as General Bishop for the
diocese of Al Mahalah.
His Grace
Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United
Kingdom and a member of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church, who took
part in the consecration prayers at the ceremony in Cairo said:
“I celebrate with, and congratulate,
my brothers on the occasion of their ordination. The consecration of a bishop
to oversee Al Mahalah at the same time as the establishment of the new diocese
of New York and New England signifies the breadth of the ministry of the Coptic
Orthodox Church and its care for its children both in Egypt and around the
world. At the same time, the appointment of His Grace Bishop Selwanis
illustrates the continuing importance of the monastic life at the heart of the
Church.
The spirit of the faithful as they
received the bishops in the Grand Cathedral today was one of jubilation and
love; a testament to their resilience and strength of character as they
continue to be strong in their Faith despite the challenges faced in past
months. I pray for my brothers the bishops and those entrusted to their care,
that God may continue to bless their shared ministry from this time on.”
*Ends*
