Press Release
For immediate use
29 November 2013
Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office
Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)
Media and Communications Office
Royal Mail unveils their 2013 Christmas stamp collection featuring a Coptic
Nativity icon by Hertfordshire-based iconographer Fadi Mikhail.
The stamp, entitled ‘Theotokos, Mother of God’ depicts the
Virgin Saint Mary embracing the Infant Christ. It is an example of the beauty
and deeply rooted Faith and culture of the Coptic Orthodox Church, the largest
Christian denomination in the Middle East which traces its roots back to the
Apostle Mark in the first Century.
Since its establishment in the United Kingdom in the 1960s
the Coptic Orthodox community has been increasing in size, and more recently in
activity. The Coptic faithful in the United Kingdom are active members of
society who contribute to their wider community through a variety of spiritual
and social networks and programmes.
His Grace Bishop
Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom,
said:
“This is an opportunity to not
only portray the beautiful iconographic heritage of the Coptic Orthodox Church
within British culture, but also its theology and teaching with respect to the
message of hope and salvation in the Nativity, a Feast that is often
transformed into a purely commercial occasion. It also lives as a testimony to
the resilience of the Copts, who continue to live their Faith in the birthplace
of Christianity and across the world despite the many challenges they have faced
in recent months and years.”
Fadi Mikhail, an
active youth member of The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre said:
“Coptic
iconography was redeveloped in the 1960s and has enjoyed increased
international interest since that time. I'm happy that this stamp is helping to
elevate that status. Whether it is through art, music, language, or the
reconstruction of churches, there is a movement both within and outside Egypt
in which Copts are rebuilding themselves for the future, and I see Coptic
iconography as a key factor in heralding this movement forward.”
Along with this historic stamp, an icon from the Coptic
Orthodox Cathedral of St George depicting St Mary and the Child Jesus, also written
by Fadi Mikhail, has been chosen by Christians
Aware as part of their Christmas card collection for 2013.
*Ends*
Resources:
Coptic Iconography in the United Kingdom: www.UKCopticIcons.com
Royal Mail Christmas collection 2013 here
