Press Release: A Papal Delegation from the Coptic Orthodox Church met with delegates of the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow on 21 March 2014

Press Release

For immediate use

22 March 2014

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

Media and Communications Office

A Papal Delegation from the Coptic Orthodox Church met with delegates of the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow on 21 March 2014.

A delegation representing the Coptic Orthodox Church, comprising Their Graces: Bishop Kyrillos of Milan, Papal Exarch in Europe, Bishop Raphael, General Secretary of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church and Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, met with His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate department for external church relations in Moscow on Friday 21 March 2014.

During the warm and fraternal meeting with His Eminence and staff of the department for external church relations, there was exploration of: the deepening and continuing relationships between the Churches through shared theological understanding and pastoral experience, the establishment of a Coptic Orthodox parish for the ministry and pastoral care of Coptic Orthodox expatriates in the Russian Federation, and preparation for the upcoming visit of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, to His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.

Commenting on the meeting, His Grace Bishop Angaelos said:

“Our Churches, both deeply rooted in Orthodox belief and practice, have had a strong and long-standing relationship, both ecumenically and fraternally, and these meetings, along with the upcoming visit of His Holiness Pope Tawadros, stand to further and deepen that relationship. We have had many shared experiences throughout our histories which have led us to safeguarding our Faith in our respective nations despite substantial struggles faced; this commonality and shared experience allows us to have a greater common witness today, and even more powerfully going forward.”

During their visit, the bishops celebrated a Eucharistic Liturgy with members of the Coptic Orthodox community in Moscow.

The delegation was hosted by His Excellency Dr Mahmoud El-Badry, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Russian Federation.

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Press Release: Departure of Patriarch Mor Ignatius Zakka Iwas I of Antioch, 122nd patriarch of Antioch and All the East on the Apostolic Throne of St Peter.

Press Release

For immediate use

21 March 2014

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

Media and Communications Office

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom offers condolences and prayers to the Syrian Orthodox Church on behalf of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom upon the departure of Patriarch Mor Ignatius Zakka Iwas I of Antioch, 122^nd patriarch of Antioch and All the East on the Apostolic Throne of St Peter.

Expressing his condolences, Bishop Angaelos said:

“Upon hearing of the departure of His Holiness, the late Mor Ignatius Zakka, I spoke to Archbishop Athanasius to assure him and our sister Orthodox Church of our prayers. The historic and fraternal relationship between our two Churches means that we have also lost a beloved father.  

I fondly remember the visit of His Holiness to The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre here in the United Kingdom, and the numerous occasions in which I, along with members of the Coptic Clergy and community received His Holiness both in Cairo and London.

We pray repose for the soul of His Holiness and that God reward him for his many years of faithful ministry to his children who have undergone and continue to undergo huge struggles and pressures in Iraq, Syria and throughout the Middle East.”

Mor Ignatius Zakka departed on 21 March 2014 after a long and courageous battle against illness.

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Press Release: HG Bishop Angaelos delivers address at the Houses of Parliament regarding the current situation in Egypt since the 2011 uprising

Press Release

For immediate use

19 March 2014

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

Media and Communications Office 

On 17 March 2014 His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom delivered an address at the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London, arranged by the Conservative Party’s Middle East and North Africa Group (MENA) regarding the current situation in Egypt since the 2011 uprising.

Addressing an audience comprised of specialists, analysts and enthusiasts with an interest in Egypt and the wider Middle East, Bishop Angaelos highlighted the resilient nature of Egypt’s citizens, and the challenges faced in light of the recent uprisings.

Speaking of proactive steps towards reconciliation and rebuilding Egypt, he said:

 “Reconciliation must happen through pragmatic and intentional leadership; bringing people together. These efforts will then instil a sense of unity, cohesion and national identity so that people no longer focus on one’s religion, but see the Egyptian in the other...It is only then that we can begin to advocate for one another.”

Addressing the misconception that issues in Egypt arise primarily due to a Muslim Christian divide, he said:

“This is about advocating for all; about unity, individual identity, and the importance of that individual as a member of a nation state.”

Raising awareness to the impact of the recent uprisings on Christian and minority communities in Egypt, as well as the state of polarisation affecting the nation, Bishop Angaelos highlighted the increasing levels of poverty and illiteracy, the decline in foreign investment and tourism, the increasing levels of harassment against women, and increasing unemployment.

He went on to provide his optimistic outlook for Egypt and the way ahead however, saying:

“On the 30 June when people took to the streets, they were Christian and Muslim, secular and religious, man and woman, young and old; the whole of society…There is only one way ahead and that is reconciliation, there is no other way. People must live side by side and there must be healing.”

During the course of his address Bishop Angaelos also said:

“We are all held in the hands of a God Who is much more mighty than anyone who tries to create harm….We are confident, through His graciousness, love and vigilance over His whole creation, that God has a solution for Egypt.” 

Among those in attendance were the Chairman and Officers of the MENA Group, Parliamentary Member Mark Field and other representatives of the Conservative Party.

Press Release: Egypt the focus of Women's World Day of Prayer 2014

Press Release

For immediate use

5 March 2014

Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)
Media and Communications Office 

Women from 170 countries and regions across the world, including the United Kingdom, will pray for Egypt on Women’s World Day of Prayer (WWDP) on 7 March 2014.

A number of women from the Coptic Orthodox Community in the United Kingdom will be speaking at a variety of church and community services across the country on the role of women in Egypt and their contribution to their societies. They will also comment on the challenges faced by women in light of the recent uprisings.

Congregants from various denominations will gather across the world to show solidarity in prayer for women in Egypt and the Christian presence in the region, increasing awareness of the ongoing plight of these significant members of society.

Commenting on the WWDP 2014, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom said:

"It is humbling that tens of thousands of people will gather across the world to pray for Egypt and it’s women who have played a significant, powerful, and responsible role throughout the vast history of Egypt and most significantly now over the past three years. As Christians we consider prayer to be one of our greatest supports, and this support at this particular time is very much appreciated as Egypt continues through this formative stage."

This initiative comes after millions of women took to the streets as part of the ongoing demonstrations and rallies that have taken place over the past three years in Egypt.

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Resources:

www.WorldDayofPrayer.net

www.wwdp.org.uk