A message for the New Year by His Grace Bishop Angaelos,
General Bishop
of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom
of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom
2014
has been a challenging year, demanding greater humanitarian assistance and
advocacy for a variety of people across the world, and in many instances this
has generated an immensely positive response from individuals and society as a
whole. For that reason, while reflecting on the darkness of the tragedies that
have been unfolding, we must also remember to give thanks for the light shining
through the good works of faithful people in their response to them, some of
whom have sadly paid the ultimate price.
Through
these occurrences the world has experienced an extremist narrative seeking the
destruction of centuries-old communities. In response to this alarming
development however, there have been greater unified efforts across the
ecumenical and inter-religious spectrums to express solidarity with, advocate
on behalf of, and provide much needed aid to, those suffering.
Religious
and civic leaders have been challenged to speak out against violations of basic
human rights, and in many cases have responded to that call with a greater
sense of responsibility and commitment. This response however, is still disproportionate
to the suffering, destruction and devastation that has been experienced, and
much remains to be done.
It is
increasingly difficult to provide hope with the backdrop of those who continue
to suffer gross violations of their rights, and yet we are reminded,
particularly at this time of the year, that through the Incarnation of our Lord
Jesus Christ, the whole of humanity has been freely gifted with respect, love
and peace through the message of Salvation.
The
global community is founded upon the safeguarding of fundamental principles of
God-given freedom, liberty, and equality, and while many around the world are
denied these rights, we who are free to enjoy them must advocate and do all we
can to protect those same rights for them. We have an individual and collective
responsibility towards our brothers and sisters, regardless of their religious
affiliation, as every individual is entitled to live in peace, and with the
freedom to choose and live his or her faith, as long as that does not impede on
the choices of others.
Our
Lord Jesus Christ was born into adversity and poverty, and at an early age fled
to, and sought asylum in, Egypt. His family fled from oppressive persecution,
and He continued to live His life facing immense challenges and struggles in
order that we may find comfort in His example and His victory over all that
seeks to overcome us. Our Lord warned us that “in the world you will have
tribulation,” but then immediately reassures us with His powerfully comforting
words “but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
When
considering oppression on a global scale, or closer to home, we must remember
that God bestowed basic human rights upon the whole of humanity, and where
those rights are violated we must act, because we are reminded that “faith [in
this principle] without works is dead” (James 2:26).
We
should take the opportunity at the beginning of this New Year to consider how
we as individuals and communities can positively impact the lives of those
around us, beginning with correcting those things within ourselves that may
cause pain to others.
I wish
you all the blessings of the Feast of the holy Nativity, and a New Year filled
with good health, success and joy in all that it is dear.
+Angaelos
General Bishop
General Bishop
Coptic
Orthodox Church
United
Kingdom
