Coptic Orthodox
Church UK
Media and Communications Office
Media and Communications Office
Coptic Orthodox
Church (Europe)
Media and Communications Office
PRESS RELEASE
His Holiness Pope Tawadros II embarks on his first pastoral visit to
the United Kingdom in May 2017
5 May 2017
Later today, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II,
118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark,
will commence his first pastoral visit of the United Kingdom.
This will be the first time His Holiness has
visited as head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, whose membership remains
predominantly in Egypt. Coptic Christians now also represent 80% of Christians
in the Middle East, the birthplace of Christianity.
His Holiness will visit Coptic Orthodox
parishes across the United Kingdom, officiating liturgical services and
performing several consecrations, while generally taking time to engage with
parishioners. Pope Tawadros will also engage with various ecumenical,
interfaith and official members of British society at a series of events
planned throughout the course of his stay.
His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of
the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, will receive His Holiness
today and accompany him throughout his stay. Earlier today Bishop Angaelos
said:
“This is a historic visit, not only of the 118th
Pope of Alexandria to the United Kingdom, but more personally for His Holiness
Pope Tawadros, as his first engagement with his flock across Britain. For
Coptic Christians here, it will be an opportunity to spend time with the head
of their Church, and their spiritual father.
This has been a difficult year for Christians
in Egypt with recent and ongoing attacks, and thus the visit will also be an
opportunity for their brothers and sisters to hear directly from His Holiness
about the situation there, and how they can provide greater support for them.”
During his visit, one of the most significant
engagements will be when the Pope addresses hundreds of youth from Coptic
parishes across England at a meeting during which they will present on the
various ministries they engage with under the umbrella of Coptic Youth Mission.
*Ends*
Photographs will be
made available throughout the visit via www.Flickr.com/CopticMedia