Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media
and Communications Office
Coptic
Orthodox Church (Europe)
Media and Communications Office
Statement
by His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos on escalating violence in Sudan and the increasing
attacks on The Coptic Orthodox Community
22 May 2023
As we rejoice
in the Risen Lord between the Feasts of the Resurrection and Pentecost in the
Coptic Orthodox Church, our hearts are heavy with sadness for the people of
Sudan and the conflict and war that are ripping the nation apart. The Coptic
Orthodox Church has a large and vibrant community in Sudan, and I have been in
contact with Their Graces Bishop Sarabamaun and Bishop Eleya over the past
weeks, as well as many who have families there, and have heard first hand of
the devastation and displacement faced by the thousands who have been forced to
leave their homes, and all they have, in order to escape to safety. I have also
heard of the immense pressures placed on those who have not been able, or did
not want, to leave, and the subsequent daily dangers that they face.
While reports
over the past weeks have been incredibly painful, we are now even more alarmed
to hear of the targeted attacks on churches and church properties that have
placed our laity and clergy at very real risk. Churches and church properties
have been attacked, looted and seized by armed groups, and nuns and senior
clergy have had to be moved for their own safety.
While we pray,
and invite others to pray, for our sisters and brothers in Sudan, we also
appeal to policy makers and those in authority to do all they can to restore
order and the rule of law that ensures the safety of every person, and restores
a sense of peace to a country now torn apart by war and conflict.
We lift up our
hearts and our prayers for those here in Britain and around the world who are deeply
concerned for the wellbeing of their families and friends who have been, and
continue to be, affected by this conflict in Sudan, and we stand alongside them
to do all we can to support in whatever way we can.
Although I
write this message expressing the concern that I share with many, I am reminded
that we are always hopeful in our God Who does not forget any of His children
at their time of greatest need, and Who promises that He will never abandon us,
“For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (Hebrews
13:5, NKJV).
While war,
conflict and crisis reveal the worst of our broken humanity, they also provide
an opportunity for the best of humanity to be expressed in our support for
those struggling and affected. I encourage everyone who reads this message to
support in whatever way they can, whether that be through prayer, raising
awareness to the plight of those in Sudan, or financially, so we can all play a
part to support those in greatest need at this time.
We will be
dedicating the weekend of 27 and 28 May 2023 to continue to raise funds across
the Diocese for our sisters and brothers in Sudan, as well as those displaced
both internally and externally. I am so thankful for the generosity of so many
so far in the response to our first appeal, and am sure that many will be just
as responsive to this appeal, as this humanitarian catastrophe continues to affect
the lives of many.
*Ends*