Remembering the late Bishop Epiphanius, Abbot of St Makarios Monastery, Wadi-el-Natrun, Egypt

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Remembering the late Bishop Epiphanius,
Abbot of St Makarios Monastery, Wadi-el-Natrun, Egypt

31 July 2018

Today the Coptic Orthodox Church farewells a member of its Holy Synod, a faithful monk, a respected scholar and theologian, and above all a beloved father figure and friend to many around the world. 

The late Bishop Epiphanius was found dead outside his cell at St Makarius monastery on 29 July 2018, and while the cause of death is unknown, this tragic loss of life will bring sadness to the hearts of countless members of not only the Coptic community, but to ecumenical friends and acquaintances around the world.

Bishop Epiphanius was born on 27 June 1954 in the Tanta Governorate in Egypt. He graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, and joined St Makarius monastery on 17 February 1984, becoming a monk on the 21 April of that same year. He became a priest on 17 October 2002 and was ordained a Bishop on 10 March 2013. As Abbot of the monastery, Bishop Epiphanius was well-respected by his peers and was known for his forward thinking and spiritual aspirations. He specialised in Church history, patristics and the translation of Arabic texts into English in order to promote Christian education worldwide.

Speaking of his friendship with Bishop Epiphanius, Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London said:

“Bishop Epiphanius will be missed not only as a respected leader and thinker, but as a dear friend and brother. His humble spirit was an inspiration to all, and I have been personally touched by his life and ministry. It is deeply saddening that he will no longer be with us, and it is important at times like this that we focus some of our attention to remembering and celebrating the wonderful witness that Bishop Epiphanius presented, and leaves with us, through his life and ministry. Having been an influential member of our Holy Synod, and Church at large, his ministry will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew, respected and loved him. Praying repose for his soul and God’s peace and comfort to his monastic community and all those who mourn his death, I am thankful that his life is one that can be remembered with joy and thanksgiving.”

The funeral for Bishop Epiphanius was held in the Monastery of St Makarios on 31 July 2018, officiated and attended by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, members of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church and clergy from the monastery.

Announcement: HG Bishop Angaelos to be enthroned as first Bishop of new Coptic Orthodox Diocese of London

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Announcement
HG Bishop Angaelos to be enthroned as first Bishop of new
Coptic Orthodox Diocese of London

31 October 2017

HH Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, and the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church, have decided on the establishment of the new Coptic Orthodox Diocese of London, and to entrust HG Bishop Angaelos as the first Diocesan Bishop of London.

The Proclamation of this new appointment will be made by His Holiness the Pope and the Holy Synod at a service in Cairo on 11 November 2017.

Bishop Angaelos will travel back to England, accompanied by a delegation of Metropolitans and Bishops who will formally enthrone him during a vespers service in the Coptic Cathedral of Saint George at The Coptic Centre later in the month.

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Background:

The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, dates back to 10 August 1954 when it commenced its pastoral and liturgical ministry in London. In February 1969, a historic Liturgy was celebrated in London by the then Bishop Shenouda, the late Pope Shenouda III, who encouraged the faithful to hold regular services, which subsequently led to the hiring of St Andrew’s church in Holborn. Copts would gather from across the United Kingdom to pray there until 1978 when, returning to London as Pope Shenouda III, His Holiness consecrated St Mark church in Kensington as the first Coptic Orthodox parish in Europe.   

Since then, the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland has become an active member of its respective local, regional and national communities, serving in a variety of ways across the four nations, equipping its faithful to be positively contributing and active members in their local settings. At the core of its pastoral care is a focus on Christian education at every level and an active youth ministry. The Coptic Orthodox Church also serves on a wider level through engaging in a variety of benevolent and advocacy related work.      

The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland now has approximately 20,000 faithful across 32 parishes, with the number of these parishes constantly increasing. These have thus far been served by three dioceses: the diocese of Birmingham, the Midlands and its affiliated regions, served by HG Bishop Missael, the Diocese of Scotland, Ireland and North East England, served by HG Bishop Antony, and the Papal Diocese covering London, the South of England and South Wales, in which HG Bishop Angaelos has served as His Holiness the Pope’s delegate since 1999.  

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II and the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church have now decided to establish the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of London.

Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos regarding the brutal murder of Coptic Orthodox priest Fr Samaan in Cairo

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Coptic Orthodox priest brutally murdered in Cairo

Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom

12 October 2017  

Another day in Egypt with another Coptic Christian murdered; this time a priest from Beni Suef, Upper Egypt, who was in Cairo collecting humanitarian aid for vulnerable members of his parish. Fr Samaan was paying a pastoral visit to a family in Cairo and returned to the church where he was earlier to collect his mobile phone. On the way, he was attacked by a knife-wielding assailant who chased him, stabbed him repeatedly, and then brutally killed him.

This incident makes us once again ask so many questions. Why should a priest not be able to walk safely down a street, especially a suburban street in Cairo? Why should he be chased by a man brandishing a deadly weapon and have no one run to his aid; in actual fact, everyone was running away. Why, when he lay drenched in his own blood did the ambulance service not arrive for over an hour, and then not treat him? Why, when the police finally arrived, and he lay dead, was a crime scene not secured and forensic evidence not collected to enable a robust and serious investigation? Why is his assailant immediately deemed mentally incapable without professional diagnosis, and why, if he is incapable, and a known violent criminal, is he left in the community with weapons within his reach? 

After the initial shock and the immense sadness, today is a day that brings anger and I am not apologetic for that anger. I would be just as angry if this was any other person being dealt with in this way, in any other part of Egypt or indeed any other part of the world. Yet he is a Christian, a Coptic Christian, and a Coptic priest, which makes it all the more close and all the more painful.

Just this week I have been with a Coptic delegation from Cairo seeking grants to serve not only the Coptic community but the wider Egyptian community. Grants that would cover health, education and poverty eradication. Where was this wider Egyptian community however when Father Samaan ran terrified through a street being chased by a violent criminal, and where was it when he lay dying and alone? Where was it when the assailant attacked him repeatedly, and where will it be while his family and congregation grieve the loss of their father, husband, brother, pastor and friend? These are questions that need to be addressed at every level of Egyptian community and leadership.

Crime cannot be totally eradicated, but at least it needs to be properly investigated, prosecuted, and shown to be a violation against the whole state and not just its immediate victim.

The immense pain of this incident and all that have preceded it, including: child kidnapping, forced conversion, individual targetting, bus attacks and church bombings against the Coptic Orthodox community in Egypt, leads us to hold more strongly onto the words of our Lord God in Exodus 3:7: “I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry…for I know their sorrows.” Coptic Christians who have endured injustice, persecution, and loss of life for centuries without retaliation, repeatedly forgiving unconditionally, deserve to live with respect and dignity in their indigenous homeland.

While recognising that anger may often open a path to hatred or resentment, there are times at which it is a natural expression of a human emotion, and reaction to a sense of deep injustice. I am sure that I am not alone in my anger, but that it is shared by every law-abiding person of any belief and indeed of none, who has witnessed this vicious and inhumane attack. In the midst of this anger and this sadness however I continue to pray. I pray repose for Father Samaan, I pray for his family, I pray for his community. I pray for the wider Egyptian Christian community that feels more and more vulnerable and targeted daily against a backdrop of negligence and injustice. I pray for the wider Egyptian society, that becomes more and more discredited and compromised as these incidents continue to happen.

This anger is not void of forgiveness, but cries out for accountability and justice. 

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For more information please e-mail the Director of Communications via Media@CopticCentre.com

Press Release: House of Lords launch of report on religion-based asylum application process

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House of Lords launch of report on religion-based asylum application process

8 June 2016

The 7 June 2016 saw the launch of a report jointly commissioned by the Asylum Advocacy Group (AAG) and The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for International Freedom of Religion or Belief. The report, entitled ‘Fleeing Persecution: Asylum Claims in the UK on Religious Freedom Grounds’ explores the effectiveness of the assessment of religion-based asylum claims in the UK, and the impact of the asylum process on the fairness and quality of decision-making.

Those attending the launch heard addresses by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, and Founder and Chair of the AAG, The Baroness Berridge of the Vale of Catmose, co-chair of the APPG, and Professor Geoff Gilbert, Professor of Law in the School of Law and Human Rights Centre at the University of Essex.

Chairing the meeting, Baroness Berridge said:

“We are aware that the Home office is trying to make incredibly nuanced and difficult decisions… [and] are here to help and assist so that genuine claims are accepted...We aim to work with the Home Office to improve the quality of decisions so as to avoid the heartache and the time and resources of lawyers at tribunal hearings.”

Speaking of the vulnerability of those fleeing persecution and seeking asylum in the UK, Bishop Angaelos said:

“We have been working in collaboration with the Home Office for several years to ensure that the measures applied to determine the credibility of applications do not inadvertently disadvantage those truly in need of refuge and support.

While many have the benefit of freely choosing their faith or belief in some parts of the world, there are others for whom this decision makes them vulnerable to persecution, to the extent of sometimes threatening their very existence.

Conscious of the fact that some will desire to abuse the system, we must not forget the humaneness with which those legitimately applying on religious freedom grounds should be treated. This is not just a matter of statistics, because even if one case is misjudged, that represents one life placed at greater risk.”

Addressing the complexity of religious freedom case law and designation, Professor Gilbert said:  

“It is a mistake to ignore religious based persecution…[which is] not limited to state-based activity…Cumulative discrimination can amount to persecution if there is enough of it...”

The report listed a number of recommendations regarding the asylum process, aimed at improving the effectiveness and sensitivity of guidelines, amongst which was:

“Ensure that the asylum procedures are sensitive to the applicants’ experiences, backgrounds and well-being. Also ensure that applicants should not be caused unnecessary distress and should feel able to speak freely...”

Present at the meeting were members of both Houses of Parliament, as well as religious freedom and advocacy organisations and representatives of a variety of religious and ethnic groups.

For a copy of the report online, including the full list of recommendations as part of the Executive summary, click here.    

      

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Press Release: 21 Libya Copts Remembered in Westminster Prayer Service and the Church of England General Synod with statement by HG Bishop Angaelos

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21 Libya Copts Remembered in Westminster Prayer Service and the Church of England General Synod

 
15 February 2016

The 21 Coptic Christians brutally executed in Libya one year ago remembered in a prayer service in the Palace of Westminster, during morning prayers at the Church of England General Synod, and in a Vespers Service at the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral of Saint George in the United Kingdom.

A service of commemoration for the 21 Coptic Christians martyred in Libya 12 months ago was held in the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft in the Palace of Westminster on 10 February 2016. The service was attended by members of both Houses of Parliament and co-hosted by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons. A statement was released by Bishop Angaelos to mark the anniversary. Prayers were also offered, along with a moment of standing in silence, in memory of the 21 Copts at opening prayers of Church of England General Synod.

Speaking in memory of the 21 Copts Bishop Angaelos said:

‘One profound result and gift of this horrific act is that it brought people together. These men paid the ultimate price, but gave us a cause to advocate for all those persecuted; they also showed us that there was a level of evil that we must all stand in solidarity against, and a level of courage, faithfulness and defiance that we must all aspire to.’

Following the Westminster prayer service, The Lord Alton of Liverpool said:

‘It is especially important that we mark the anniversary of the brutal murder of the 21 Coptic Christians in Libya a year ago, not only to keep them in our memory, but to remember and advocate for all those who continue to face persecution in the Middle East. What is happening to Christians and minorities in the region is nothing short of Genocide and we must not stand by and watch as whole communities are eradicated.’

After the service, The Revered Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons said:

‘In marking today we are sending a statement out to the world to say that these individuals are not forgotten. We remember them, we remember what happened to them, and we will forgive because we belong to God. I also hope that it is sending a message that we stand together.’

Bishop Nigel Stock, Bishop at Lambeth, who also represented the Archbishop of Canterbury at the service, said:

‘Proclaiming the Christian Faith is very costly, and we remember a year ago when we heard the news of this terrible crime how shocking it was for the whole Church as it brought home the dangers that people are facing and the consequences of violence that is motivated by hatred of a particular religion.

It was good to see that this service was attended by people from both Houses and others because it sends a sign that this is of concern for the whole world and the whole Church. We have been told the stories of how these young men did not waver in their Faith, kept proclaiming Christ as they fell as martyrs, and that courage, that sheer strength of Faith in Christ, is an inspiration for all of us.’

Vespers prayers will be held later today in the Cathedral of Saint George at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in the United Kingdom in memory of the 21 Copts who lost their lives on 15 February 2015, also remembering their families and others who continue to suffer religious persecution around the world.

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Statement on the refugee crisis in Europe by HG Bishop Angaelos

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Statement on the refugee crisis in Europe

By His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church
in the United Kingdom

4 September 2015 

Having seen heartbreaking images of the lifeless and abandoned body of young Aylan Kurdi lying alone on a beach in Turkey puts an all too gruesome optic to a matter either in the forefront or background of every mind over the past months. The images we have now become too accustomed to seeing may have desensitised some, but the horrific reality of the situation remains; thousands of people continue to risk all, even their lives, to seek the safety that we are thankfully free to live on a daily basis.

Whether it is Aylan, his family, or the countless thousands of others making the treacherous journey to flee conflict and find a better life, we must now realise that the solution to this crisis is greater than for individual Churches, religions, communities, or even states to address alone, and so a more universal, integrated and collaborative approach to make the best of limited human and material resources, must be sought.

The Church of Egypt is no stranger to the issue of asylum as it was Egypt that accepted and embraced the infant Christ and His family as refugees when they fled targeted and intentional persecution. It is indeed telling that while the world has apparently progressed over millennia since then, the problems and challenges remain the same.

As a Church with its roots in the Middle East we are very aware of the struggles faced by people in the region, Christians and others. It is essential that the plight of these refugees is not belittled or ignored, as they face very real challenges in their homelands, living with a daily threat to their livelihood and even existence.

At a time of increasing economic pressure in Europe and a greater fear of importing radical elements seeking to destabilise our communities, it is understandable that caution must be exercised. Having said that however, that caution should not mean a blanket rejection of the vast majority of those coming who are genuinely seeking safety for themselves and their families. What is concerning is abrasive rhetoric in the media and public sphere, leading to the constant dehumanisation of people who are undoubtedly victims of this conflict, to the extent that many now see them simply as an impending risk to their communities, putting aside their basic rights and needs. What we must realise is that many of these people, indigenous to their homelands, are not fleeing out of choice or preference but out of sheer necessity.

This is undoubtedly an extremely complex issue that involves geo-politics, global economics, European economies and borders, state and regional security, as well as an increasingly volatile Middle East, but as I have mentioned previously, we must not be prescriptive to people living in crisis on whether or not they should stay and fight in their war-torn countries, or flee for their lives. Whatever their choices may be, we must advocate to either safeguard their continued presence or provide an alternative if they cease to see a viable continuity in their homelands.

It is encouraging, that over the past few days there has been a greater intention and appetite for a pragmatic and compassionate response to this increasing refugee crisis in seeking practical solutions whatever they may be.

The Scriptures are timeless in their direction, and when the Lord God instructs His people to care for the widow, orphan, traveller and stranger (Deuteronomy 10:18) that was not meant exclusively for His immediate audience alone, but to the whole of humanity over time.

These challenging events remind us of the brokenness of our humanity, but as Christians we also recognise the ability of God to heal that brokenness. For that reason, we pray confidently for solutions in the homelands of those fleeing, the countries that may extend whatever hospitality they can, and above all, safety for many who make these dangerous journeys out of sheer desperation.   

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Article: The Third International Coptic Symposium 2015 at The Coptic Centre UK

Coptic Culture: Past, Present, & Future

“Ordinary Lives, Changing Times”

[Photographs from the event available HERE and HERE]

Held at The Coptic Orthodox Centre in Stevenage, United Kingdom on 5-7 June 2015, the third International Symposium on Coptic Culture:  Past, Present, & Future focused on the richness of the daily life experience of Egypt’s Christian presence throughout history. The Symposium’s title “Ordinary Lives, Changing Times” underscored the importance of exposing some of the lesser known aspects of Coptic lives in Late Antiquity and beyond.

Scholars from Canada, the United States, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, Egypt and Australia came together to present their latest research on Coptic Culture. The disciplines explored were equally varied: archaeology, art history, ethnography, language, and history. The talks were as varied as their disciplines, ranging from discussing the attire of Copts, to analysing aspects of the provision and production of food in monasteries, to an examination of the history of Eucharistic wine in the Coptic Church, and the traditions of bridal dowry payments.  

The international audience consisted of experts who travelled to take part in the symposium, and members of the broader Coptic and Egyptian community in the U.K. The diversity of backgrounds of speakers and attendees made for lively and in-depth discussions.

The keynote address was held at the British Museum in London on June 5th. Under the title “Creating a digital (Coptic) Old Testament”, Professor Heike Behlmer of the University of Göttingen presented her project on collecting and  digitising fragments of the Coptic Old Testament, currently dispersed in private and public collections  around the globe. The fragments, preserved on a variety of materials, are being digitally collated and made accessible online for the first time.

During his closing speech at the British Museum, Bishop Angaelos said:

“For us to come together to speak about Coptic culture is significant because culture is not only the place of antiquity, but it presents life. This Symposium presents a wonderful marriage between a very rich culture and history and a very dynamic and vibrant present. Exploring our cultural history enables us to look at what we have received and consider how we can translate that into our current thoughts, words and dreams for the future. The works we have now are a result of our heritage; the works of the future will be the result of what now will be someone else’s heritage, this is a continuous journey.”

Dr Mariam Ayad, Associate Professor of Egyptology at the American University in Cairo, Egypt and organizer of the symposium said:

"The symposium's theme this year, highlighting aspects of the daily life experience of ordinary Copts, underscored how in some respects very little has changed, despite the great technological advances that separate us from those Late Antique lives that were discussed over the course of the weekend. People are people -- everywhere, and at any time period. Examining the lives of ordinary people breathes life into history, enabling us to relate to historical figures.  Their problems and concerns are the same as ours, including issues of debt, violence, grief, managing a household efficiently, amongst other things." 

The various talks presented at the symposium addressed a gap in scholarship, which has often overlooked the social historical aspects of the Coptic experience. Their presentations fostered a lively discussion of what it means, whether now or in the past, to be a productive, integrated citizen in Egypt and beyond. The symposium organisers hope that these discussions will continue and further an active and dynamic dialogue on Coptic identity and heritage.

More photographs from the Symposium will be available soon via this link: HERE or by visiting Reflections by HG Bishop Angaelos on Facebook.

Statement by HG Bishop Angaelos on Human Rights Day 2014

Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom on Human Rights Day 2014

As the world marks human rights day and celebrates the freedom that is experienced by many, it remains the responsibility of us all, especially those in positions of influence, to advocate for those for whom those fundamental rights are still violated.

As Christians we believe that God has given humanity the respect and freedom to choose and live its faith, and this right is further enshrined in international treaties and agreements such as the Universal Declaration of Human rights. It is unfortunate therefore to acknowledge that an unacceptably large proportion of the world’s population continues to suffer human rights violations and lives without these freedoms.

Guarding basic human rights for all must be taken seriously. In Scripture[1] we are reminded to speak for truth, justice and peace; this is both a responsibility and an obligation. As individuals we should advocate for those who suffer gross violations of their basic human rights, but when our efforts are expressed in unity and solidarity with people across denominations and faiths then they are far more powerful and effective for all.

As we celebrate Christmas and the New Year, we must remember those less fortunate or free than ourselves, and continue to encourage and support those who find themselves displaced, homeless, or at great risk, reminding them that they are not forgotten.

We pray for those deprived of their basic human rights across the world, as well as for continued strength to those who advocate for them, confident that those prayers and the cries of all who call upon Him are heard, reminded that “I have surely seen the oppression of My people…and have heard their cry…for I know their sorrows” (Exodus 3:7).

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[1] The Holy Bible, Zechariah 8:16, NKJV

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Resources:
Human Rights Day 10 December 2013: HG Bishop Angaelos Testimony at US Congressional Hearing re Human Rights Abuses in Egypt. Watch HERE

Follow His Grace Bishop Angaelos on Twitter @BishopAngaelos

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[1] The Holy Bible, Zechariah 8:16, NKJV

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

Press Release

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19 March 2014

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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: His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom testified at a Congressional Hearing on ‘Human Rights Abuses in Egypt’ in Washington DC on Human Rights Day, 10 December 2013.

PRESS RELEASE

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10 December 2013

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His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom testified at a Congressional Hearing on ‘Human Rights Abuses in Egypt’ in Washington DC on Human Rights Day, 10 December 2013. 

    

Addressing the congressional panel with four other witnesses, during a Joint Subcommittee Hearing comprised of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organisations, and the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, Bishop Angaelos underlined the nature and unprecedented level of violence and attacks against minority groups in Egypt pre and post 2011 uprising.

Highlighting a number of incidents occurring in recent months and years, he spoke of the increased incitement that led to the burning, demolition, and attacks on scores of churches, the kidnapping of Christian girls, restrictions on the choice or expression of faith, and the increasing violent attacks resulting in loss of life, and the displacement and destruction of property over decades.

Speaking on behalf of all minorities Bishop Angaelos said:

“I do not only speak as a Christian, because that would be very un-Christian of me. We speak as Christians for everyone, and our view of human rights is for a human rights perspective that covers every person.”

Saying the following regarding the political situation in Egypt:

“What we need to address at the moment are issues of illiteracy and poverty that make constituents vulnerable when they vote and are manipulated, either financially, or in terms of ideology, and of course religion becomes a part of that. What we also need is foreign investment and tourism to bolster the economy and enable people to sustain their families and communities.”

In conclusion, Bishop Angaelos spoke of Christians in Egypt as those who remain loyal to, and take pride in, their indigenous homeland despite the various challenges faced, saying:

“We speak as Christians with hope, and we have faced persecution far greater than this. We are still there as the largest Christian denomination in the Middle East and as the last actual bastion of Christian presence in the region.”

Shortly after the hearing, and in commenting further on the state of minorities in Egypt, Bishop Angaelos said:

“While we do not seek to place blame on the current leadership, it is evident that over the past decades there has been little done to ensure that these violent acts do not reoccur. Since the uprising, and due to a decrease in law and order resulting from the turbulent period under the rule of Mr Mohammed Morsi, there have been increasing challenges facing Christian and minority groups in Egypt. Having said that, and in looking to the future, we continue to support the current process of rebuilding Egypt with a new constitution and ethos, and support the whole community as it calls for change.

We pray, that with the good intention of all to move past these challenging times in Egypt’s history, the implementation of equality before the law will ensure that Egypt becomes a better place for all citizens on the basis that they are Egyptian before anything else, whether they are the numeric majority or minority, man or woman, young or old, secular or religious, Bahá’i, Christian or Muslim.”

Testifying alongside Bishop Angaelos, Mr Samuel Tadros, Research Fellow at Hudson Institute’s Centre for Religious Freedom said:

“In order to prevent recurring attacks there must be a process put in place to identify the most vulnerable villages in Egypt that are likely to experience attacks. The Egyptian government should be urged to implement this and the United States may be able to provide resources to help with that process. The Egyptian police also need a security protocol to deal with mob violence and should establish a crisis office within the Egyptian presidency to deal specifically with that issue, as well as the development of a rapid response unit. We also need reform in the legal system, and localised reward and punishment system.”

Other witnesses included:

Zuhdi Jasser, M.D. Vice Chair, U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

Morad Abou-Sabe, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Rutgers University         
Mr. Tad Stahnke, Director of Policy and Programs, Human Rights First

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Resources:

·         Watch the Hearing here: http://1.usa.gov/18P78qK

·         Transcript and Copy of Testimony submitted to Congress available upon request.

·         Statement by Bishop Angaelos, highlighting the increasing incitement and violence threatening and claiming the lives of Christians in Egypt. http://bit.ly/1cn7eBf