Coptic New Year celebrated in St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey, with messages from Her Majesty the Queen, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, the Archbishop of Canterbury and His Holiness Pope Francis

 Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

                                   Media and Communications Office

Coptic New Year celebrated in St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey, with messages from Her Majesty the Queen, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, the Archbishop of Canterbury and His Holiness Pope Francis

10 October 2019

Messages from Her Majesty The Queen, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, The Most Reverend Archbishop Justin Welby and His Holiness Pope Francis, were read during the annual Coptic New Year Service at St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey on 8 October 2019. The Very Reverend Dr John Hall, Dean of Westminster welcomed over four hundred and fifty guests from the House of Lords and House of Commons, the Diplomatic Corps, the Foreign Commonwealth Office, the Home Office, and humanitarian and advocacy organisations, various ecumenical and inter-religious guests, and members of the Coptic Orthodox community in the United Kingdom.

 

After his welcome, His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, thanked The Very Reverend Dr John Hall for his support during his time as Dean of Westminster, and wished him every blessing for the next stages of his ministry, presenting a Coptic icon of St John the Beloved, on behalf of the Coptic Orthodox community in Britain.

The traditional Coptic vespers service was officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, who delivered a sermon on the theme of unity and solidarity, encouraging congregants to be light in darkness, and unified in bringing hope to all, despite challenges faced.

Towards the end of the evening, addresses were delivered by His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas, Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain, His Excellency Tarek Adel, Ambassador of Egypt to the United Kingdom, The Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for the Commonwealth and the United Nations, and Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, and The Viscount Younger of Leckie, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and Minister for Faith and Communities.

 

The message from Her Majesty The Queen, read by The Rt Revd Jonathan Goodall, Bishop of Ebbsfleet, conveyed warm wishes to the clergy and congregation of the Coptic Orthodox Church, as well as all in attendance; also honouring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their Christian Faith. His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, also extended warm wishes to the Coptic Orthodox community in his message read by The Right Reverend James Newcome DL, Bishop of Carlisle, offering heartfelt prayers for those who continue to face persecution and suffering for their Faith.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, in his message to the Coptic Orthodox community, presented by The Right Reverend Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark, said:

“It is my great pleasure to send you greetings as you celebrate Nayrouz once again…At new year we look back at the years past and forward to the years ahead. As we look back we remember all those who have gone before us, not least those who have shed their blood as martyrs for the faith. Those who go before make us what we are today.”

“May each one of us, united in our faith in Jesus Christ, be the one who announces peace, salvation and the Kingdom of God in his world.”

His Holiness Pope Francis, in a message presented by His Excellency Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, Apostolic Nuncio, recalled the fraternal bond with His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, and offered warm wishes to the Coptic Orthodox community:

“Informed of this observance, Pope Francis, in recalling the bond that united him with his dear brother His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, addresses a special greeting to the Coptic Orthodox Church, which has been able to give a true testimony of Faith and love even in the most difficult moments.

Pope Francis takes this opportunity of the beginning of the Coptic Year to express again his best wishes for peace and health, together with gladness and appreciation of the spiritual ties that unite the See of Peter with the See of Mark.”

His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, in his sermon, spoke of the reason for celebrating the Coptic New Year in St Margaret’s Church, saying:

“The reason we come back to this place every year, is so that we can gather together in prayer, but also because this place, where it is situated, who it serves, and what it stands for, is light in darkness.

We have seen so much turmoil over the past few months, even years, yet it is only in places like this, places of prayer, places of grace, places of unity and solidarity, that we are able to shine light in darkness.”

Explaining the meaning behind the Feast of Nayrouz, His Eminence continued:

“The Coptic Calendar begins in 284AD, the start of the reign of Emperor Diocletian, to honour the hundreds of thousands, and some even estimate millions, of Egyptian Christians who paid the ultimate price for their Christian Faith, during his reign. Since then, Coptic Orthdox Christians have continued to witness to their Faith in Egypt and around the world, often facing challenges, with remarkable graciousness, patience, resilience, and forgiveness.”

His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas, began his address with a reminder of the significance of reflecting on the past as well as looking forward to the future:

“It is important that we recall that in ancient times faithful communities celebrated this as the beginning of the New Year, to also remind ourselves to a commitment to change; perhaps it is that ideal of a New Year resolution, to change our ways and our lives and our hearts and to allow our ways of the past, our sins, to remain there.” 

“May this new year be the year of grace, and joy and happiness and for the people of your communities throughout the world, may the words of the Prophet King David be fulfilled, for he said to God ‘You have changed my mourning into dancing’, and may there be no mourning for the Coptic people and the Orthodox communities, but may they be filled with righteousness, joy and even dancing, and dancing from this world to the Kingdom of God.”

His Excellency Tarek Adel, commended the Coptic Orthodox community for their courage and faith during the reign of Emperor Diocletian, saying:

“We are indeed indebted to the martyrs of Egypt, they shone as beacons of light and gave the people strength and faith.”

His Excellency went on to say:

“From this great place of worship I want to stress that peace and harmony, and the most important thing, coexistence, should be the guiding principle of any civilised society. We are proud that Egypt has the largest Christian community in the Middle East, and we intend to keep on working to create and enhance a conducive environment for all Egyptians to prosper and reach their full potential regardless of their faith. We also hope that those who insist on building walls, or spreading fear, will come to understand that our only hope as humans is to live together in peace and harmony.”

“I also take this opportunity to convey the warm greetings of His Excellency Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of Egypt.”   

The Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon spoke of the Coptic Orthodox Church’s official engagement in his address, the importance of people of faith advocating for one another:

“For people of all faiths and beliefs, marking the New Year is an opportunity both to look back and reflect, but also to look forward with hope and optimism.”

“There are many people I wish to thank, but perhaps none more so than His Eminence… He is not only a wise counsel but very much in the truest sense a sincere friend.”

“I pay tribute to the many selfless individuals around the world who continue to campaign for the importance and priority of religious freedom, who inspire us with their own example and courage. And everywhere I go I live by my own belief, of my own faith, that surely the greatest test of our own faith is the conviction we show in standing up for the faith or belief of others.”

The Viscount Younger of Leckie, commended the Coptic Orthodox community in the United Kingdom and echoed His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos in speaking strongly on solidarity:

“It would be remiss of me not to commend the exceptional contributions made by members of the British Coptic Orthodox community, many of whom I know go to great lengths to support the most vulnerable people in our society, including those threatened with homelessness. Your acts speak to the incredible selflessness and ultraism of your community. Such displays of kindness and generosity show Britain at its best and set an example for us all to follow.”

“Your Eminence, you have spoken with great passion and wisdom on the significance of solidarity and friendship. The importance of renewing and strengthening those ties that bind us together. This is a vision that I wholeheartedly endorse, we remain the world’s most successful, multi-faith, multi-ethnic nation and London is the world’s greatest, most diverse city. That is only really possible when we do not take it for granted, and that is why it is important for all of us to ask ourselves what more can I do to serve my community, to whom can I extend the hand of friendship, how can I help a neighbour in need.”

The concluding words in the sermon of His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, encapsulated the overall ethos of the evening:

“At this time of great anxiety and uncertainty in many parts of the world, as well as our own, it is both significant and important that we gather this evening in prayer, from across the spectrum of the Church, faith, belief, and the breadth of our community and stand as one in our ongoing journey and relationship, and our commitment to one another.”

“We are an icon of what is it to be one in our diversity. We are different and that difference projects the beauty of God’s creation, and yet in that difference we must respect one another, love one another, forgive one another, be reconciled to one another and put ourselves aside for one another.”

“Tonight, as we gather, we give thanks for this unity, we give thanks for this icon, we give thanks for the life that we have, and we give thanks for the life we are promised even beyond the grave.”

*Ends*

Reflection from His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos following the departure of His Eminence Metropolitan Bishoy of Damietta, of blessed memory.

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

                                Media and Communications Office

Reflection from His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, following the departure of His Eminence Metropolitan Bishoy of Damietta, of blessed memory.

3 October 2018

Today we mourn the loss, while celebrating the life, of a father, shepherd and teacher of the Coptic Orthodox Church. His Eminence Metropolitan Bishoy of Damietta, of blessed memory, faithfully served the Church internally, through his diocese, as General Secretary of the Holy Synod and as Convenor of the Clerical Council. I have personally seen his engagement with the clergy and laity of his diocese, and so I know that today, they will be mourning the loss of a gentle, loving and beloved father.

Externally, Metropolitan Bishoy has also served through his chairing, membership of, and contribution to, a variety of theological dialogues and consultations over the past forty five years.

His Eminence has also served the wider Church of God by being a pivotal point of engagement at so many levels, through the World Council of Churches, the Middle East Council of Churches, and numerous ecumenical bodies and initiatives.

Having had the blessing and honour of serving alongside the late Metropolitan Bishoy, both as a member of the Holy Synod and in numerous ecumenical dialogues and bodies, I have come to learn from and respect the commitment, passion, dedication, and attention to detail that many will know him for.

My most recent encounter with Metropolitan Bishoy was only a few days ago in Holy Etchmiadzin, as he signed, on behalf of the Family of Oriental Orthodox Churches, a historic Memorandum of Understanding between the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches and the United Bible Societies. As his last official act only forty-eight hours before his passing, this demonstrated the fruits of tireless work that has spanned over a decade. Having spent much time in conversation with him during that trip, partly in preparation for the upcoming annual meeting of the Anglican Oriental-Orthodox International Commission, I know that he will be greatly missed by the Commission, as a founder member and co-Chair, and as a friend and colleague to all who have served on it since its inception.

Within just hours of the news of his passing, I have received countless messages of condolence, which is indicative of the breadth and depth of his engagement with ecumenical partners over decades around the world.

We pray repose for his soul, and comfort for his diocese and the many thousands of his ecumenical friends and colleagues around the world who will dearly miss him.

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

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

                                Media and Communications Office

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.

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

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

                                Media and Communications Office

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. 

*Ends*

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

Press Release: Official Vespers Service and Youth Day in honour, and in the presence, of HH Pope Tawadros II at The Coptic Cathedral of Saint George

      Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

                                Media and Communications Office

Official Vespers Service and Youth Day in honour, and in the presence, of HH Pope Tawadros II at The Coptic Cathedral of Saint George

Photo Credit: Marcin Mazur

9 May 2017

As part of the first pastoral visit of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, 118^th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, an official vespers service was held in his honour at the Coptic Cathedral of Saint George in Hertfordshire. The event was held on 6 May 2017, following a gathering earlier that day of over six hundred Coptic youth from across the UK, who listened to a sermon by His Holiness on 'the Cross and the joy it brings.' There were also presentations from two youth choirs, both traditional and contemporary, along with video presentations outlining the various ministries that fall under the umbrella of ‘Coptic Youth Mission’. His Holiness also officiated a Eucharistic service at the Cathedral of Saint George on Sunday 7 May 2017.

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, gave an introductory welcome at the start of the official vespers service, which was attended by members of the House of Lords, the Diplomatic Corps, the Foreign Commonwealth Office, the Home Office, humanitarian and advocacy organisations, and various ecumenical and inter-religious guests.

In his address, His Grace Bishop Angaelos highlighted the role that the Coptic Orthodox Church plays in British society in its pastoral, ecumenical and official capacity. His Grace went on to thank the Pope for his resilience amidst trying times in Egypt, saying:

“We are blessed as Coptic Christians, because of the witness of Your Holiness and our sisters and brothers in Egypt. We are blessed because of your goodness, strength, faithfulness, and forgiving nature; and because of the life of Christ that is vibrant and alive in the midst of an often-increasing darkness.”

Elaborating on the targeted persecution of Coptic Christians in Egypt, His Grace went on to say:

“We are being persecuted by some who do not want us to remain in the Middle East, but it is by no means the majority of Egypt. We have seen police officers, soldiers and simple men and women, not only Christians but Muslims, also dying. This targeting is of a cohesive way of life.”

His Grace concluded by addressing His Holiness directly, saying:

“You are an inspiration, role model, guide and father, and we thank you for joining us here, and give thanks to God for your continued witness.”

A message from The Right Honourable Theresa May, Prime Minister, was read during the service, followed by a fraternal message from The Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, read by The Right Reverend Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark.  

In his message, the Archbishop said:

“Your Holiness, we live in testing times. The suffering of Christians in Egypt has been acute in recent weeks. I am grateful for the witness of steadfast bravery and hope that you have shown. Your fellow Christians are strengthened by your faithfulness to the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ and by your unswerving commitment to the worship of the triune God."

The Most Revd and Rt Hon John Sentamu, Archbishop of York, said in his message:

"In fact a large part of the body of Christ is hurting today, and so this is a time to express our deep solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the persecuted church. We thank God for them!  We must renew our love for them – indeed for you, my brothers and sisters – and with you for those who oppress you. And we must renew our commitment to pray." 

In the Papal address, which was delivered in English, Pope Tawadros thanked all those who spoke during the service, and said:

“It is a great honour for me to be here today and a blessing for us all to gather together. This is a fulfilment of our Christian calling, which is to keep the “unity of spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).

His Holiness spoke of the role that Egypt has played historically in its contribution to Christianity.

Pope Tawadros linked Egypt’s rich history to the way in which many Coptic Christians remain steadfast in their Faith today, saying:

“In the same way Coptic Christians have given their lives in martyrdom throughout the ages, they continue to be killed for their Faith today. Both teachings and martyrdom have contributed to the preservation of the Christian Faith.”

Speaking of the recent visit of His Holiness Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church to Egypt, HH Pope Tawadros went on to say:

“We were all blessed by the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to Egypt, and these visits, along with many others from sister Churches, make for continued good relations between our Churches, and also shed light on the rich history and ongoing role that Egypt has to play.”

Speaking more broadly on spiritual matters that affect our global humanity, His Holiness continued:

“The world today has become more hungry for love, especially as the life of technology has uncovered every aspect of the human being. In other words, the relation of man to machine became superior to the relation of human to human.”

“This dynamic has contributed to the increased violence and terrorism we experience in our world today. Together we must work to present the love of Christ for everyone, in any place, at any time. Therefore, we in Egypt depend on the words which Saint Paul, who instructs us that ‘Love never fails’ (1 Corinthians 13:8). Our relations, whether inside or outside Egypt, must depend on the notion that ‘love never fails’ and we must present love in action.”

Addresses were also delivered by The Most Revd and Rt Hon John Sentamu, Archbishop of York, His Excellency Mr Nasser Kamel, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the United Kingdom, His Eminence Mor Athanasius Toma Dawod of the Syrian Orthodox Church, Archbishop Kevin McDonald, Co-Chair of the Catholic-Oriental Orthodox Regional Forum, and His Eminence Archbishop Elisey of Sourozh, Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom. The service was followed by a reception at which guests conversed with His Holiness and met members of the Coptic Orthodox community.

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. 

Photo credit: Michael Hani

*Ends*

Photographs will be made available throughout the visit via www.Flickr.com/CopticMedia          

Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, following two explosions in Coptic Churches in Tanta and Alexandria

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

                                Media and Communications Office

Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, following two explosions in Coptic Churches in Tanta and Alexandria

9 April 2017

Today, Egypt’s Christians experienced yet another targeted attack, with a bombing of the Church of Saint George in Tanta during what was meant to be a joyous day of families celebrating Palm Sunday. A few hours later there was a second bombing in Alexandria, killing innocent men, women and children as they left a Palm Sunday Liturgy that was officiated by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark.

While it is still too early to determine responsibility, what is undeniable is the senseless and heartless brutality that can lead a person or people to indiscriminately take innocent lives, especially at the most vulnerable hour of prayer.

Today we suffer with our sisters and brothers who have experienced losses in London, in Stockholm, and as well as those who continue to suffer on a daily basis across the Middle East. We pray for them and their families as well as their suffering and struggling communities.

We pray for His Holiness Pope Tawadros II and all our Coptic clergy in Egypt who continue to serve their spiritual children faithfully and diligently at a time in which their leadership and pastoral care is needed by our whole community. We also pray for our Coptic Orthodox sisters and brothers who continue to be resilient in the face of ongoing and escalating attacks, and who resist the urge to react vengefully or reciprocally.

We are also saddened by the news that members of the security services who attempted to foil the second bombing in Alexandria lost their lives in the line of duty. We pray comfort and resolve for their families and colleagues.

As we celebrate Palm Sunday today and Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, we now also mark the entry of those who have passed today into the heavenly Jerusalem. As we continue into the Holy Week of our Saviour, we share in the pain and heartbreak of their families and of all those affected by today’s incidents. As we celebrate the Feast of the glorious Resurrection at the end of this week, we are reminded that our life here on earth is a journey often filled with pain, at the end of which is a promised glorious and eternal life void of such suffering and evil.

*Ends*

Comment by HG Bishop Angaelos, on the recent spate of attacks against Coptic Christians in Egypt, including the recent attacks in Al-Arish, Sinai.

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

                                Media and Communications Office

Comment by His Grace Bishop Angaelos,
General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom,
on the recent spate of attacks against Coptic Christians in Egypt,
including the recent attacks in Al-Arish, Sinai.

28 February 2017

I have now drafted and redrafted this statement numerous times over the past weeks, wanting to say something about the deadly attacks experienced by Coptic Christians in Egypt on a daily basis, yet every time I do, there seems to be a new and often more horrifying attack that needs to be addressed. In the past three months alone forty Coptic Christians have been murdered in targeted attacks in Egypt. From the terrorist bombing on St Peter’s Coptic Church in Cairo that claimed the lives of twenty nine mainly women and children, to the murders of individuals across the country since, the one common denominator is that these innocent children, women and men have had their lives brutally and tragically ended for no other reason except that they are Christians.

Incitement by terrorist groups that calls for the killing of Christians in Egypt has spiralled over the past weeks to the extent that lists of churches and individuals have now been released as desirable targets.

While persecution is nothing new for the Coptic community, this escalation of attacks over the past months, culminating in the most recent murders of seven Christians in Al-Arish, has resulted in the displacement of hundreds forced to leave their generations-old homes in North Sinai.

These horrific attacks have gone largely unnoticed by the international community, but Copts continue to suffer tragic violations daily. The attacks against them are anti-Christian and religiously-motivated, demonstrated in many cases by the circulation of flyers within villages urging Christians to ‘leave or die’. Similar events have tragically occurred far too often over the past years, and there is unfortunately little deterrent to prevent them from reoccurring.

In our fast moving world that is filled with so much news of tragedy, war and death, it is all too easy for atrocities to become ‘incidents’, and for individuals suffering them to become mere statistics, very quickly pushed aside by the next item of news. In the eyes of the perpetrators they are a viable target, and in the eyes of the world they become a regrettable phenomenon; yet what is actually left behind is traumatised individuals, families and communities that have lost loved ones, living the reality of themselves being targeted.

While Coptic Christians have been particularly targeted they have always remained peaceful and opted for non-retaliation. Exceeding this already admirable stance, they have even proceeded to forgive their perpetrators. After the destruction of over 100 places of Christian ministry and worship in August of 2013, the bombing of various churches across the country in the last decade, and the targeted killing of clergy, families, women and children, purely for their Faith, the community and individuals within it remain non-violent and resilient. Despite there being condemnation of these attacks by national government and authorities, there is yet to be a consistent robust and fair implementation of these same sentiments more regionally and locally.

In communicating over the past weeks with various brothers and sisters in Egypt, what becomes immediately apparent is that this community that continues to witness its Faith with integrity and strength despite the hurdles it faces, desires to live with dignity in its indigenous homeland.

It must also be mentioned that Coptic Christians are not alone in facing these attacks, as scores of Egyptian civilians, soldiers and police officers have lost their lives as a result of this wave of terrorist activity.

We pray for those suffering terrorism and violence, for God to grant them peace and reassurance that they are not forgotten by Him or by all those who not only witness their plight but strive to advocate for them. We also pray for those in positions of authority and influence that they may be advocates for all those entrusted into their care. Finally, and not of least importance we pray for those who perpetrate these crimes, that they once again become conscious of the true value of every life that appears to be dispensable in their eyes.

*Ends*