His Majesty King Charles III visits The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK, ten years after his first historic visit on 17 December 2013

 Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office

 

Press Release
For immediate use
6 December 2023

 

His Majesty King Charles III visits The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK,
ten years after his first historic visit on 17 December 2013

His Majesty King Charles III attended an Advent Service and Christmas Reception at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in Hertfordshire on 5 December 2023 which was attended by over six hundred guests from the House of Lords and House of Commons, the Diplomatic Corps, the Foreign Commonwealth Office, humanitarian, and advocacy organisations, as well as ecumenical and interreligious guests, and members of the Coptic Orthodox clergy and community in the United Kingdom.

The King was greeted on arrival by His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos OBE, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London and Papal Legate to the United Kingdom, and The Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Mr Robert Voss CBE CStJ, who then introduced His Majesty to The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Liz Green, The Rt Reverend the Lord Bishop of St Albans, Bishop Alan Smith, the Mayor of Stevenage, Cllr. Myla Arceno, and other civic dignitaries.

His Majesty attended a Coptic Orthodox prayer service in the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral of Saint George, after which he met volunteers from the Church's youth, advocacy and benevolent ministries, who presented the various services offered by the church that align with His Majesty’s Coronation pledge ‘to serve’. The King was then greeted by members of the Coptic Orthodox Church community, and signed a visitors book before unveiling a plaque to mark the occasion of his visit.

His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos presented to His Majesty a fragment of stone from the Coptic Orthodox Altar within the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, speaking of its unparalleled significance in Christian history and the enduring legacy of the Christian Faith and the universal message of hope and resurrection that it offers, from the place of the Resurrection.

His Majesty then addressed the congregation and spoke of his joy at returning to the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral after ten years and meeting people who had been there at the previous visit in 2013. He concluded by wishing everyone a blessed Christmas.

Commenting on the visit, Archbishop Angaelos said:

“It was a true joy to welcome His Majesty back to our Centre and Cathedral during his Coronation Year. The response which we received from our community to attend a midweek morning service was overwhelming, and the genuine love and enthusiasm expressed was heartening. Seeing His Majesty move among the people and engage with them with such warmth and sincerity speaks to his commitment to being the servant King. He touched and left a lasting impression on the hearts of so many individuals and families within our community.

As part of the visit, we were conscious to present some of the major ministries of the Church related to youth, homelessness, social welfare and advocacy in order to demonstrate the breadth of engagement that we have, and this was further represented in the number of our ecumenical, interreligious and official guests who joined us on the day. We were also delighted that His Majesty planted a tree with us, something that speaks to the importance of environmental stewardship as faith communities.

We are very thankful to His Majesty for his visit, his time and genuine sincerity and warmth, and we pray a blessing upon him, the Nation and the Commonwealth and the world during this Advent period, which is a period of hope amidst many global challenges that are affecting so many at this time.”

The King was invited to plant a plum tree on the grounds of The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre, before farewelling guests.

His Majesty King Charles III (formerly The Prince of Wales) first visited The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre a decade ago, to attend a Christmas service and to witness the increasing engagement of the Coptic Orthodox community, an indigenous Egyptian Christian community, now very much at home in the United Kingdom. The King’s visit in 2013, was the first of a series of annual Advent visits to diverse Christian communities carried out by His Majesty.

*Ends*

All photographs are credited to The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Background Information

Royal Visit to The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in 2013, see here

On 5th December 2018 His Majesty spoke at a historic service at Westminster Abbey to celebrate the contribution of Christians in the Middle East. Archbishop Angaelos and the Coptic Orthodox Choir in the United Kingdom took part in this historic service. Read more here.

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, the 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark,  met The King at Clarence House on 17 May 2017 during his first pastoral visit to the United Kingdom. Read more here.

In November 2021, The King also met His Holiness Pope Tawadros II in Egypt.

In March 1995 His Majesty met with His Holiness the late Pope Shenouda III, the 117^th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, in Egypt.

 

More on The Coptic Orthodox Church

Coptic Orthodox Christians make up approximately 15% of the population of Egypt, numbering around 15 million. An indigenous community, they are now the largest presence of Christians in the entire Middle East due to widespread immigration and displacement.

There are approximately 40,000 Coptic Orthodox Christians in the UK.  

HRH The Prince of Wales highlights the plight of minorities suffering religious persecution worldwide

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

                                Media and Communications Office

HRH The Prince of Wales highlights the plight of minorities
suffering religious persecution worldwide

22 December 2016

His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, has spoken out today for minorities suffering religious persecution in a video message for Aid to the Church in Need and on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Thought for the Day’.

During his message, His Royal Highness spoke about the persecution of Christians and religious minorities, saying that for many “religious freedom is a daily stark choice between life and death. The scale of religious persecution is not widely appreciated…in some countries even more insidious forms of extremism have recently surfaced which aim to eliminate all types of religious diversity.” He went on to speak about the vast numbers of people displaced as a result of religious persecution in their homelands, and their ongoing struggle as they seek refuge elsewhere.

This message comes just one week after the brutal bombing and killing of 27 people, mostly women and children, in St Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo, targeted purely for their Christian belief. In response to the bombing, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales wrote a letter of condolence to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark, also offering his condolence in person to His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, at a private meeting at Clarence House on 14 December 2016.

In December 2013 His Royal Highness visited The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in the United Kingdom to express his support for Christians suffering persecution across the Middle East.

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Press Release: His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan was received by His Grace Bishop Angaelos during a historic visit and interfaith gathering at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre on 13 November 2013.

Press Release
For immediate use
14 November 2013

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

 

 Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

Media and Communications Office

 

 

 His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan was received by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, during a historic visit and interfaith gathering at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre on 13 November 2013.

This visit facilitated a gathering of guests from a variety of faith backgrounds who met in the Cathedral of St George to listen and respond to addresses by Bishop Angaelos and Prince Hassan on the subject of interreligious dialogue and cooperation at an interreligious level.

In welcoming Prince Hassan, Bishop Angaelos, a Scholar-Consultant on the Christian Muslim Forum of England and Moderator of the Churches' Inter Religious Network, said:

“Having recently celebrated Armistice Day, as the end of war and celebration of all those who gave their lives, the words ‘Lest we forget’ should also be applied to heroes of faith and inclusion. We are a reality in each other’s lives and reconciliation is our only way ahead, both in the Middle East and around the world.

I believe that faith and advocacy are inseparable; a faith that does not advocate is not a Godly faith. This is why we are here with the Cathedral of St George as our backdrop. The altar is the place of our greatest worship and what we are doing here is part of that worship, to be able to integrate our belief with our daily witness in our lives.”

His Royal Highness, who is President of the Foundation for Inter-religious and Intercultural Research and Dialogue, spoke in his address of the need for a strategy to stabilise the Middle East, further indicating the need for a process leading to free and responsible Arab citizenship. Following the address, His Royal Highness answered a variety of questions relating to the rapid decline in the number of Christians in the Middle East and the course of action required to address the increasing challenges facing various faith communities in the region.

During a presentation ceremony following the address, Bishop Angaelos presented His Royal Highness with the gift of a traditional Coptic Orthodox icon of Saint George, after which guests were able to further their conversations during an informal reception.

Resulting from the day’s events was a shared desire to engage more at an interreligious level with the furthered prospect of addressing the state of Christians in the Middle East and the challenges they face.

Among the guests were the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Chief Inspector Richard Harbon, The Rt Hon Stephen McPartland MP, as well as representatives of Churches Together in England, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, the Awareness Foundation, and the Muslim Christian Forum. Also in attendance were members of clergy and community of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and representatives from the broad spectrum of the Christian Church and the Muslim and Baha’i communities in the United Kingdom.

Press Release: The Coptic Orthodox Church announces Papal Selection dates

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
Date: 13 Sep 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Media and Public Relations Office

The new pope of The Coptic Orthodox Church will be chosen on 2 December 2012 as announced by the Holy Synod and Nominations Committee on Wednesday 12 September 2012. The official list of Papal nominees and final dates that will bring the Papal selection process to a close was also announced.

The Holy Synod and Nominations Committee of the Coptic Orthodox Church have announced that the new pope to succeed His Holiness the late Pope Shenouda III, the 117th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark, will be chosen on 2 December 2012. Pope Shenouda III departed on 17th March 2012 after forty-one years of papacy.

The Papal Selection Timeline as announced on Wednesday 12 September 2012 is as follows:

• 14 September- Final papal nominations announced by nominations committee
• 15-30 September - Period for challenges to nominations by voters
• 1-3 October - Church-wide fast for the coming stage of the process
• 3 October - Nominations committee commences deliberations and creates a shortlist of 5-7 candidates for papal election
• 19-21 November - Church-wide fast before Papal election
• 24 November - Papal election
• 26-29 November - Church-wide fast preceding Altar Ballot
• 2 December - Liturgical service at the Grand Cathedral of St Mark in which the Altar Ballot will take place and the new pope will be chosen.

The Nominations Committee will formally issue the final list of Papal Candidates on Friday 14 September, and they are:

• Metropolitan Bishoy of Damietta
• Bishop Youannes
• Bishop Rafael
• Bishop Pafnotious of Samalout
• Bishop Boutros
• Bishop Tawadros
• Bishop Kyrollos of Milan
• Father Rafael Ava-Mina
• Father Maximos El-Antony
• Father Shenouda Anba-Bishoy
• Father Pakhomious El-Souriany
• Father Daniel El-Souriani
• Father Anastasi El-Samuel
• Father Bishoy Anba-Paula
• Father Saweris Anba-Paula
• Father Seraphim El-Souriany
• Father Pigol Anba-Bishoy

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom who has issued a detailed explanation of the papal selection process said:

“The papal selection process, albeit lengthy, has been carried out thus far with integrity, transparency and inclusion of the broad spectrum of the Coptic Orthodox Church both inside and outside Egypt. As we approach the selection of the new pope, we are confident that this process has been carried out for centuries, and is not merely based on democratic election, but primarily on a collective prayerfulness and faith in God’s choice.”

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For more information please contact:

Media and Public Relations Officer

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Tel: +44 (0)207 1937076

 

Media and Public Relations Office

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre

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Hertfordshire SG2 8NP

England, United Kingdom

 

Tel.: +44 (0)207 1937076

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Press Release: Community Festival Day 2012 at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
Date: 2 August 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Media and Public Relations Office

A Community Festival Day for all the family will be held at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in Stevenage on Saturday 4 August 2012.

On Saturday 4 August, The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in the UK will invite the local community to explore their local cathedral. The Mayor of Stevenage will also be in attendance. The event is free and open to every member of the community, and promises to be a great day out for all the family.

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom said:

“We are looking forward to opening our doors to the whole community as we celebrate this wonderful year in the United Kingdom, in keeping with the spirit of Her Majesty the Queen’s Jubilee and the hosting of the Olympics. We pray for a wonderful day where the whole family can come together to celebrate Stevenage as one community.”

There will be live coverage of the Olympic Games, with activities for children including a bouncy castle, football, face painting as well as a mini-Olympic sports competition. Tours of St. George Cathedral will take place on the hour, giving an insight into the background and heritage of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

All people of all ages are invited and encouraged to attend the festival. If you would like to attend and have any questions please contact VisitUs@CopticCentre.com

If you are a member of the press please contact:

Media and Public Relations Officer
The Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Tel: +44 (0)207 1937076

Media and Public Relations Office
The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre
Shephalbury Manor
Broadhall Way, Stevenage
Hertfordshire SG2 8NP
England, United Kingdom

Tel.: +44 (0)207 1937076
Fax: +44 (0)1438 313879
Office Email: Media@CopticCentre.com
Website: www.CopticCentre.com
Blog: www.CopticCentre.Blogspot.com
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Press Release: The Coptic Cathedral of St George at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK will ring its bells in unison with churches across the country signifying the first day of the Olympics.

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
Date: 26 July 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK
Media and Public Relations Office

The Coptic Cathedral of St George at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK will ring its bells in unison with churches across the country signifying the first day of the Olympics.

On Friday 27 July at 8:12am, the Coptic Cathedral of St George at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK will ring its bells in unison with churches across the country, signifying the first day of the Olympics.

As part of the unifying effort to encourage a spirit of peace, community and excitement for the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom said the following:

“2012 has been a mixed year of festive celebrations and economic struggles, and this historic third hosting of the Olympic Games in London brings hope of greater social interaction, hope and prosperity. We celebrate as a nation and as nations together, praying for joy, safety and peace. We also pray for those who are organising, participating and supporting, that God may bless this time for them, and keep this empowering and unifying spirit alive for months and years to come.”

*ENDS*

For more information please contact:

Media and Public Relations Officer
The Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Tel: +44 (0)207 1937076

Media and Public Relations Office
The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre
Shephalbury Manor
Broadhall Way, Stevenage
Hertfordshire SG2 8NP
England, United Kingdom

Tel.: +44 (0)207 1937076
Fax: +44 (0)1438 313879
Office Email: Media@CopticCentre.com
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Press Release: HG Bishop Angaelos announces the departure of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE USE

Date: 17^th March 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Media and Public Relations Office

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK announced the departure of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III.

On 17^th March 2012 His Grace Bishop Angaelos announced the departure of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, the 117^th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark the Evangelist of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria.

In a statement released today Bishop Angaelos said the following:

“His Holiness Pope Shenouda III will be remembered by his Church as a dedicated servant of God and of the people, a man who faithfully endured through conflict, opposition, and persecution. His Holiness built upon the foundation laid by our Lord Jesus Christ, enhancing the Church in a variety of ways, encouraging a spirit of unity for all of humanity. May his prayers be with us all, and may he find joy and rest in the Kingdom of our gracious Lord.”

The announcement came during a sports ministry event at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre involving hundreds of youth from across the United Kingdom; His Grace commented that “this was especially pertinent as youth ministry has always been one of the passions of His Holiness and it would have given him joy to see this gathering.”

His Holiness Pope Shenouda was consecrated Pope of Alexandria on November 14, 1971, and under his leadership the Church experienced rapid growth within Egypt and in the lands of immigration, including the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia, with over 200 churches in North America being established, there being only 4 at the time of his succession.

His Holiness gave weekly meetings to over seven thousand people in the Cathedral of St. Mark in Cairo, authored over 100 spiritual books, later translated into many languages for consumption worldwide; he also ordained over 80 Metropolitans and Bishops and over 600 priests.  

His Holiness was also dedicated to ecumenism and helped to pave the way towards greater unity between the Oriental, Catholic, and Protestant among other Churches worldwide being the first pope in over 1500 years to visit the Vatican in 1973, agreeing to establish joint commissions for dialogue on unity.

There will be a book of condolence available at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre from Monday 19^th March 2012 for those who would like to show their respects. Please contact Admin@CopticCentre.com or phone 01438-745232.

For more information please contact:

Media and Public Relations Officer
The Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Tel: +44 (0)207 1937076

Media and Public Relations Office
The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre
Shephalbury Manor
Broadhall Way, Stevenage
Hertfordshire SG2 8NP
England, United Kingdom

Tel.: +44 (0)207 1937076
Fax: +44 (0)1438 313879
Office Email: Media@CopticCentre.com
Website: www.CopticCentre.com

Blog: www.CopticCentre.Blogspot.com
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Press Release: Archbishop of Canterbury stepping down in December 2012

Press Release from the Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

For immediate use

Date:  16^th March 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Media and Public Relations Office

After receiving news that the Most Reverend Dr. Rowan Williams will be stepping down as Archbishop of Canterbury at the end of December 2012, HG Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom issued the following statement:

While I received the news of the stepping down of the Most Reverend Dr. Rowan Williams as Archbishop of Canterbury with great sadness, I am confident of the spirituality, wisdom, integrity and careful consideration that must drive such a decision. 

Through his ten years at Lambeth Palace, Archbishop Rowan has sought to deepen and strengthen relations within the Christian family around the world and has always been mindful of the deep and historic relationship between the Anglican Communion and the Coptic Orthodox Church, and at a wider level, with the family of Oriental Orthodox Churches internationally. We have also seen his great interest in and representation of Christians in the Middle East, as exemplified in the House of Lords Debate on the 9th December 2011. In the Archbishop we have also seen constant and faithful efforts aimed at holding together the Anglican Communion through what has been a very challenging time.

I will always hold very fond memories of the Archbishop’s visits to our Coptic Orthodox Church Centre, and the many ways in which we have worked together during the past ten years. I am also grateful for the numerous visits that His Grace has made to His Holiness Pope Shenouda III in Egypt.

In praying for Archbishop Rowan, whom I also consider a friend, I look forward to our continued co-operation in these coming months and beyond. As president of The Council of Oriental Orthodox Churches, I express our appreciation for the relationship we have had over these past years and assure him of our continued prayers.  

For more information please contact:

Media and Public Relations Officer
The Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Tel: +44 (0)207 1937076

Resources:

Statement by HG Bishop Angaelos regarding the debate led by His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury on the 9th December 2011: Consensus in the British House of Lords on the state of Christians in the Middle East

Press Release: House of Lords debate on Christians in the Middle East, 9th December 2011

Press Releases and Statements: The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK Blog

Media and Public Relations Office
The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre
Shephalbury Manor
Broadhall Way, Stevenage
Hertfordshire SG2 8NP
England, United Kingdom

Tel.: +44 (0)207 1937076
Fax: +44 (0)1438 313879
Office Email: Media@CopticCentre.com
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Prayer Day for Egypt at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Following the success of last year's day of prayer for Egypt with Egyptian Christians from all denominations, a similar day will be held this year on Saturday the 3rd of March at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK. This will be an all day event starting with Liturgy, brunch, and then meet in the hall to pray together. Everyone is invited to attend. Visit www.CopticCentre.com or e-mail VisitUs@CopticCentre.com

Press Release from The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK: The Catholic-Oriental Orthodox Forum launches 'Joint Statements'

Press Release from the Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Date:  24^th January 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

 Media and Public Relations Office

The Catholic-Oriental Orthodox Regional Forum (COORF) launches a book entitled Joint Statements on Monday 23 January, outlining theological agreements between the Roman Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox family of Churches.  A press conference followed, led by Co-Chairs of COORF: His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, and President of the Council of Oriental Orthodox Churches of the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, and His Grace Archbishop Kevin McDonald, Archbishop Emeritus of Southwark.

His Grace Bishop Angaelos emphasised the relevance of this unprecedented move towards unity between the Oriental Orthodox Churches and the Roman Catholic Church, highlighting the clear areas of common Faith and witness that the Church bodies share, stating that the commonalities that exist far outweigh that which had previously been a cause of division.

Speaking of the sixteen hundred years of separation that the Churches have experienced and the role of ecumenism, which is now even more relevant on a global scale when taking into consideration recent events such as the Arab Spring, Archbishop McDonald stated:

“Even though in the past there were differences, they no longer justify the continued separation, and it is a call to the Churches to come together and move towards a closer communion…It is a good time for us to recognise that there is an international dimension to ecumenism and we all have a stake in it, we are all part of it.”

HG Bishop Angaelos clarified that the work of COORF does not intend to duplicate the work of the International Commission and does not assume that there are no differences, but tries to work within the areas which can be agreed upon, bearing in mind certain Dogmatic differences that are still being discussed at the international level. Drawing attention to the essence of Christian witness, he spoke of the work of the Forum as being laid on a solid foundation of friendship and real relationships that are fully realised and being further built upon. Speaking of the relevance and need for the publication, he said:

 “It is very well for us to stand at our pulpits and preach love, but if our faithful do not see our Churches working together they see this as being quite hypocritical. If we, as Church leaders, as priests and pastors and shepherds in the Church cannot actually portray this, if we cannot have this relationship and the wider relationship in this room and indeed between our Churches in this land that we live in, then we will find it very difficult to stand and preach love and forgiveness and acceptance, that is why I am very happy to be part of this launch.”

For more information and resources please contact:

Media and Public Relations Officer

Tel.: +44 (0)207 1937076

Office Email: Media@CopticCentre.com

Photographs:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/catholicism/sets/72157628996904767/

Download Joint Statements Between the Catholic and Oriental Orthodox Churches from this page:

http://www.catholicnews.org.uk/Home/News-Releases/Catholic-Oriental-Orthodox-Regional-Forum-book-launch

Video Footage:

www.youtube.com/CopticMediaUK

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre

Shephalbury Manor

Broadhall Way, Stevenage

Hertfordshire SG2 8NP

England, United Kingdom

Tel.: +44 (0)207 1937076

Fax: +44 (0)1438 313879

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Press Release from the Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

For immediate use

Date:  9^th January 2012  

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre

Media and Public Relations Office

Representatives of Her Majesty The Queen, the Prime Minister, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, as well as numerous Ecumenical, Inter-Religious and Civil representatives attended the Alexandria Memorial Service at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in the UK, Sunday 8^th January.

A memorial service to mark the first anniversary of the bombing in Alexandria of the Church of Saints Mark & Peter in Egypt, as well as the victims of Atfih, Imbaba and more notably Maspero, was held on Sunday 8th January at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre, UK. In attendance was The Countess of Verulam, Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire representing Her Majesty The Queen, Ms Anne Aichroth, Egypt Desk Office representing the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Downing Street, The Revd Canon Jonathan Goodall representing The Most Revd Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury,  as well as many Ecumenical, inter-religious and Civil representatives.

The service was led by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom who spoke about the Feast of the Nativity, being celebrated by the Coptic Orthodox Church on January 8 this year, and that the birth of Christ was for transformation and change, calling for an Egypt that is also transformed to be for every Egyptian citizen, stating the following in his address:

“We must move on from bitterness, but we must also move on from old ways that have fragmented a community and brought a death sentence, albeit unofficial, upon many...we stand and we pray today, we raise our hearts in confidence, and we place ourselves before the Incarnate Word, that as He sacrificed and as those we commemorate today sacrificed, as He reconciled the world, reconciliation may also come to every part of the world, to Egypt, to Nigeria, and to every part that is suffering now.”

The personal message from The Most Revd Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury said the following:

“I write to assure you once again of the love and prayer that the Church of England extends for you. We are all deeply conscious of the spiritual gifts poured out upon the Coptic Church and our prayer at the moment is that those gifts will be used in a peaceful new Egypt, where the very best of your history of tolerance and co-operation between communities of faith may be honoured. We pray very earnestly for the good of the whole nation...”

For more information and resources please contact:

Media and Public Relations Officer

Media@CopticCentre.com  

or by telephone 0207-193 7076

Resources

Memorial Service: Address by His Grace Bishop Angaelos

http://www.youtube.com/user/CopticMediaUK

www.BishopAngaelos.org

Transcript: available upon request

UK Press Conference RE: Maspero Incident, Westminster Central Hall, 20/10/2011

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drRjFb85pTw

House of Lords Debate: Situation of Christians in the Middle East, 9^th December 2011

http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/Player.aspx?meetingId=9536

Hansard from the House of Lords Debate

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201011/ldhansrd/index/111209.html

Media and Public Relations Office

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre
Shephalbury Manor
Broadhall Way, Stevenage
Hertfordshire SG2 8NP
England, United Kingdom

Tel.: +44 (0)207 1937076
Fax: +44 (0)1438 313879
Office Email: Media@CopticCentre.com
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