Messages received from His Majesty King Charles III, The Archbishop of York, and The Prime Minister at the 13th annual Nayrouz (Coptic New Year) Service at St Margaret’s, Westminster Abbey

 

Media and Communications Office
Coptic Orthodox Church
United Kingdom

Press Release and Report

Messages received from His Majesty King Charles III, The Archbishop of York, and The Prime Minister at the 13^th annual Nayrouz (Coptic New Year) Service at St Margaret’s, Westminster Abbey

 

24 October 2025

Messages for the Coptic Orthodox Church and community, and His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos OBE, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London and Papal Legate to the United Kingdom were received from His Majesty King Charles III, The Most Rev. and the Rt Hon. the Lord Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, and The Right Honourable Keir Starmer MP, Prime Minister, as the 13^th anniversary of the annual Nayrouz (Coptic New Year) Service was held in St Margaret’s, Westminster Abbey on 23 October 2025.    

The annual service officially marks the beginning of the Coptic New Year, which is celebrated annually in the Coptic calendar on 11 September. The event serves to celebrate new beginnings and life, while commemorating the saints and martyrs of the Coptic Orthodox Church who, since the first century, made the ultimate sacrifice and remained steadfast in their Faith. The commemoration also allows the Coptic Orthodox community to use its heritage of experience with religious persecution to advocate for people of all faiths and beliefs, through Refcemi, its advocacy and public policy office, and to raise awareness of the plight of so many across the world who suffer violations of religious freedom.

The service began with vespers prayers which included a sermon by His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, and was followed by messages and addresses.

In his sermon, His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, Founder and Director of Refcemi said:

“This year has brought global successes and failures. We have had things to rejoice in and things to lament, and what we know, and the reason we are here, is that individually, as people, as institutions, as faith groups, we can do nothing on our own, and the fact that we are gathered here today in a spirit of peaceful partnership and collaboration is in and of itself a form of action. In the Epistle to the Galatians 5:13, we read, “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty…through love serve one another.”  What we have learned during the course of this year is that when we serve one another, when we love one another, when we are reconciled with one another, when we sacrifice for one another, that is where we see the true fruits of our fellowship.”

His Eminence went on to speak about the 1700^th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea:

“This year we mark the 1700^th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, when the Church came together because the Faith was challenged. The response to the challenge was not to take up arms or to fight or kill, but to pray, deliberate, decide, and then to provide a formula that we use until today, and that is the Nicene Creed. This was a proclamation of faith that has lasted 1700 years, and despite the small differences between our representations of the Christian family, it is something we all stand side by side on, that we can all recite together, and can all proclaim as a foundation for our Faith. The Creed remains a unifying force and continues to be central to our Faith and worship.”

He concluded by saying:

“We are gathered here today, not addressing a heresy or formulating a creed, but our gathering today will be spoken of beyond these walls. Our unity, our cooperation, our reconciliation, our working and standing and speaking for one another will continue beyond this night and will continue beyond this place.”

The message from His Majesty King Charles III was read by The Rt Rev. the Lord Bishop of Southwark, Christopher Chessun, House of Lords, and read:

“Now, and in some ways more than ever, our world is in need of ongoing efforts that promote the peaceful coming together of people from all walks of life. I deeply value the continuing service of the Coptic Orthodox community in the United Kingdom, which continues to gather people in a spirit of peace, partnership and solidarity.

This year, as the Christian Church around the world marks the 1700^th anniversary of the historic Council of Nicaea, it is especially good to know that your ecumenical service, within the precincts of Westminster Abbey, gathers people in a spirit of hope and prayer.

As you remember the countless members of your community who have, over the years, witnessed to their Christian Faith in the most challenging of circumstances, I wish every blessing to the Coptic Orthodox Church community here in Britain and across the world for this new year.”

The message from The Most Rev. and the Rt Hon. the Lord Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell was read by The Right Reverend Anthony Poggo, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion:

“This Feast, marking the Coptic New Year and the memory of the martyrs, reminds us that the Church is ever renewed through witness – through faith, hope, and love that endure in the face of suffering. Your ancient tradition continues to bear powerful testimony to the life-giving presence of Christ, the true light that shines both in Egypt and throughout the world.”

“Only a day later, from 24 to 28 October, theologians and Church leaders will gather near Alexandria to commemorate the Council of Nicaea (325). The Coptic Orthodox Church traces its roots directly to the ancient Church of Alexandria, and the Patriarch of Alexandria, St Athanasius the Great, was a chief theological architect of the Nicene definition of faith and a steadfast defender of Christian Orthodoxy. We therefore join with you in spirit as you give thanks for the past and trust in God’s providence for the year ahead. May this service be a celebration and a foretaste of that new day and the new creation in Christ – the One who makes all things new (Rev 21:5).”

The Right Honourable Keir Starmer MP, Prime Minister included the following in his message, which was read by The Lord Rook OBE:

“Amid the joy and new beginnings, I am deeply conscious that you will have in your minds and prayers those who continue to experience suffering and persecution on account of their faith. People of all faiths and none should be free to peacefully express their religion or beliefs and live without fear of harassment or oppression.”

Acknowledging the role of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, The Prime Minister said:

“Thank you for the contribution you make to communities across the UK.”

The Lord Rook OBE, Member of the House of Lords, said in his address:

“As one of the oldest and most steadfast branches of the Christian family, your witness has shone bright through all the ages and lightens our lives today. From the preaching of St Mark in Alexandria, through the wisdom of the Desert Fathers and mothers, to the long story of endurance and renewal, you have given a testimony of Faith under pressure. A Faith that endures not through status, but through service. A Faith that is conquered not through conquest, but through hope, patience and love. At a time when Christianity is too easily co-opted by some, seeking to divide and conquer, disrupt and rule, you have stood firm, refusing to compromise and ready to pay the price. Nayrouz, the feature of the Feast of the Martyrs, reminds us all that real renewal does not come from political manifestos or successful election campaigns. It springs from sacrifice and service.

He concluded by saying:

I will never forget the first time when an African church leader told me that the blood of the martyrs had fertilised the seed of his church. Sadly, but ultimately victoriously and joyfully, the Coptic Orthodox Church can provide almost 2 millennia of testimonies to this timeless truth. Here in Britain, the Coptic Orthodox community is a blessing to us all. Your parishes are places of hospitality and prayer. Your youth work and charitable services strengthen local communities. Your witness enriches the tapestry of British Christianity. In a society that too easily forgets its spiritual roots, the Coptic Church reminds us of what it means to follow Christ and your presence calls us to be a more Christian country. This is nowhere more evident than in your commitment to promote and protect the rights of all human beings to practice religion or belief.”

Bishop Philip Mounstephen, The Rt Rev the Lord Bishop of Winchester, House of Lords, said in his address:

“The Coptic Orthodox Church represents, by some very considerable margin, the largest Christian presence in the Middle East, and an honoured part of Egyptian society. Egypt represents therefore a healthy plurality which is surely essential if that region is to have any lasting peace. As tonight witnesses, the Coptic Orthodox Church is here, in England, in the United Kingdom. Its presence here, quite literally, brings both the reality of persecution and of that vibrant Faith home to the rest of us.”

Bishop Philip concluded by speaking about the Council of Nicaea:

“In this year in which we remember that critical landmark moment in the Church’s history, the Council of Nicaea, we rejoice in our common Faith in Jesus Christ: of one being with the Father.  A Faith that binds us together and reminds us that when one part of the body suffers, the whole body suffers, and when one part rejoices, the whole body rejoices, and that belonging together, united by our common Faith in Jesus, reminds me of something else. In polarised times, when migration has become such an issue, I want to say unequivocally that I thank God from the bottom of my heart for the presence in this country of brothers and sisters and other friends who trace their history and heritage from elsewhere in the world. How much poorer the Church in this country would be without that astonishing gift of God, in which I rejoice.”

His Excellency Ambassador Ashraf Swelam, Ambassador of the United Arab Republic of Egypt to the Court of Saint James, said in his address:

“His Eminence and other speakers talked about Nayrouz being the celebration of martyrdom, the sacrifices for the right causes, obviously, and this is something that this Church and our country has done over and over again. In the face of hardship, we have always chosen hope. In the face of division, we have always chosen unity. In the face of pain, we have always chosen the difficult but powerful path of forgiveness.

These choices demand immense strength, vision, humility, and a deep belief in the dignity of every human being. Nayrouz is not only an opportunity to look back, as his Eminence said, it's also a moment of looking forward with hope. Just as the martyrs stood firm in their trials, we are encouraged to face our own struggles, with courage and faith in God. It's a call to renewal, repentance, and spiritual growth at the start of a new year.”

His Excellency Iván Romero-Martínez, Ambassador of Honduras to the Court of Saint James, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, said in his address:

“It is an honour to join you on this special occasion to mark the Coptic Feast of Nayrouz, a celebration that carries a message of renewal, faith and hope. Tonight, we also honour the resilience of a community whose history is deeply marked by fortitude in the face of persecution, and whose testimony continues to inspire the world.

His Excellency concluded by saying:

“This is why gatherings like this one are so meaningful. They remind us that diversity is a strength, a bridge that brings us closer to one another. The Coptic Orthodox Church, with its profound heritage and unwavering Faith, stands as a beacon of courage and perseverance.

Yet, around the world, millions of people still face persecution, discrimination, and violence simply because of their beliefs. It is our shared responsibility --- governments, civil society, and faith communities, to defend this fundamental right. When we stand together, we affirm that intolerance has no place in our societies.”

Bishop Mike Royal, General Secretary of Churches Together in England said in his address:

“This gathering has particular ecumenical significance at a time when we are celebrating 1700 years since the Council of Nicaea and the subsequent Nicene Creed. It was a great joy to witness His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos together with Archbishop Bernard Longley, from the Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham, and Archbishop Rowan Williams, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, in dialogue about the Nicene Creed on BBC Songs of Praise this week.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Archbishop Angaelos for the significant ecumenical contribution he and the wider Coptic Orthodox Church family makes to the churches within Churches Together in England. We are inspired by the ongoing affirmation of Orthodox Christology that your Church brings to our Nation.

The centrality of the Nicene Creed recited in Coptic Orthodox Churches each week is a reminder that as we are faithful to God, God in his mercy and grace is also faithful to us His people.

It was St Athanasius of Alexandra who at Nicaea defended the truth about Jesus Christ, who helped preserve the integrity of the Christian Faith we hold so dear today. The Faith we are called to deliver to the saints.”

As is custom, reflecting the tapestry of cultural heritage in the United Kingdom, attendees to this year’s Nayrouz service included Members of the House of Lords and House of Commons, the Diplomatic Corps, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Home Office, humanitarian and advocacy organisations, ecumenical and interreligious guests, as well as members of the Coptic Orthodox community and clergy in the United Kingdom.

His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos concluded the service by thanking his team and volunteers for their efforts. He also delivered a call to action which echoed his final statement in his sermon:

“I close with a verse from the Book of Micah 6:8 that many of you will be familiar with: “And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” We must work towards justice, and towards mercy in a spirit of humility. So today, and until we meet again, let us continue to commit ourselves to this new beginning, friendship, partnership, blessing. A partnership that focuses on justice, that fights for mercy, and that exemplifies humility as we walk together with and for one another.”

*Ends*

Resources

Photographs from the event are available on the Gallery via www.ServingLondon.com

Watch the BBC Songs of Praise special on the 1700^th Anniversary of the Nicene Creed on BBC Iplayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002l5wl/songs-of-praise-1700-years-of-the-nicene-creed

Refcemi, Coptic Orthodox Office for Advocacy and Public Policy www.Refcemi.org

Archbishop Angaelos on X @BishopAngaelos  

Press Releases and Statements can be found via www.CopticMediaUK.com

United Nations International Day of Peace 2025 - Reflection by His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos

                      

Reflection on the International Day of Peace
His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos OBE, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London and Papal Legate to the United Kingdom

Source: www.UN.org

21 September 2025

On this year’s International Day of Peace, as recognised by the United Nations, there is an urgent need for a global spirit of solidarity and hope amidst ongoing wars, conflicts and atrocities in our world. Millions are suffering violations of their basic human rights and freedoms, and countless others are living in tumultuous conditions, robbing them of their loved ones and livelihoods. Many millions are also displaced, both internally and externally, as a direct result of war and destruction. Division is now rampant within countless nations, and this spirit of opposition and injustice across and within communities will only lead to more suffering and pain for all.

Due to the current undeniable scale of suffering, destruction, displacement, famine and scarcity of medical care, there is a particular focus this year on the ongoing wars affecting Gaza and Ukraine, and the ongoing pain of separation and uncertainty regarding the wellbeing of loved ones, as well as terrorist attacks, in Israel.

There is also unspeakable pain for the people of Sudan, Yemen, sub-Saharan Africa and across the Middle East, as well as many more in pockets of the world whose stories remain untold and without a focus in our daily news feeds. Every individual who is suffering is worthy of our attention, prayers and active efforts towards promoting and finding just and sustainable peace for all.

Our Lord Jesus Christ reminds us that “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand” (Matthew 12:25); as a global community, we are now more divided than we have been for decades.

While we consider the global situation, we cannot ignore the current tension and climate of unrest that lies within communities at a national level in many parts of the world. These must be first addressed so that we may stand with and for one another as we become instruments of peace for the world at large.

Despite this reality, what is also true is that we can indeed be, and make, a powerful and impactful difference in our communities and in our world. Our ongoing prayers and advocacy efforts can be for peace, justice and genuine reconciliation to take place within our global communities. We can, individually and collectively, be catalysts of, and advocates for, acts of reconciliation within our own families, neighbourhoods, communities and wider circles of influence, as we all, in our own way, extend a hand of peace to one another.

We pray God’s peace upon His world, wisdom upon policy and decision makers, comfort, strength and resilience upon those suffering as a result of a lack of peace, and faithfulness and determination upon all those called to continue to speak, advocate, and act for peace in every corner of the world.

Messages received from His Majesty King Charles III, the Archbishop of Canterbury, His Holiness Pope Francis and the Prime Minister at the annual Coptic New Year (Nayrouz) Service at St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey

 

Media and Communications Office
Coptic Orthodox Church
United Kingdom

Press Release and Report

Messages received from His Majesty King Charles III, the Archbishop of Canterbury, His Holiness Pope Francis and the Prime Minister at the annual Coptic New Year (Nayrouz) Service at St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey

17 October 2024

Messages for His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos OBE, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London and Papal Legate to the United Kingdom, and the Coptic Orthodox Community, were received from His Majesty King Charles III, the Most Reverend Archbishop Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, His Holiness Pope Francis, and The Right Honourable Keir Starmer MP, Prime Minister, as the 12^th anniversary of the annual Nayrouz (Coptic New Year) Service was held in St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey on 15 October 2024.

The annual service officially marks the beginning of the Coptic New Year, which is celebrated annually in the Coptic calendar on 11 September. The event serves to celebrate new beginnings and life, while commemorating the saints and martyrs of the Coptic Orthodox Church who, since the first century, lost their lives for remaining steadfast in their Faith. The commemoration also allows the Coptic Orthodox community to use its heritage of experience with religious persecution to advocate for people of all faiths and none, through Refcemi, its advocacy and public policy office, and to raise awareness of the plight of so many across the world who suffer violations of religious freedom.

A welcome was given by The Right Reverend Anthony Ball, Canon Steward and Archdeacon of Westminster, on behalf of the Dean and Chapter of Westminster, followed by a prayerful vespers service which included a sermon from His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos. The vespers service was followed by addresses that touched on the importance of faith and defending religious freedom worldwide. Addresses were given by The Lord Speaker, Dr Ewelina Ochab, Deputy Director of Refcemi, Henrietta Blyth, CEO of Open Doors UK and Ireland, Mervyn Thomas CMG, Founder and President of Christian Solidarity Worldwide and Chair of the UK Freedom of Religion or Belief Forum, The Lord Alton of Liverpool, and The Lord Khan of Burnley, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Social Housing and Faith, who also read the Prime Minister’s message.

The Right Reverend Anthony Ball, said the following in his welcome:

“Your presence and this service stand as a witness to the way in which the whole Body of Christ seeks to work together and uncover that unity and that showing forth in the world of the light of Christ, even though in times and in many parts of the world there are the shadows of darkness. The martyrs of the 20th century are immortalised on the West face of Westminster Abbey, and of course, as we gather here, we remember those of the 21st century, not least those martyred in Libya from the Coptic Church.”

In his sermon, His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, Founder and Director of Refcemi, drew parallels between the advocacy of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the calling to all to advocate for one another, saying:

“We are all as individuals called to change the world. We need to walk away from the culture that breeds self-indulgence, self-interest, and self-focus so that we become those who can then consider one another, empathise and advocate for one another as we are all bearers of the image and likeness of God."

“The Incarnate Word, God in flesh feels our pain. He instructs us to feel one another's pain. He instructs us to put others before ourselves, because that is indeed what God has done for us in the Incarnation; and that is what we are called to do.”

“Today is also a celebration of something that is incredibly important, it is a transformation of pain to power, because when we look at our own pain, when we feel it, when we understand it and we channel that pain into ensuring that others do not feel it, then we start to heal. If we dwell in our own pain, if we continue to thrive on that feeling of victimhood then we are disempowered, we are weakened and we become insulated to the pain and suffering of others.”

His Eminence concluded by speaking about the advocacy work of Refcemi:

“We out of our pain, advocate for others. Through our advocacy office Refcemi, we speak for the Rohingya in Myanmar, the Uyghurs in China, the Yazidis in Iraq, the Ahmadiyya in Pakistan, the Baha’is in Iran, Christians in Nigeria and North Korea and around the world. That is not an exhaustive list because there is much that we must do. We must indeed acknowledge our own pain, and by acknowledging it, we must be able to feel the pain of others and try to relieve it.”

“We must speak, we must act, we must be those, as we heard from today's Gospel, who do all that we have been instructed to do. To preach a gospel of hope, to heal the broken heartedness of war and conflict, to proclaim liberty to those who are captives of that same war and that same conflict, to pray sight upon those who may be blinded by power and injustice and self-interest. To advocate liberty for every person as long as they are respecting the liberty of others, and to bring forth a light of hope and joy.”

The message of His Majesty King Charles III to His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos and the Coptic Orthodox Church community for the occasion read:

“On this day of reflection, I wish to express my heartfelt admiration for the strength and solidarity of your community. The spirit of forgiveness and the enduring values of humanity that you uphold serve as a shining example to us all, reminding us of the vital importance of unity and partnership.

As you look ahead to the coming year, I extend my most sincere hopes that it will be filled with peace, hope, and blessings for all present, as well as for the Coptic Orthodox Church community here in Britain and across the world.”

In his message, Archbishop Justin said:

“I pray that the Lord will continue to pour out his blessings on you and your Church. Yours is an ancient Christian tradition which has endured much suffering over the years, and yet has survived and thrived, even in the most difficult of circumstances, and in the very different conditions of migration and diaspora. What a witness you and your people are to the enduring love of God!”

His Excellency Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía, Apostolic Nuncio presented the message from His Holiness Pope Francis, which read:

“His Holiness Pope Francis, informed of the Service Commemorating the Coptic Feast of Nayrouz to take place at St Margaret’s Church, Westminster, on Tuesday 15th October 2024, sends his greetings of good wishes to all gathered for this occasion, remembering as he recently remarked, that “the true driving force [of Christian Unity] is the Holy Spirit Who guides us toward greater communion…This unity is a gift whose timing and manner we cannot foresee and grows through the mutual service through the dialogue of life and through the cooperation of all Christians”. The Holy Father cordially imparts his Apostolic blessing to all participating in the Service and, through the intercession of the Mother of God, invokes an abundance of Divine graces.”

 The Right Honourable Keir Starmer MP, Prime Minister included the following in his message to His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos:

“I am grateful for the faithful witness and constant compassion of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom. Your congregations pursue social justice, care for the vulnerable and enrich their local communities in so many ways. I am particularly thankful for the role of the Coptic Orthodox Church in promoting Freedom of Religion or Belief. I recognise that the history of your community has been marked by terrible persecution and applaud your constant efforts to reduce the numbers of people around the world who suffer similar oppression today, as a result of their religious affiliations or personal beliefs.”

Dr Ewelina Ochab spoke of the work of Refcemi in advocating for people suffering gross violations of their religious freedom, saying:

“The Coptic Orthodox Office for Advocacy and Public Policy was established out of a need to accommodate difficult conversations, and out of a need for cooperation and collaboration. The need to listen, speak and impact. Refcemi does this work with partners around the world, not only here in the UK with the UK FoRB Forum among other partners, but across the world.”

The Lord Speaker said the following in his heartfelt address:

“We cannot come together and celebrate this new year in this festival of Nayrouz without recalling the earliest days of the Coptic Church. In AD 284 in the time of Emperor Diocletian, Christians were persecuted. They suffered for their Faith but today we recall that their sacrifice made the Coptic community possible. They are honoured and remembered because of their faith in God and their belief in redemption.”

“In parliament we count among our numbers many great figures of all religions who have strived to end religious persecution. It is Faith itself which brings them together and allows them to do such crucial work. So let us resolve in this new Coptic year to be guided by such examples. To care for all humanity, to debate with grace and humility, to always love one another and to pursue justice without fear.”

Henrietta Blyth spoke about the National Week of Prayer that takes place from 12-20^th October 2024 across the Nation, and called people to gather to pray for those suffering across the world, saying:

“We can give in practical ways. As the Archbishop has said, we can speak out on behalf of our brothers and sisters who cannot speak out for themselves, but perhaps most importantly, we can pray. Brother Andrew, who was the founder of Open Doors who died a couple of years ago, said that prayer is the real battle. He said our prayers can go where we cannot. There are no borders, no prison walls, no doors closed to us when we pray. That's why it is such a delight that this year, this Nayrouz service forms part of the National Week of Prayer.”

Mervyn Thomas CMG in his address said:

“The list of challenges across the world which threaten freedom of religion or belief is long and of course there's a role for governments. There's a role for parliamentarians, but there's also a role for civil society and I believe all three of those groups need one another in the fight for freedom of religion or belief around the world. 

Across the world, civil society actors such as human rights defenders, journalists, religious leaders, activists, NGO's and community leaders are using civic space to champion initiatives that strengthen freedom of religion or belief and challenge violations of this fundamental right.”

The Lord Alton of Liverpool spoke in detail in his address regarding known violations worldwide, and called for more action, saying:

“Tragically, as we've been hearing from Mervyn, Henrietta and Ewelina, all over the world there continues to be no shortage of men and women whose blood continues to be spilled because of their faith. I've seen recent analysis which found that there are currently 61 countries with combined populations of over 4.9 billion people in which severe violations of religious freedom exist.”

He concluded by saying:

“So this Nayrouz, I hope we will make a New Year's resolution to listen far more carefully to communities like the Copts, the Chaldeans, and the Armenians, the Assyrians and others who have paid such a high price for the things that we take for granted, and have so much to teach us. We must listen but we must also speak and act in solidarity. Those words of His Eminence this evening ‘we are all called to change the world’ should be the words that we take away from this Nayrouz ceremony.”

The Lord Khan of Burnley, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Social Housing and Faith said the following in his address:

“This evening celebrates the British Coptic community and recognises their efforts to aid those experiencing hardship around the world as well as your longstanding commitment to supporting the most vulnerable in UK society. These acts of kindness and generosity embody the values we should all strive for. The Coptic community is a blessing to the UK society, and we welcome your contribution to our local and national life. As the new year begins, we embrace a fresh start, look ahead with hope and express gratitude for our families, friends, and life’s simple blessings, including the freedom to worship and practise beliefs without fear, rights denied to millions worldwide. I pay tribute to the Church and to you, Your Eminence, for your passionate advocacy for persecuted minorities and global religious freedom.”

He went on to say:

“Faith and belief must remain central to our national conversation as we confront these challenges together. Faith identity is crucial for many, and understanding this aspect of individual and community life is essential for effective governance and fostering cohesion. I see much of my role as Faith Minister as championing the invaluable work being done by people across the country who are inspired by their faith.”

At the end of the service, and on the occasion of the 25^th anniversary of his Episcopal Consecration, His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos was presented with a gift of a Coptic icon depicting the Prophet Nehemiah written by Coptic Iconographer Fadi Mikhail. During the presentation, Fr Shenouda Asham, the Diocesan Vicar, thanked His Eminence on behalf of the whole diocese for his tireless ministry to the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom and around the world, and also made mentioned of his efforts in championing the cause of religious freedom for people of all faiths and none.

In his final word of thanks Archbishop Angaelos made special mention of the Diocesan Choir who beautifully chanted ancient melodies in Coptic and English during the service, and of the wonderfully dedicated stewards and volunteers who contributed to the welcoming atmosphere and success of the evening.

Reflecting the tapestry of cultural heritage in the United Kingdom, attendees to this year’s Nayrouz service included Members of the House of Lords and House of Commons, the Diplomatic Corps, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Home Office, humanitarian and advocacy organisations, ecumenical and interreligious guests, as well as members of the Coptic Orthodox clergy and community in the United Kingdom.

*Ends*

Resources

Coptic Orthodox Office for Advocacy and Public Policy www.Refcemi.org

Audio will be made available via www.Soundcloud.com/ArchbishopAngaelos

Press Releases and Statements can be found via www.CopticMediaUK.com

Archbishop Angaelos on X @BishopAngaelos

 

Contemporary Martyrs' Day 2023 marked with a special contribution from The Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III

 

Coptic Orthodox Church UK     
Media and Communications Office 

                                       Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)
Media and Communications Office

‘Working together for those alone’

Contemporary Martyrs' Day 2023 marked with a special contribution from
The Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire on behalf of
His Majesty King Charles III

16 February 2023

On 15 February, the anniversary of the martyrdom of the 21 executed by ISIS in Libya in 2015, the Coptic Orthodox Church worldwide commemorates the lives of its contemporary martyrs. ‘The 21’ as they have now been recognised, were 20 Coptic Orthodox Christians from Upper Egypt, with the 21^st being their Ghanaian friend, Matthew. Contemporary Martyrs’ Day presents an opportunity to celebrate the lives of these and others who faithfully lived their Christian Faith until their last breath, while also providing a platform to raise awareness and advocate for all those who are persecuted solely for their faith or belief.

This year’s online event on 15 February 2023 saw contributions from His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Mr Robert Voss CBE CStJ, His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, Papal Legate to the United Kingdom and Founder and Director of Refcemi, The Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Truro, Fiona Bruce MP, Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, Mervyn Thomas CMG, founder of CSW and Chair of the UK FoRB Forum, Gareth Russell, Founder and Director of Jersey Road PR, His Grace Bishop Hovakim, Primate of the Armenian Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, Nadine Maenza, President of the International Religious Freedom Secretariat and The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark. The event was moderated by Dr Ewelina Ochab, Deputy Director of Refcemi.

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Mr Robert Voss CBE CStJ, said the following in his contribution:

“It is an absolute honour for me to be here this evening to join you for Contemporary Martyrs’ Day, a very important day in many calendars, and particularly with the theme of this year being ‘Working together for those alone’. On behalf of His Majesty, may I say thank you for this discussion and for inviting me. This is very much in line with the themes that His Majesty has identified for this, his Coronation Year; four themes, two of which are community and diversity. Of course, he and the rest of the Royal Family share a deep concern for those who suffer, and those who suffer alone.” 

Going on to speak about his family’s history of facing religious persecution, and losing many Jewish relatives during the Nazi reign in Germany, The Lord-Lieutenant went on to say in closing remarks:

“They suffered for exactly what you have been talking about, purely for their belief, for the fact that they were Jewish, so I very much empathise with what has been said tonight. I think we as a people have a responsibility to stand together, to commit ourselves to tolerance and respect so that the seeds of hatred cannot find root throughout the world. Sadly, as we have heard, that is not the case at the moment, but I hope and pray that one day those seeds will not germinate, and we will not have to sit here and talk about such genocides.”

His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, Founder and Director of Refcemi, said in his remarks:

“Today is incredibly important for us because it is the commemoration of the martyrdom of ‘The 21’, 20 of them Coptic Orthodox, and their Ghanian friend, Matthew. Although that horrific event was one of great pain, it has provided us with a focus, not to foster anger or a need for retaliation or vengeance, but to use that pain as a source of strength, and to speak for others. 

Whether we are speaking about the Bahai’s in Iran, the Rohingya in Myanmar, the Yazidis in Iraq, the Uyghurs in China, the Shabak in Afghanistan, the Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh, the plight of our Jewish sisters and brothers in the Holocaust and even until today, or Christians in Pakistan, Nigeria, China and around the world; there is still much pain and much suffering, and much for us still to do.”

The Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Truro, who authored ‘The Independent Review of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Response to Christian Persecution’, said:

“It is quite right that this event, Contemporary Martyrs’ Day, should become a fixture in our calendar, not as something we give the nod to annually, but to remind us daily of the urgency of addressing this issue.”

The Bishop of Truro spoke of Freedom of Religion or Belief violations worsening around the world since the Review, and commented on ways that His Majesty’s Government is still working on implementing recommendations from the Review.

He gave particular thanks to Fiona Bruce MP, Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, for her determination to see that the recommendations from his Review are implemented, and went on to say:

“A commitment to Freedom of Religion or Belief is not a ‘nice to have’ in today’s world. It is not some kind of fluffy extra additional to the hard world of realpolitik, not at all. It touches upon and highlights some key issues in today’s world, such as the rise of fundamentalist, nationalistic and authoritarian regimes of all kinds the world over. Regimes whose treatment of vulnerable minorities is often nothing short of appalling and whose actions threaten not only the lives and livelihoods of those minorities but also to threaten to destabilise international order, increase insecurity, including food insecurity as we’ve seen in this last year, and make it all the harder to address big ticket global items such as climate change.

Indeed I believe that the wholesale denial of Freedom of Religion or Belief is just such a ‘big ticket item’ and I hope and pray that this event will sensitise us once again to the vital importance of all of us; governments, Churches, other faith groups, civil society, and individuals, addressing it with the seriousness and the urgency which it undoubtedly requires.” 

Fiona Bruce MP, Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), who is Chair of the International Alliance of 42 countries committed to promoting and protecting FoRB and championing it across the world, said the following in her address:

“For many of us who have lived our lives here in the United Kingdom, we consider that the principle of opposing persecution is one that is worth fighting for, even though it may not be something that we have personally ever experienced.

I have the privilege of working with colleagues from many countries in Central Europe, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Slovenia, Romania, Hungary, and others. For my colleagues from countries such as the ones I have mentioned, it is much more than a principle. Persecution for them has been a lived reality. Concerns about it becoming so once more are very, very real.

She went on to say:

“Of course one of the freedoms for which we fight is Freedom of Religion or Belief; a freedom that the people of Ukraine feel particularly acutely about, having historically endured so much repression under communist rule, and that is the same for my colleagues from several of the countries I have referred to.

Persecution and discrimination are realities for many people I work with: for them, their families and their friends who have known and lived it. It is a particularly acute concern now as we see what is happening in Ukraine today.

That is why I am so delighted to be able to tell you today that the next Ministerial on Freedom of Religion or Belief will be held in the Czech Republic. That will provide an opportunity for us to remember how real it is when a regime seeks to dehumanise its people as the communists did, and we must ensure never happens again in our lifetimes.”

Mervyn Thomas CMG, Chair of the UK FoRB Forum, and Founder President of CSW, said:

“I would like to say on behalf of everybody, particularly at Christian Solidarity Worldwide, how important it is that we continue to mark this day every year.

In our work for upholding the fundamental right to freedom of religion or belief around the world, we come across many individuals and communities who face a litany of egregious violations, ranging from threats and harassment to physical violence and imprisonment; then there are those who pay the ultimate price for their faith, too many to name, and every case heart-breaking for their families and loved ones.”

He went on to speak about harrowing religious persecution endured by people in Nigeria and India, and concluding by saying:

“CSW will continue to challenge governments that fail to uphold the right to freedom of religion or belief and intersecting rights for their citizens at every opportunity. At the UN and other international fora, wherever we can raise our voices on behalf of martyrs everywhere, we promise that we will.”

Gareth Russell, Founder and Director, Jersey Road PR said:

“The story of the 21 has now reached a global audience but there are many similar stories that remain untold or under-told. For a while we heard the stories of those suffering for their faith in Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq, but as is the nature of the news cycle, those stories dominate for a time, but are quickly forgotten when demoted by the latest domestic political scandal or natural disaster.”

Speaking of the importance of fostering a collaborative approach when religious groups and NGOs seek to engage the media, he went on to say:

“So long as charities advocating for FoRB choose a territorial approach, the potential for media breakthrough will always be limited. But in laying down brand equity, fostering meaningful partnerships and sharing media relationships and opportunities, those NGOs will build an ecosystem of stories that, over time, will educate and inform those currently unaware of the atrocities being carried out on those who stand up for their own beliefs around the world.

By harnessing the power of the social ecosystem and by unifying around the same causes, profiling a consistent narrative, and doing so over a sustained period, the core message of FoRB and the stories of those who are showing immense heroism in the face of intense persecution can be told.”

His Grace Bishop Hovakim, Primate of the Armenian Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, spoke about historical religious persecution faced by his community under communism, and drew a link to modern day freedom of religion or belief violations, saying:

“It is very troubling when we witness the same things happening now in other regions, globally in the world, but also with my people in Nagorno Karabakh. You may hear about it in the media every now and then, but history is repeating itself. Armenian monuments are being destroyed, and 120,000 Armenians are now under siege. Southern Armenia is constantly under threat.

The challenge for us all in the FoRB community is to take action and address these issues. Where there is injustice against anyone, it has to be considered an injustice against all, and we do not have to differentiate between people.

Nothing seems to be changing, it feels as if the world is silent and there is a lot of discrimination, but not enough focus on the needs of some who are persecuted versus others. This is our reality, but I pray and hope that through this kind of meeting and forum that we can increase awareness and help people.”

Nadine Maenza, President, International Religious Freedom (IRF) Secretariat, and former Chair of USCIRF, said:

“There is so much division in the world today, but the right to Freedom of Religion or Belief is one of those issues that crosses religious and partisan lines. It really is one of those issues for which we can come and work on together. I really do believe that working together is that key to how we are going to change the trajectory of religious freedom conditions, so I appreciate this meeting; this opportunity to bring us all together now.”

She went on to speak about her work in IRF:

“Our focus is on building infrastructure to support and serve the religious freedom movement, so we are setting up regional secretariats to help run roundtables. The roundtables that really work are run by people in the country, they are very much grassroots driven, so it is about how we support them. They need to bring civil society together with religious communities and government in a way that is sustainable and helps serve the movement in their countries.”

The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark, spoke about the importance of collaboration for minorities who are persecuted, and said:

“Minorities under pressure become small minorities and small minorities can do little to protect themselves so our response has to be one of solidarity, that one of looking unflinchingly at the suffering of our sisters and brothers.

That is why joining in prayer and finding fellowship with those who find themselves on the receiving end of hate, and our martyrs who have gone before us and have shed their blood for us, is so important. It is a privilege to be with you here today.”

Dr Ewelina Ochab, Deputy Director of Refcemi, who recently returned from a fact-finding trip in Iraq (with IBAHRI and City Law School), reminded all that stories no longer in our news feeds must not be forgotten by those advocating, saying:

“We have almost forgotten about the atrocities carried out by Daesh, because other stories have taken the space, and so we must continue advocating on behalf of those persecuted, whether it happened yesterday, the day before, five or ten years ago. We must continue to advocate on behalf of all those who suffer persecution for their religion or belief.”

His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, concluded the event by saying:

“Thank you all. This has been such a rich evening of fellowship. I am so thankful for your presence here and for your partnership and your fellowship. Today is indicative of what Refcemi does, it provides a platform, a means of collaboration, and a space for us to stand and speak together. We must continue to work together for those who are alone.”

Video footage from the event will be made available online via  www.Youtube.com/Refcemi            

*Ends*

 

More Information:

‘Refcemi’ The Coptic Orthodox Office for Advocacy and Public Policy: www.Refcemi.org

The Bishop of Truro’s Independent Review for the Foreign Secretary of FCO Support for Persecuted Christians: https://christianpersecutionreview.org.uk/report/

15 February 2015: Statement following the brutal murder of Coptic Christians in Libya https://copticcentre.blogspot.com/2015/02/statement-by-hg-bishop-angaelos.html

6 March 2015: HRH The Prince of Wales and The Archbishop of Canterbury support appeal for families of those brutally murdered in Libya https://copticcentre.blogspot.com/2015/03/hrh-prince-of-wales-and-archbishop-of.html