Statement by His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos,
Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, following the murder of seven, and the
wounding of at least a dozen others, outside a monastery in Upper Egypt
2
November 2018
Today’s
heinous attack on unsuspecting pilgrims visiting a monastery to celebrate the
baptism of a child and offer prayers marks another grotesque development in
recent attacks on Christians in Egypt.
Only May of last year, pilgrims were similarly stopped by Islamists, who killed 28 women,
children and men, and left others injured and grieving until today. It is hard
to fathom what one might think could be a justification or a result out of
today’s or similar attacks. It is difficult
to believe that anyone can find justification to accept, let alone, perpetrate
acts like this, and yet they do.
Those
who were murdered can never return, and some who were injured and affected will
never fully heal, and so the purpose of speaking out is not merely to express
anger, but to call upon the humanity and humaneness of perpetrators of this
crime, and similar crimes past and present, appealing to the sense and mercy of
those who may, as a result, refuse to carry out such barbaric brutality ever
again.
As we
farewell those who have departed, we do so in the spirit of hope and the resurrection
that awaits us; as we comfort those injured and grieving, we do so in the
spirit of confidence in God’s healing hand; and as we consider the effect this
attack has on us all as Coptic Orthodox Christians, we do so in the spirit of
the love and empowering grace that we are all called to live.
We
pray repose for our departed children and brethren, healing for the injured,
and comfort for those mourning and directly affected by this crime. We also
pray for those further afield who continue to face similar attacks merely for
living and expressing their faith, whatever that may be. We also pray God’s
peace upon Egypt, and all her people.
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 Archbishop Angaelos of London on the attack on the Church of St Mina in
Helwan, Egypt
BBC World News Interview with Archbishop Angaelos of London
30
December 2017
This should be a time at which individuals and
families are preparing to receive a New Year, and in the case of Coptic
Orthodox Christians, to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity (Christmas) on the
7 January according to the ancient Julian Calendar. I am saddened however that
we find ourselves once again mourning the loss of the precious lives of
innocent children, women and men who did no more than attend their local parish
to pray as millions do around the world.
Yesterday’s attack on the Church of St Mina in
Helwan, on the outskirts of Cairo, indeed directly targeted the indigenous
Christian community of Egypt, but alongside the Christians who lost their
lives, there was at least one Muslim member of the security services who paid
the ultimate price to protect his fellow Egyptian citizens exercising their right
to worship.
Even at this painful time, the Christians of
Egypt, who have mourned over 120 members in the past year as a result of
targeted attacks on Churches and individuals, continue to do what they have
done for centuries; they are resilient, forgiving, hopeful, and praying for
Egypt, and its leadership, during this trying time of its contemporary history.
I hope that the extraordinary reaction of this faithful community that I am
honoured to call my own might transform the hearts of those who continue to
seek its destruction.
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
As a result of direct advice
from Egyptian Security Services, Christian denominations have issued directives
cancelling conferences and trips throughout July as a precautionary measure.
Since December 2016 there has
been a renewed spate of targeted attacks on, and murders of Egyptian Christians, with a reported 117 Coptic
Orthodox Christians murdered across the country in that period. This campaign began with the bombing of St Peter’s Coptic
Orthodox Church in Cairo in December 2016, and followed by Palm Sunday church bombings
in Tanta and Alexandria, an attack on pilgrims visiting a monastery in Minya,
and targeted attacks on individuals across Egypt.
His Grace Bishop Angaelos,
General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, confirmed these
reports, saying:
“Having
communicated with colleagues in Cairo, it is obvious that the current campaign
of terror against Christians is escalating rapidly. These measures have come
after our community has experienced brutal attacks against innocent women, men
and children across Egypt, and we pray will help to safeguard against future
atrocities.
This
unfortunate step comes at a time when children, young people and families will
be deprived of the conferences and trips that they so look forward to over the
summer period and have grown accustomed to over decades. Saying that however,
it is of course more important, while recognising their huge disappointment, to
do our best to ensure their safety.
Despite
these measures, the ongoing liturgical and pastoral life of the Church will be maintained
as she continues to provide daily support for her children.
Here in the United Kingdom, and around the world, we are praying peace and
safety for all the people of Egypt at this increasingly challenging time. We
also pray that the orchestrators and perpetrators of this deadly wave are
rightly brought to justice, and reconciled with their intended God-given humane
and merciful nature.”
*Ends*
Resources:
Number of Coptic
Christians reportedly murdered in Egypt since December 2016
December - February 2017 – 40 Christians killed in total in the bombing of St Peter’s Coptic Church in Cairo, and the targeting of individuals in Cairo and Sinai
April 2017 – 43 Christians killed in Tanta and Alexandria church bombings
May 2017 - Bus attack in Minya – 28 killed for refusing to recant their Christian Faith
July 2017 – 6 Christian individuals murdered in their homes
Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office
Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)
Media and Communications Office
Reflection
By His Grace Bishop
Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom,
on recent terrorist attacks in Egypt and elsewhere
You are Loved
27 May 2017
Once again, we find ourselves experiencing pain before which words seem
insufficient. I have previously addressed victims of terrorist acts; I have
addressed their families; I have even addressed those who may have had an
opportunity, even in some small way, to advocate for or support those most
vulnerable. This time however, I feel a need to address those who perpetrate
these crimes.
You
are loved. The violent and deadly crimes you perpetrate are abhorrent and
detestable, but YOU are loved.
You
are loved by God, your Creator, for He created you in His Image and according
to His Likeness, and placed you on this earth for much greater things,
according to His plan for all humankind. You are loved by me and millions like
me, not because of what you do, but what you are capable of as that wonderful
creation of God, Who has created us with a shared humanity. You are loved by me
and millions like me because I, and we, believe in transformation.
Transformation
is core to the Christian message for throughout history we have seen many
transformed from being those who persecuted Christ Himself and Christians, to
those who went on to live with grace. We believe in transformation because, on
a daily basis, we are personally transformed from a life of human weakness and
sinfulness to a life of power and righteousness. We believe in transformation
because the whole message of the Cross and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus
Christ is to take humanity from the bonds of sin and death to a liberation in goodness and everlasting life. Our world is certainly suffering from the
brokenness of our humanity, but it is our responsibility, personally and
collectively, to encourage and inspire ourselves, and all those whom we meet
along our path, to a life of virtue and holiness, and the love and
forgiveness of all.
This
of course, is far from the reaction that many may have expected, but the Christian message is just that, to look at our world as through the eyes of God, Who loves all and Who desires that all be liberated through Him.
I grieve,
certainly for those who have lost their lives, for those who mourn, and for
those who will continue to be adversely affected by these tragic experiences;
but I also grieve for a young man who sees it not only justifiable, but glorious, to take the lives of other young men and women, and deprive his and
their families of enjoying them as they grow and mature.
No family should lose a son in this way, even if they are partially or wholly responsible for his flawed ideology. This loss might be to that ideology, to incarceration as a result of his actions and choices or, in the worst case, in taking his own life, along with others, regardless of the great cost to those left behind. In the same way, no family deserves to lose children and members who merely go about their day to enjoy their God-given right to exist, whether it be by attending a concert, taking a pilgrimage to a monastery, simply walking through city streets, or in any other way.
I also grieve for those who considered it a victory to board a bus filled with
pilgrims and execute children, women and men purely for refusing to renounce their Faith, as we saw happen to Coptic Christians in Menia only yesterday.
What is increasingly obvious is that many of these attacks come about due to a loss of the meaning and comprehension of the
sanctity of life, our own or that of others; so join me in praying for the
brokenness of our world that causes parents to lose their children, children to
lose their parents, and humankind to lose the humanity for which it was
created.
What
is important is not that this message be read but that it be communicated; not
that it be accepted but that it be understood as another perspective; and not
that it should be fully embraced, but that it may create at least a shadow of a
doubt in the minds of those intent on inflicting harm and pain.
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.
Knights of Columbus Supreme Council makes donation to
families of victims of the St Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church bombing in Cairo,
Egypt
3 March 2017
Given the ongoing needs of those affected by the
bombing of St Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo on 11 December 2016,
which claimed the lives of 29 people, mostly women and children, the Knights of
Columbus Supreme Council has donated $75,000 to support the families of
victims.
Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
spoke to His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox
Church in the United Kingdom, shortly after the bombing to arrange this support
for the families and communities affected by the tragic event.
Speaking on behalf
of Knights of Columbus, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson said:
"The Knights of Columbus is honored to assist
those affected by this terrible and tragic crime. Even long after events like
those of December 11, the physical and emotional scars of such calamities
continue to affect the victims, and it is our hope that these funds will help
to heal those who have had to endure this assault. It is also our hope that
this donation will highlight the solidarity we feel with our Christian brothers
and sisters in Egypt. Their courage in persevering in the faith despite such
attacks inspires us in our own faith, and while we are horrified by the attack,
we are also deeply grateful for the Christian witness of forgiveness shown by
those affected."
Commenting on the
generous donation, His Grace Bishop Angaelos said:
“On behalf of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of
Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark, and the Coptic Orthodox Church,
we are very thankful for the generosity of Knights of Columbus, and grateful
for our ongoing relationship with them. Having worked closely with Supreme
Knight Anderson and The Knights of Columbus in March 2016 on the campaign to
highlight the Genocide against Christians in the Middle East, we know that
there is much that can be achieved when we stand together to witness for those
persecuted around the world, whether in Egypt or elsewhere.”
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.
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales
has made a donation towards the community work of the St Pachomius and El
Gidiseen Coptic Orthodox monasteries in Upper Egypt. Both monasteries carry out
projects that benefit Christians and Muslims within their respective communities,
and have done so for centuries.
Monasticism was established in the 4th
centuries in Egypt and since then monasteries have been an intrinsic part of
Egyptian culture, both in their desert and rural settings. Their work is in
areas of health and social welfare, irrespective of religion, faith, gender or
any affiliation.”
In response to the contribution made, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General
Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, said:
“We are
very thankful for the continuing support of His Royal Highness. This is indeed
a recognition of the role of the Christian communities working in Egypt within
their indigenous settings; it is also a recognition of the rich monastic
tradition that the Egyptian deserts have shared with the whole world over the
past 1500 years.
The
grant recognises that faith communities, if working in a healthy way within
their urban or rural settings, can still make a contribution and have a very
positive effect, even amongst the conflict that still exists in some places.”
Message
of condolence received by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II from
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales
12
December 2016
Messages of condolence have
been pouring in for the Coptic Orthodox Community worldwide as a result of a
brutal bombing which claimed the lives of 25, mostly women and children, at St
Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo.
A message from HRH The Prince of Wales was sent to His
Holiness Pope Tawadros II, saying:
"I wanted to send to Your Holiness, and to all members of the Coptic
Orthodox Church in Egypt and across the world, my most profound sympathy over
the unbearably inhuman attack on the chapel adjacent to St Mark's
Cathedral. Those guilty of this terrible crime are clearly seeking, in
their brutal way, to create divisions within Egyptian society, as we have
seen only on Friday with the barbaric murder of six policemen in Giza. The
steadfastness of Egyptians in the face of such appalling hatred and extremism
is greatly to be admired.
I can only begin to imagine the dreadful shock and grief that Copts, and
indeed all Egyptians, must be feeling and my heart goes out to the families and
loved ones of those who have been killed and wounded.
I wanted to assure Your Holiness that Copts everywhere, and especially in
Egypt, are in my thoughts and special prayers as they try to cope with the
loss, pain and fear that the attack has inflicted upon them."
In response to the message of condolence from HRH The
Prince of Wales and other individuals, Church bodies, faith groups and
organisations, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox
Church in the United Kingdom said:
“On a day of great concern and sadness for Coptic Christians around the
world, it is truly heartening to receive warm messages of support and condolence
from friends across a broad spectrum of society. Atrocities such as these cause
much pain to all affected, yet they also shine light on the immense love, care and
solidarity expressed by many who feel they share a common humanity, whatever their
background, faith or walk of life.
I am thankful for the message from His Royal Highness The Prince of
Wales, who visited our community in 2013 to highlight the plight of Christians
in the Middle East, and for his ongoing support for all who suffer as a result
of oppression and marginalisation. We pray that God continue to provide hope,
light and support to all who are suffering, as we also pray for those who continue
to aspire to be that support, that hope and that light.”
HG
Bishop Angaelos comments a day after brutal bombing and murder of 25 people in
St Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church, Cairo
12
December 2016
Today
is a day of many emotions: sadness, nervousness, uncertainty, and understandably
even anger at times. That is because yesterday was a day in which we witnessed
the worst of humanity, when innocent women and children who decided to worship
their God in their spiritual home had their lives needlessly and senselessly
ended without warning. They were used as pawns; a means to an end. To the
perpetrators of this heinous crime, their lives clearly held no greater value
than scribbles on a strategic page; a plan that was to be executed for a cause
to which they were merely incidental, collateral damage. Yesterday we saw
beautiful lives lost, families separated and broken, and whole communities
grieving; a truly painful time that has not only affected Coptic Christians,
but Egyptian society at large, Muslims and Christians alike, and millions
around the world.
Crimes will always be perpetrated and
criminals will continue to exist, but such a strategic, vicious act is
difficult to comprehend. It is indeed difficult to understand how a person
might plan and execute such a horrific, ruthless and barbaric plot against
innocent women and children. The only way to do this is to completely disregard
the relevance, value and sanctity of any life potentially affected by these
actions.
In
recent decades, we have seen recurring acts of violence against Christians and
Christian communities in Egypt. Time and time again, very few, if any,
perpetrators have been brought to justice, and we subsequently continue to
witness an escalation of these attacks. This is not a matter of blame, but accountability, with an
expectation that barbaric acts such as these should never occur, but if they
do, that their perpetrators are rightly and fairly held to account. This is not
a call for vengeance, but a deterrent against similar future plans and
aspirations.
We are thankful for the overwhelming
outpouring of emotion and support that we have personally received from friends,
and even indeed strangers, around the world in response to this horrific and
heartbreaking attack, but it is unfathomable that at the same time, others have
politicised this atrocity by actually laying blame on those targeted, maimed
and killed because of the perceived political stance of Christians in Egypt.
They have even gone so far as to imply that Christians and the Church were
somehow complicit in this crime to gain sympathy, allegedly using their
daughters, sisters, mothers and grandmothers as means to a ludicrous contrived
political end.
As
Christians, we have hope in the belief that good will prevail despite the
seemingly increasing evil in our world. Life will certainly go on and
atrocities such as these will by no means defeat us. Today, tomorrow and the
next day will continue to bring new beginnings and greater resilience, but there
will continue to be a deep effect on many that may remain with them for weeks,
months, and even years to come.
As
Christians, we also believe in forgiveness, but forgiveness is by no means
synonymous with ignoring justice. Forgiveness ensures that our own hearts are
not entangled in a web of anger and resentment, or corrupted by feelings of
hatred or revenge. Forgiveness is ultimately liberating and empowering, but at
the same time, justice is essential; not for the purposes of punishment, but
to secure and protect our societies in which people must respectfully live side
by side.
Chapter
16 of the Gospel of Saint John tells us that in the world “we will have tribulation” but to be “of good cheer” for the Lord Jesus Christ
has “overcome the [evils of this] world.” The Scriptures also tell us that “the
time is coming that whoever kills [us] will think that he offers God service”(John 16:2).This reality has been lived
for two millennia, through the reign of Diocletian, and continues until today as
we still witness targeted persecution throughout the world. In facing these
struggles throughout history, too many precious lives have been lost, and this
is why we must advocate for the safeguarding of every life, so that many more
do not continue to suffer on our watch.
As
we prepare for feasts and celebrations: Christmas in the Gregorian calendar, the
New Year, the Feast of the Nativity in the Julian calendar, and Epiphany, sharing
them with family and friends around us, there are families that will not be
coming together, and communities that will not be celebrating, as a result of
this great loss. We remember and pray for them all, and assure them that they
will not be forgotten. We also live confident that if we, as limited imperfect
beings, are moved by their loss and suffering in this way, that our perfect, all-loving,
all-powerful, and all-just God hears their cries and will by no means forsake
or forget them, but strengthen, support and comfort them as only He can. *Ends*
Al Jazeera English and BBCWorld News Interview with HG Bishop Angaelos Bomb kills 25 Coptic Orthodox worshippers
during Sunday worship in Cairo
Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos,
General Bishop
of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the
United Kingdom
11 December 2016
It is
with great sadness that we receive the news today of at least 25 people
brutally murdered by an explosion during regular Sunday worship at St Peter’s
Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo, adjacent to the Grand Cathedral of Saint Mark.
Our
prayers are with those whose lives have been so senselessly ended, those who
have been injured, and every family and community affected. We also pray for
every Coptic parish and community across Egypt as they fill their churches this
morning, as well as for the broader Egyptian society that fall victim to
similar inhumane attacks.
Many
within our Coptic community in Britain will have family and friends in Egypt,
and we also pray for them at this time of uncertainty.
We share in this tragedy
but are encouraged by the strength and resilience of our brethren in Egypt that
we have grown accustomed to and learn from. We pray God’s peace and protection
upon the Christians of Egypt, the broader Egyptian society, Christians around
the world worshipping this morning and all faith communities that fall prey to
similar attacks.
