Press Release: HH Pope Tawadros II consecrates bishops at The Grand Cathedral of St Mark, Cairo

Press Release

For immediate use

17 November 2013

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

Media and Communications Office 

The Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church headed by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, 118^th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark, consecrated bishops to new responsibilities at the Grand Cathedral of St Mark on the weekend of 16 -17 November 2013.

At a Vespers service on the evening of Saturday 16 November, His Grace Bishop David was enthroned over the new diocese of New York and New England in the United States of America, and His Grace Bishop Selwanis was appointed abbot over the historic monastery of St Pakhomious near Luxor. At the Liturgical service on Sunday 17 November, Father Seraphim Al-Moharaqy was also consecrated as General Bishop for the diocese of Al Mahalah.

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom and a member of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church, who took part in the consecration prayers at the ceremony in Cairo said:

“I celebrate with, and congratulate, my brothers on the occasion of their ordination. The consecration of a bishop to oversee Al Mahalah at the same time as the establishment of the new diocese of New York and New England signifies the breadth of the ministry of the Coptic Orthodox Church and its care for its children both in Egypt and around the world. At the same time, the appointment of His Grace Bishop Selwanis illustrates the continuing importance of the monastic life at the heart of the Church.

The spirit of the faithful as they received the bishops in the Grand Cathedral today was one of jubilation and love; a testament to their resilience and strength of character as they continue to be strong in their Faith despite the challenges faced in past months. I pray for my brothers the bishops and those entrusted to their care, that God may continue to bless their shared ministry from this time on.”

*Ends*

Press Release: Statement by HG Bishop Angaelos following the attack on the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate in Cairo on 7 April 2013

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
7 April 2013

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom following the attack on the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate in Cairo on 7 April 2013

While the Arab Spring and uprising in Tahrir Square were expected to bring about a fresh start for Egypt, the only true difference is that the situation seems to have become progressively worse for many millions of Egyptian citizens. 

Today, Egypt saw an unprecedented attack on the See of the Pope of Alexandria, the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate in Cairo, by mobs, with the police arriving far too late and doing very little, if anything at all, to prevent them. 

Reports have indicated that Egypt’s president, Mr Mohammed Morsi had made telephone contact with the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark, saying that ‘the protection of the lives of all Egyptians, Muslims and Christian, is the responsibility of the state.’ It is now clear that the state needs to take that responsibility far more seriously.

We have seen escalating and increasing attacks on Christians, Christian communities, churches and now the Patriarchate during this past period of expected improvement, and so questions must be asked. What are the authorities waiting for? More bloodshed, violence, hostility, alienation, marginalisation, division, or just more anarchy? It is clear that without intentional, pragmatic and proactive leadership by the state, and the effective law enforcement by its security forces, that this pattern of increasing violence and lawlessness is the only possible outcome. With these incidents being dealt with in this way, we see a growth of expectation of impunity and thus encouragement by some to continue breaking the law while assured that they will not be held accountable. 

Last year, the streets of Abasseya around the Grand Cathedral of St Mark saw many thousands of Egyptians, Christians and Muslims alike, standing to pay their respects at the departure of our late Pope Shenouda III. Now those streets see an attack on that same Cathedral. So what has changed, and how can we return to the collective pride, passion and faithfulness of Egypt that we saw in Tahrir Square in 2011 with the thousands flying Egyptian flags, and calling for a unified state for all Egyptians? 

We pray for Egypt because we believe that Egypt, as blessed by God, still has a chance. This chance however, hinges on faithful, pragmatic and visionary leadership, otherwise these coming months and years will only introduce more heartache, bloodshed and division that will inevitably lead to the decline of the nation, that was once the birthplace of civilisation, and its individual members.

*Ends*

Press Release: HH Pope Tawadros II and 60 members of The Holy Synod enthroned 4 Bishops, consecrated 7

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
10 March 2013

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

The 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II and over 60 members of the Holy Synod consecrated 7 bishops and enthroned 4 existing bishops on 10 March 2013 in the Grand Cathedral of St Mark, Cairo, Egypt.

Having taken part in the consecration service in Cairo, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom commented from Cairo:

‘In the ever expanding ministry of The Coptic Orthodox Church, and with a greater focus on concentrated pastoral care, we have found a need to consecrate more bishops to fill vacant Diocese, to facilitate greater and more focused care for larger and older Diocese that have been divided upon the passing of their bishops, and to establish new diocese abroad. 

As the Church is the Body of Christ that lives and breathes, caring for her children, we see yet another sign of this dynamic existence continuing to bring light into the world at every level. 

We pray for our new bishops, their diocese, and the whole Body of Christ, as we continue to live and share His message and mission in the world.’

The four bishops enthroned are:
Bishop Daniel for Maadi and Albasateen
Bishop Theodosious for Giza
Bishop Botros for Shebin El Qanater
Bishop Mina for Mississauga and West Canada

The seven priests consecrated are: 
Fr Epiphanious El-Maqari as abbot of the monastery of St Macarious in Wadi el Natroun
Fr Maqar El-Baramousi for Al-Sharkaya
Fr Salib El-Samueli for Latmoum and its affiliated regions
Fr Zakaria El-Souriani for October City and Ouseem
Fr Youannes El-Souriani for Giza North
Fr Zosima El-Antouni for Atfih and El-Saf and their affiliated regions
Fr Youlyous Ava-Mina as general bishop for old Cairo

**Ends**

Any links or references to external articles do not represent the view of The Coptic Orthodox Church or The Coptic Orthodox Church Media and Communications Office.