Pope Francis, 266 Pope of the Roman Catholic Church announced

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
13 March 2013

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

On the announcement of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as Pope Francis, the 266 Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom said:

‘I express my heartfelt joy shared with our Catholic brethren around the world on the appointment of Pope Francis. We pray God’s joy and blessing upon our sister Catholic Church as it embraces its new father and shepherd, and we also pray for His Holiness as he commences this sacred ministry, strengthened and overshadowed by the grace of God. 

As Co-chair of the Catholic-Oriental Orthodox Regional Forum in the United Kingdom, I celebrate this day with my brother and Co-chair, His Grace Archbishop Kevin McDonald, members of our Forum, and our Catholic brethren across the United Kingdom.’

*Ends*

Press Release: COORF Solemn Vespers to mark 40 years of Common Statements

Press Release
For immediate use
7 December 2012

 The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Media and Public Relations Office

 

The Catholic-Oriental Orthodox Regional Forum (COORF) held a Solemn Vespers of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 6 December 2012 to celebrate forty years of Common Statements between The Catholic Church and The Oriental Orthodox Churches and to pray for unity.

 

In his sermon at the historic St James, Spanish Place, Catholic Church, COORF Catholic Co-Chair His Grace Archbishop Kevin McDonald spoke of the historical connections between the member Churches, followed by Oriental Orthodox Co-Chair HG Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, who spoke on chapter 17 of the Gospel of Saint John and the importance of common witness in the United Kingdom and throughout the world.


HE Metropolitan Seraphim read from the letter of St Paul to the Galatians, after which the Hymn of The Annunciation of The Mother of God was sung by the Choir of St Gregorios’ Indian Orthodox Church.









This was a historic night of fellowship and witness that will continue the valuable work of this Forum throughout the United Kingdom.

 



All photographs © Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk