Press Release: HG Bishop Angaelos enthroned over new Coptic Orthodox Diocese of London in historic service in the Coptic Cathedral of Saint George, UK

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

                                   Media and Communications Office

Press Release

HG Bishop Angaelos enthroned over new Coptic Orthodox Diocese of London in historic service in the Coptic Cathedral of Saint George, UK

Watch the service via www.BishopAngaelos.org 

21 Nov 2017

On 18 November 2017, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, who has served as General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom since 1999, was enthroned as the first Bishop of the new Coptic Orthodox Diocese of London during a historic service in the Coptic Cathedral of Saint George, Hertfordshire. The Enthronement service came a week after HH Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, and the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Proclaimed Bishop Angaelos as the first Diocesan Bishop of London in a service in St Bishoy Monastery Wadi El-Natrun, Egypt.

The vespers service included traditional Coptic prayers, mostly in English, followed by the enthronement of His Grace at the hands of a delegation of visiting Coptic Metropolitans and Bishops. The Instrument of Enthronement, the document outlining the bishop’s appointment and responsibilities, was formally signed by the members of the delegation.

During his address, Bishop Angaelos thanked everyone in attendance, as well as His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, and the late Pope, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III. He went on to say:

“This is not a day about me, but about this Diocese, it is a birth of a new diocese, the putting together of a new family.

“Today we start a journey together, because a Diocese is a combination of individuals and parishes who bring to this new family their own strengths, while being able to also compensate for one other’s weaknesses. As a diocese I would want us to follow closely in the footsteps of our Lord and in the words of St Cyril of Jerusalem, who says: “Everywhere the Saviour becomes all things to all. To the hungry bread; to the thirsty, water, to the dead, Resurrection, to the sick a physician, to sinners: Redemption.” I do hope that we can work towards trying to accommodate for all.”

“What sets the Church apart from other organisations and institutions is that it is centred on Christ and that we can go to Him in our times of greatest need. It is also the fellowship of the Eucharist, the Body of Christ of which we are all members individually, but Christ remains our Head.”

“Today is a start, and I pray that God continues to support us to pray, work, and journey together. At this time I wish to remember what our Lord instructed His disciples to do in John 13:14, saying that they must begin their ministry by washing one another’s feet, and that it was in that spirit that the ministry of the Gospel is carried out. So I pray and I hope that this ministry is going to be about the washing of feet, mine of yours, and yours of one another’s.”

Towards the end of his address, Bishop Angaelos, removed his cope and proceeded to wash the feet of a number of children in the congregation, signifying his intent to begin his new ministry as a servant with the desire to follow in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ.  

Messages from Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex, The Right Honourable Theresa May, Prime Minister, and The Most Revered Archbishop Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, were read during the service. Addresses were given by His Eminence Archbishop Elisey of Sourozh, Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church in Great Britain and Ireland, His Eminence Archbishop Mor Athanasius Toma Dawod, Council of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, Archbishop Kevin McDonald Co-Founder & Co-Chair of the Catholic-Oriental Orthodox Regional Forum in the United Kingdom, Billy Kennedy, Leader, Pioneer Network, President of Churches Together in England, His Grace Bishop Suriel, Dean of Saint Athanasius Theological College, Melbourne, Australia, Coptic Orthodox Church, His Grace Bishop Roufail, General Secretary of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church, His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion of Los Angeles, Council of Bishops of North America, Coptic Orthodox Church, His Eminence Metropolitan Pakhomious, Locum Tenens 2012, Coptic Orthodox Church.

Joining members of the Coptic community at the service were, representatives of the ecumenical and civic life of Britain, various inter-religious guests, and representatives of advocacy organisations.

*Ends*

Photographs will be made available via www.Flickr.com/CopticMedia

Background:

The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, dates back to 10 August 1954 when it commenced its pastoral and liturgical ministry in London. In February 1969, a historic Liturgy was celebrated in London by the then Bishop Shenouda, the late Pope Shenouda III, who encouraged the faithful to hold regular services, which subsequently led to the hiring of St Andrew’s church in Holborn. Copts would gather from across the United Kingdom to pray there until 1978 when, returning to London as Pope Shenouda III, His Holiness consecrated St Mark church in Kensington as the first Coptic Orthodox parish in Europe.        

    

Since then, the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland has become an active member of its respective local, regional and national communities, serving in a variety of ways across the four nations, equipping its faithful to be positively contributing and active members in their local settings. At the core of its pastoral care is a focus on Christian education at every level and an active youth ministry. The Coptic Orthodox Church also serves on a wider level through engaging in a variety of benevolent and advocacy related work.   

          

The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland now has approximately 20,000 faithful across 32 parishes, with the number of these parishes constantly increasing. These have thus far been served by three dioceses: the diocese of Birmingham, the Midlands and its affiliated regions, served by HG Bishop Missael, the Diocese of Scotland, Ireland and North East England, served by HG Bishop Antony, and the Papal Diocese which, prior to His Grace's appointment as Bishop of London, covered London, the South of England and South Wales, in which HG Bishop Angaelos has served as His Holiness the Pope’s delegate since 1999.  

         

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II and the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church have now established the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of London.  

Press Release: Lord Bourne meets with HG Bishop Angaelos to discuss the engagement of faith leaders with the Department for Communities and Local Government

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

 Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

Media and Communications Office

Lord Bourne meets with HG Bishop Angaelos to discuss the engagement of faith leaders with the Department for Communities and Local Government

2 September 2016

On 1 September 2016, Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, was received by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre. During the visit, discussions took place on matters relating to the state of Christians in the Middle East, Freedom of Religion or Belief around the world, and interfaith engagement and collaboration between faith leaders in the United Kingdom and Her Majesty’s Government.

After a tour of the Cathedral of Saint George with Lord Bourne, Bishop Angaelos said:

“Lord Bourne’s visit today sends a very clear message of his, and his department’s, desire to reach out to and work with local communities. As Christians we believe that we have been entrusted with a stewardship that calls us to engage and be active citizens within our communities, and it is important for us all to discover and pursue the full breadth of opportunity for collaboration at both the national and local level. By working together, we will ensure that our collective experience can be put to good use in portraying the will of the vast majority of British society for a peaceful, prosperous, safe and accepting nation.”

After the visit, Lord Bourne said:

“It was an honour to meet a true leader of the community, His Grace Bishop Angaelos.  His knowledge, passion and commitment to not only the Coptic Christian community but to the country as a whole was evident throughout our meeting. The Coptic Centre and the Cathedral of St. George are remarkable – an example to us all of what a community can do when it works together.”

Speaking on collaboration to an audience of over 700 MPs and Church and community leaders at the annual National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast on 15 June 2016, Bishop Angaelos said:

“We must realise that the current situation is greater than us all; it needs us all to work together…There can no longer be a concept of ‘over there’ because families of those affected in the Middle East are members of your constituencies, our Churches, and our society as a whole…We are one very large community…our paths cross, our experience is one and our journey is one that we must share.”

Bishop Angaelos went on to say:

“Regardless of which House one sits in, which Church one worships in, or indeed which faith one does or does not have, we must work together for the freedom and dignity of human life and speak with a collaborative voice.”

*Ends*

EU Referendum: Statement by HG Bishop Angaelos

Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, following the results of the EU Referendum

24 June 2016

Over this past week, the United Kingdom has experienced a series of significant, challenging and sometimes painful milestones. With the long-awaited results of the EU referendum, and the tragic death of Jo Cox MP in the lead-up, emotions are high and there is potential for hostility and divisiveness to flourish. There is however the more positive outcome, that these events serve as a catalyst for a greater unity and a collective stance for the good of all.

While Jo’s tragic and wasteful death was unequivocally horrific and heart-breaking, it also gave rise to overwhelming acts of generosity from the general public and unrivalled comradery in the Houses of Parliament. This tragedy also sparked a significant conversation on the importance of solidarity and indiscriminate compassion for humanity, with the hashtags #LoveLikeJo and #MoreInCommon emerging to diffuse divisive rhetoric and promote understanding in the public sphere.

It is in this light and sentiment, and with the outcome of the EU referendum, the United Kingdom must now pull together, as it has so often done in the past, despite clear differences in opinion and direction. Division must not be allowed to take hold, and divisive rhetoric must not take root. While many would have preferred to see the UK remain in the EU, now is the time for us all as a nation to accept the decision that we have reached together through the democratic processes we have upheld for centuries, and indeed advocate for across the world. It is important for us to commence the healing process that is needed after these months of committed campaigning, and to comfort all who are now fearful of the future, and suffering the distress of uncertainty, especially due to the immediate effects on the economy.

Regardless of what the future holds for the United Kingdom we can be certain that we are in the hands of a mighty God Who is unchanging and with us throughout our various challenges. It is our role as Christians, not only to be stewards and active citizens within our countries, but to provide holistic support for all who find these events overwhelming and distressing.        

We pray for the Prime Minister, our parliament, and all those entrusted with the leadership of these great nations, confident that the United Kingdom will find a way to embark on this new stage in history, together united.

*Ends*

Press Release: HG Bishop Angaelos gives Keynote Address on the persecution of Christians in the Middle East to over 700 MPs and other guests in the Houses of Parliament, later addressing 50 High Commissioners and Ambassadors in the State Rooms at the Palace of Westminster

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

                                   Media and Communications Office

HG Bishop Angaelos gives Keynote Address on the persecution of Christians in the Middle East to over 700 MPs and other guests in the Houses of Parliament, later addressing 50 High Commissioners and Ambassadors in the State Rooms at the Palace of Westminster

14 June 2016

On 14 June 2016 His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, delivered the keynote address on the situation of Christians in the Middle East at the annual National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast (NPPB).  During his address Bishop Angaelos spoke specifically on the persecution of Christians and minority communities, and the millions subsequently displaced and living as refugees. His Grace addressed an audience of over 700 attendees including Members of the House of Lords, House of Commons, civic and faith leaders, ambassadors, and CEOs of advocacy organisations and NGOs. The Archbishop of Canterbury was also in attendance. The gathering was welcomed by the Lord Speaker, the Speaker of the House of Commons, and Fiona Bruce MP, Chair of this year’s Parliamentary Breakfast.

The NPPB is the largest gathering of any kind in parliament throughout the year. The event is held with the permission of the Speaker and the Lord Speaker and is an annual recognition of the contribution that Christianity makes to the national life of the United Kingdom. While themes of previous events have focused on topics of national impact, this is the first to address a global issue of this scale.

In his welcome, The Right Hon John Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons, said:

 “‘The Church in the Middle East’ is a theme never more relevant than it is today. It is a magnificently chosen theme that will continue to be relevant at least until some of the prevailing discord…of which certainly there is an abundance, is either moderated or better still overcome altogether.”

In her welcome, The Lord Speaker, The Baroness D’Souza said:

“This breakfast theme…could not be more timely to explore the need for tolerance and understanding. I greatly look forward to hearing…as to how we make steps, if not leaps, towards this.”

In her welcome, Fiona Bruce MP highlighted that the attendance at this year’s Breakfast surpassed previous years, with over 150 MPs and peers and 730 people in attendance, saying:

“It is particularly encouraging that so many members of parliament are attending together with religious leaders from their constituencies…the fact that so many parliamentarians and peers are here today does, I believe, confirm their deep concern…”

“Let us seek to ensure that we in the United Kingdom are doing everything we can to stand up and be a voice for the voiceless in the Middle East, both to those who share our Faith, and those of other faiths or none.”

Speaking of the work that Bishop Angaelos has done in the area of religious freedom, she continued:

“I am particularly delighted and grateful that His Grace Bishop Angaelos will address us this morning as he has tirelessly advocated on behalf of the Church throughout the Middle East in recent years…”

In his address, Bishop Angaelos spoke directly to parliamentarians saying:

“We often hold you to account for the decisions you make, yet often forget to hold ourselves to account to pray for you as you make those decisions. In the coming weeks those prayers will be more important because of the decisions that are going to be made for the future of Britain.”

Speaking of Christians in the Middle East, Bishop Angaelos said:

“Christians in the Middle East are indigenous people and reject minority status. They see themselves as intrinsic members, and indigenous peoples.”

He continued:

“As religious and civic leaders, we have an opportunity and responsibility to change the narrative and expectation of the Middle East from one of hopelessness and conflict to one of hope and promise.

We need to address the reality of this situation, that there has been a systemic, yet gradual prejudice, marginalisation and alienation of Christians and minorities allowed to continue over decades. This does not have to continue on our watch…”

Calling for collaboration, he went on to say:

“We must realise that the current situation is greater than us all; it needs us all to work together…There can no longer be a concept of ‘over there’ because families of those affected in the Middle East are members of your constituencies, our Churches, and our society as a whole…We are one very large community…our paths cross, our experience is one and our journey is one that we must share.”

“Regardless of which House one sits in, which Church one worships in, or indeed which faith one does or does not have, we must work together for the freedom and dignity of human life and speak with a collaborative voice.”

Elaborating of the calling and responsibility of Christians to advocate indiscriminately for all, Bishop Angaelos said:

“We are called in Scripture (Luke 4:18) to follow in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who came to ‘preach the gospel to the poor…heal the broken-hearted…proclaim liberty to the captives…set at liberty those oppressed.’ To be a Christian is to be an exceptional human being at the service of all humanity, for even the ‘Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many’ (Mark 10:45)”

“Our struggle is not just for Christians, but for human dignity. To pursue God-given rights is to serve the whole of humanity indiscriminately. As a Christian I cannot be selective as to who I love, honour or even forgive, as we are instructed by our Lord to ‘love our neighbour as ourselves.’ “There is no other commandment greater…” (Mark 12:31).

Shedding light on the hopeful witness of Christians in the Middle East, Bishop Angaelos concluded:

“The Church is defiant, the Church is resilient, the Church is alive.”

After the event Bishop Angaelos spoke to 50 High Commissioners and Ambassadors from a variety of faith traditions at a separate event in the State Rooms of the Palace of Westminster.

*Ends*

Photos, video and audio will be made available soon. E-mail Media@CopticCentre.com for more information. 

HG Bishop Angaelos attends service of thanksgiving marking Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th birthday at St Paul’s Cathedral

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

                                   Media and Communications Office

HG Bishop Angaelos attends Service of Thanksgiving marking Her Majesty The Queen’s 90^th Birthday at St Paul’s Cathedral

  

10 June 2016

On the 10 June 2016 His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, attended the national service of thanksgiving in honour of Her Majesty The Queen’s 90^th birthday. Held in St Paul's Cathedral, the service included a number of Christian hymns, prayers, Biblical readings, addresses and reflections. It was attended by over 2000 people, including members of the Royal Family, senior politicians, faith leaders and hundreds of members of the public nominated by government departments in recognition of their service. Bishop Angaelos, along with a number of faith leaders, took part in special prayers during the service for Her Majesty The Queen, who became Britain’s longest reigning monarch in 2015. 

Comment by HG Bishop Angaelos on the emergence of revelations relating to the Archbishop of Canterbury

Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)
Media and Communications Office

Comment by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom on the emergence of revelations relating to the Archbishop of Canterbury

9 April 2016

The emergence of revelations relating to our dear brother Archbishop Justin and his family remind us of the vulnerability of anyone who takes public office, and more so those who are called to public ministry. These revelations would have been startling and painful enough for any individual and his family to learn and process, but to have them revealed and discussed so publicly will need a very particular grace. Thankfully however, we know that this grace is in no short supply in the lives of Archbishop Justin and his family.

In his personal statement on the matter, Archbishop Justin writes:

‘I have had a life of great blessing and wonderful support, especially from Caroline and our children, as well as a great many wonderful friends and family. My own experience is typical of many people. To find that one's father is other than imagined is not unusual. To be the child of families with great difficulties in relationships, with substance abuse or other matters, is far too normal.  

This revelation has, of course, been a surprise, but in my life and in our marriage Caroline and I have had far worse. I know that I find who I am in Jesus Christ, not in genetics, and my identity in him never changes. Even more importantly my role as Archbishop makes me constantly aware of the real and genuine pain and suffering of many around the world, which should be the main focus of our prayers.  

Although there are elements of sadness, and even tragedy in my father's (Gavin Welby’s) case, this is a story of redemption and hope from a place of tumultuous difficulty and near despair in several lives. It is a testimony to the grace and power of Christ to liberate and redeem us, grace and power which is offered to every human being.  

At the very outset of my inauguration service three years ago, Evangeline Kanagasooriam, a young member of the Canterbury Cathedral congregation, said: “We greet you in the name of Christ. Who are you, and why do you request entry?” To which I responded: “I am Justin, a servant of Jesus Christ, and I come as one seeking the grace of God to travel with you in His service together.” What has changed? Nothing!’

I know that it is unconventional to quote such a long passage from another’s statement, but I found the archbishop’s to be very moving indeed, and indicative of the peace, love, forgiveness and resolve that we are not only all called to, but all endowed with if we but allow God’s healing, reconciling and comforting presence in our lives. This is of course also indicative of the personable and ‘real’ character we have all come to know to be Justin Welby, who, I am confident, will have this experience further enrich his ministry of compassion.

We pray for Archbishop Justin and his family, and particularly his mother, as they deal with this challenging time, and for all those unknown to us who must go through similar experiences every day, but who may not be so supported. We also pray healing for every pain, reconciliation for every struggle, and hope for every apparently hopeless situation.

*Ends*

Press Release: Bishop Angaelos speaks at WCC/UN High Level Conference in Geneva on Refugee Crisis

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

                            Media and Communications Office

HG Bishop Angaelos addresses WCC/UN 'High Level Conference' in Geneva on the Refugee Crisis in Europe

18 January 2016

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, spoke today on the practical ways in which leaders and organisations can respond to the current situation of refugees in Europe.

Calling for collaboration he said:

‘This is a problem that is broader and more complex than any single individual, Church, nation or organisation, and so the least we can and should do is work to collaborate.’

Speaking about the decline of Christians in the Middle East, he continued:

‘Where there was once a 25% Christian population in the Middle East it is now around 5%, and tragically 4% of those 5% are in Egypt. Our silence as Churches, nations, and as a world community, has been a contributing factor to this. We have lowered the threshold of human dignity; if people are not dying then it has become acceptable…yet it is up to us to defend those whose God-given rights and freedoms are violated.’

Highlighting the need for compassion when speaking about refugees, His Grace went on to say:

‘We are not speaking of people leaving one less than affluent suburb to go to a more affluent one because they seek a better quality of life; these are people leaving war-torn poverty-stricken and conflict-filled near-anarchic states to find protection and safety for themselves and for their families.’

Highlighting the importance of the role of the Church, he said:

‘We as a Church are the largest NGO in the world, although we are much more than just that, we are the Body of Christ. What holds us together is not social convention or international decree. This is a Scriptural directive; a commandment that we live as the Body of Christ, one Body with one Head, and when one part suffers we all suffer, when one part is captive we are all captive.’

Going on to propose a solution, Bishop Angaelos said:

‘We, as the World Council of Churches, represent these Churches on the ground in the Middle East, and having spoken to many people over the last months and years, and in visiting Irbil, the Greek Macedonian Border, and soon to be visiting camps in Jordan, it has become apparent that Christians are not registered. We must use our Church networks on the ground to aid in the registration process. The Churches on the ground have a pastoral knowledge, experience, respect and integrity, and are trusted by their communities. If people are not registered, they become doubly disadvantaged: persecuted for their religion, Christian or otherwise, and then also by not having equal access to international schemes.’

Bishop Angaelos concluded by saying:

‘We need a unified and unifying approach, to work collaboratively and to understand that we have a role and responsibility to act. This is an ideal opportunity for us to prove that we can effectively and collaboratively respond to this situation, and make a real difference.’

‘We give thanks for our brothers and sisters in the Middle East. We share their pain as they are forced to leave their homelands, and as they embark on these treacherous and life-threatening journeys, but we also give thanks for their stabilising, reconciling and empowering witness. In closing, the message of this gathering to those suffering can be summarised in the words of Revelation 1:9:

“We share with you in Jesus the persecution and the kingdom and the patient endurance.”

The conference, hosted by the World Council of Churches in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Fund for Population (UNFPA), and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), runs from 18-19 January 2016. It has brought together 80 leaders of governments, UN agencies, faith-based and non-religious civil society organisations from countries affected by the current refugee crisis in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

 *Ends*

Live-stream of conference via http://bit.ly/1NfMBc4

Article by HG Bishop Angaelos on 'A Christian response to the plight of refugees and displaced peoples'

4 December 2015

A safe passage: a Christian response to the plight of refugees and displaced peoples

By His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom

As countries across Europe unite in their efforts to address the crisis in the Middle East and its root causes and effects, it is important that as Christians, we recognise our role and what we represent in the midst of this crisis.

The Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ is pivotal to our Faith and is the most powerful demonstration of what it means to provide for the needs of others who find themselves in exile, away from their rightful homelands. As humans, we were all victims of the separation from God caused by the weakness of our humanity, and through the Incarnation and Salvation, were restored to our rightful place in Him. When God took flesh, He experienced our pain by sharing in it and not merely observing our situation from a distance. Having said that, the Incarnation of our Lord was not only intended to make humanity feel comfortable in the world (John 17:14-15), but to provide a safe and viable route back to its rightful original place in His Kingdom.

Likewise, we must also feel the pain of those suffering, share their burden, and provide for the immediate humanitarian needs of the vulnerable who are both internally and externally displaced. Our longer-term vision must then be to restore them, if that is their desire, to the lands they have occupied for generations, and in which their heritage and identity lies; a restoration that is founded upon dignity, equality, safety and prosperity.

The idea of providing this means of return is by no means prescriptive, but is based upon the same concept of our Lord having provided us with a viable way to reach His Kingdom through Salvation, but leaving that desire and its related choices to every individual.

We must then continue to work towards safeguarding the dignity of every person we encounter, and to call for the basic God-given rights owed to the countless millions living in unenviable positions of displacement or exile. We must also do all we can to provide for those in greatest need of our support, for in doing so we live the message of the Incarnate Lord, extending our hand and offering ourselves as ministers of His message of hope, light and love (Matthew 5:14).

Press Release: Historic prayers at St Paul's Cathedral on the same day Bishop Angaelos receives OBE

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

                          Media and Communications Office

Historic prayers at St Paul’s Cathedral for victims of religious persecution on the same day that Bishop Angaelos receives an OBE for ‘Services to International Religious Freedom’

19 October 2015

The Coptic Orthodox Church held an unprecedented prayer service in the Order of the British Empire Chapel in St Paul’s Cathedral, following an evensong service on Friday 16 October 2015 dedicated to victims of religious persecution and refugees suffering as a result of conflict in the Middle East.

Evensong was led by The Very Reverend Dr David Ison, Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, and attended by The Rt Revd & Rt Hon Dr Richard Chartres, Bishop of London, and His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom. Also attending the service were a number of ecumenical, diplomatic and official guests, alongside members of the Coptic community in London.

Following evensong, a Coptic Orthodox service of prayer was led by Bishop Angaelos in the Order of the British Empire Chapel for victims of religious persecution around the world. Prayers were again offered for refugees fleeing conflict in the Middle East.

At the start of the prayer service the Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral gave a welcome address, in which he said:

“You are very welcome to be here on this day as Bishop Angaelos has received the award of the Order of the British Empire and is now with us in this joyful yet solemn occasion, doing what his award is for; promoting religious freedom. Although it is a day of joy for us, it is also a day of sadness in that there are many in the world who do not have religious freedom, and the work continues.”  

In his message, Bishop Angaelos said:

“I am thankful for the wonderful and gracious hospitality we have received, in being able to use this great Cathedral, this place of prayer, and the cornerstone of life in London and in Britain, to celebrate both evensong with the Church of England and to pray the Coptic Rite together in this Chapel for the first time. There is no greater representation of love, fellowship, companionship and a single journey that we all travel together in this great Nation, as the Body of Christ.”

“Being here and praying for those who are still victims of religious persecution is bitter sweet, because it is a shame that we still need to. We must continue to pray for all who suffer, as this tragic situation is still a reality, not only for Christians, but for many around the world in numerous countries.”

“We pray for those living hardship and persecution, and those seeking refuge, as well as those who are accepting them so graciously…We must be appreciative of the hospitality currently offered, even if we continue to strive in extending this hospitality further.”

The prayers at St Paul’s Cathedral were offered on the same day that Bishop Angaelos was formally invested as an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for ‘Services to International Religious Freedom’ by Her Majesty The Queen at Windsor Castle.

After the prayer service, The Bishop of London said: 

“The Order has been one that recognises outstanding contributions, excellence and achievement in all sorts of fields…it is a particular honour that now we have as a most distinguished member of the Order, Bishop Angaelos.”

He went on to thank Bishop Angaelos for:

“…his immense work…to bring together not only Christians, but people of all faiths in this Country.”     

Baroness Berridge, Co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief, said:

“His Grace has been a very keen supporter of the work that we are doing in parliament, and an amazing support to those of us who are standing up for religious freedom, and he has also introduced us to the wider community.”

*Ends*

Any publication wishing to use the photograph of HM The Queen and HG Bishop Angaelos must contact:

British Ceremonial Arts Limited
26 Rose Street
Wokingham
Berkshire
RG40 1XU

T: 0118 9776800
F: 0118 9776400
E: info@bcafilm.co.uk
W: www.bcafilm.co.uk

Resources regarding HG Bishop Angaelos on international religious freedom:

• Video coverage of events/interviews with HG Bishop Angaelos: www.YouTube.com/CopticMediaUK

• Statements by HG Bishop Angaelos www.CopticMediaUK.com

• Twitter feed: @BishopAngaelos @CopticMediaUK