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

 

Reflection by His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, following the fire in Abu Sefein Church, Imbaba, Egypt

 Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)
                      Media and Communications Office

Reflection by His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos,
Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, following the fire in Abu Sefein Church, Imbaba, Egypt

15 August 2022

It is with great sadness that we received news yesterday of the tragic loss of life caused by a fire in the Coptic Orthodox Church of Abu Sefein in Imbaba, on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt. To-date 41 precious lives, many of whom are children, have been lost, and scores of people remain injured. What is even more tragic, is that due to the nature of Liturgical attendance, many of these fatalities and injuries were multi-generational, with families mourning numerous members.  

As many bury their loved ones today, and others support survivors in hospitals and at home, we pray repose for those who have sadly departed, comfort for those who mourn them, healing for those who will bear the physical and emotional scars, and support for the families and communities that will continue to recover from this tragedy over the coming weeks, months and even years.

While much is being said about the cause of the fire, and the response time of emergency services, this must be left to what we hope and expect will be a robust and transparent investigation. For now, we focus on those most in need of our care and attention.

I am so touched by the outpouring of support that I personally, as well as many of my colleagues, have received from friends and acquaintances across Britain and around the world. Their gracious care, and the assurance of their thoughts and prayers, will be a source of great strength and support for our sisters and brothers in Imbaba and around the world.

Two bittersweet realities arise from this tragedy. The first is that Churches in Egypt are filled by the faithful on a regular basis, and so when tragedy strikes it strikes at a high cost, and at the heart of the community. The second is that tragedy creates a platform for us to recognise and value one another while experiencing each other’s pain and comforting one another through our suffering.

These tragic moments inevitably lead people from all walks of life to empathise with the suffering of mothers and fathers who weep for their children, children who have lost parents, families who have been torn apart, and friends separated. It is in that shared experience that we find hope in our common humanity, and ability to understand, grieve with, respect and value one another and the sanctity of life that we all share.

Assured of the promise and power of the Resurrection, we bid farewell to those who have departed from this world, and pledge to pray for and support those who remain with us, so deeply affected by this harrowing experience.

*Ends*

The names of those who have departed:

Ereny Atef Ramzy   

Magda Nabih Habib

Demiana Zakaria Zaki        

Mariam Tamer Wagih        

Parsina Tamer Wagih        

Abraam Tamer Wagih        

Mina Saleh Fakher 

Father Abd El Messiah Bekhiet    

Mirna Atef Ramzy   

Adel Agib Ayoub     

Nadia Said Botros

Mahriel Bassem Amen       

Youssef Bassem Amen     

Philopater Bassem Amen  

Mary Naim Amer     

Kirollos Ramy Arian

Mina Ashraf Azmy   

Farg Kamal Farg     

Romany Ezzat Gad

Kirollos Nour Ataa   

Ereny Refaat

Millionare Refaat     

Nady Edward           

Mary Edward

Jomana Edward      

Elaria Ashraf

Samia Ishak 

Kirollos Saber          

Bishoy Saber

Marista Saleh          

Mirna Moussa          

Basta Ebied 

Shenouda Dandash

Abd El Malak Hanna

Rania Lamie

Zakaria Mounir        

Nawal Haleeb          

Arzak Abdou

Nadine Fayed Zakaria        

Dawood Farah         

Nady Ishak   

Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos regarding the brutal murder of Coptic Orthodox priest Fr Samaan in Cairo

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

                                Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox priest brutally murdered in Cairo

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

Press Release: Unprecedented meeting of Orthodox and Pentecostal Church leaders at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

                                   Media and Communications Office

Unprecedented meeting of Orthodox and Pentecostal Church leaders at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre

 7 June 2016

As part of a Churches Together in England (CTE) initiative, The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in the United Kingdom hosted an unprecedented meeting of Orthodox and Pentecostal Church leaders on 6 June 2016. The fraternal meeting, which aimed to build relationships, as well as discuss the issues of the persecuted Church and mission, was facilitated by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, Bishop Dr Eric Brown, Pentecostal President of CTE, and Bishop in the New Testament Church of God, and The Very Revd Archpriest Maxim Nikolsky of the Russian Orthodox Church.

In his welcome, Bishop Angaelos, stated the importance of the common witness of the Christian family regardless of differences of expression and denomination, saying:  

“There is such value in collaboration, and this historic meeting is the first of its kind in England, the United Kingdom, and possibly worldwide. While we all come from our particular backgrounds and theological understanding, today is a day to build bridges and to strengthen them.”

Going on to comment on the persecuted Church, he said:

“In seeing the persecution of our brothers and sisters around the world, and in speaking about mission, we must recognise that this is a time, more than ever, for us to stand together. We must continue to be advocates for all who are persecuted regardless of their faith or ethnicity. As countless thousands continue to be persecuted for their Faith, we must speak out when there is injustice, following the example of Christ, the Chief Advocate, Who came to indiscriminately provide hope and salvation for all humanity.”

During the morning session Bishop Eric Brown said:

“Today is a historic day, it is the coming together of the Pentecostals and Orthodox in this country, and essentially we are seeking ways in which we can jointly lift up the name of Jesus and to make Him known in a more powerful way in this nation. Hopefully we can get some consensus as to how we might address the issue of persecuted Christians worldwide.”

Bishop Dr Joe Aldred who works primarily with Pentecostal Churches in CTE, and who was the instigator of this meeting, said:

“Today marks a momentous and significant meeting point and a beginning I hope of a lasting fellowship and friendship between leaders. I hope that we can develop a better understanding of what Christians around the world are experiencing, and continue to dialogue and take action where possible together. The other strand of this meeting is mission, and how that mission of Christ in England is better done together than apart.”

Father Maxim Nikolsky said:

“It is important to meet people who certainly share much in common; to meet, to understand some of their way of thinking, and to see what it is that is common to us."

When asked about the persecuted Church, he continued:

“That is a very important topic especially in the modern day, and we need to see if there is anything that can be done on a personal level, and as a community. We read and deliberate on the subject, but we must look at what we can really do to help our fellow Christians, and all who are persecuted for their faith.”

As part of the closing session a discussion was held on ways to collaboratively tackle national and international issues of concern, including religious freedom in England, and the Middle East. It was agreed to establish a working group to develop partnership in fellowship and actions, and a provisional time was set for the next meeting of the group.

*Ends*

For more information please contact:

Press Release: Unprecedented meeting of Middle East Church Leaders and the Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth Palace

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate use

3 September 2014

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

Media and Communications Office

In an unprecedented ecumenical gathering at Lambeth Palace hosted by The Most Revd Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, and initiated by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, a statement was agreed by leaders and representatives of the Churches of the Middle East and the wider Christian Church in Britain.

The meeting began with a round table discussion regarding the plight of Christians and minority communities in Iraq, Syria and the wider Middle East. A statement was then agreed, expressing solidarity with, and advocating for, all those who continue to suffer gross violations of the fundamental right and freedom to practice their chosen faith.

The round table discussion was followed by a service of prayer to give thanks for Christians in the Middle East and to remember all those who have lost their lives or continue to suffer persecution. A short press briefing followed.

After the meeting, Bishop Angaelos said:

It is incomprehensible and unacceptable in the 21^st Century that our sisters and brothers in the Middle East face intimidation and death for exercising their freedom of religion or belief, or merely being of a certain ethnic background. 

We have gathered today as leaders and representatives of Churches in the Middle East within the wider Church in Britain to stand in solidarity with those who are persecuted for their Christian faith, as well as all who fall victim to injustice.

We have spoken in one voice, calling for the continued support of Christians and minority groups across the Middle East, and pray protection upon them while they remain steadfast in the face of unimaginable challenges.

With regards to media coverage of the plight of Christians in the Middle East, Archbishop Justin said:

When you are looking at the murder and the slaughter of vast numbers of people there is never enough in terms of coverage, and it is easy to forget that is part of a global process of immense suffering. I think in looking at the Middle East we hope that the media will not move on quickly but will continue to remember those who are suffering so greatly.

The statement is below:

Meeting and Service of Prayer for Christians in the Middle East

REJOICING IN THEIR FAITH AND SHARING IN THEIR COLLECTIVE PAIN

3 September 2014

A new situation has arisen which creates a state of emergency in the Middle East for Christians and other religious and ethnic minorities. The recent increase in violence and aggression has resulted in gross violations of fundamental rights and freedoms in the region. We gathered today as Christians including those originally from the Middle East to stand in solidarity and prayer with our brothers and sisters who seek to practice their faith and belief in lands where they have been a continuing presence for centuries.

The Middle East is the birthplace of Christianity, and home to indigenous Christian communities that have been an indispensable part of its history. Despite the challenges, Christians in the region were and are a stabilising and reconciling presence. Today, particularly in Iraq and Syria, they are at great risk from violence fostered by extremist ideologies which no longer see them as being part of the future. The Middle East is in desperate danger of losing an irreplaceable part of its identity, heritage and culture.

We are seeing an extreme religious ideology that knows no limits in its persecution of those who are culturally or religiously different. Those who promote this intolerance must be challenged and the perpetrators of violence held to account. The suffering of those who bear the brunt of its terror requires us to act and bear witness to their plight, whatever ethnic group or religious minority, they come from. We must provide relief and safety for those displaced and in fear of their lives in consultation with our partners in the region. We must also bring pressure to bear on those who can provide security to those affected.

In meeting and praying together, we give thanks for our brothers and sisters as they continue to live their Christian faith with strength and perseverance. We commit to continue to stand with them in prayer, to speak for freedom from persecution for Christians and all other religious communities and those of no faith who live as minority groups across the region. We also continue to urge Her Majesty’s Government to work within the international community to safeguard and provide for all those affected.

To our brothers and sisters in the Middle East, We “share with you in Jesus the persecution and the kingdom and the patient endurance.” Revelation 1:9

*Ends*

Nativity Message from His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom

Nativity Message

7 January 2014

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

Media and Communications Office

Nativity Message from His Grace Bishop Angaelos,
General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom

Reconciliation in the Incarnation

Reconciliation is nothing new in Christianity, and its importance has become more evident both in the lives of individuals and, on a larger scale, in that of communities. The very concept of reconciliation was made manifest most powerfully through the Incarnation, and ultimately in the Cross of our Lord. Through the Incarnation, we, as the most precious of all creation, once again became reconciled to God, our Creator and loving Father, “…that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the Cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.” (Ephesians 2:16)

The heart of God has always been one of reconciliation, to restore what was lost and to repair broken bonds; and we can see this both in the New and Old Testaments.  Not only is it the intention of our Father to be reconciled with all humanity, but through the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ, we have been given an example and are called to follow in His footsteps; this is evident in 2 Corinthians 5:18, “Now all things are of God, Who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation”.

We are encouraged when we remember, especially during this Holy Feast of the blessed Nativity, that our Lord did not make Himself manifest to humanity in a glorified state, but rather took flesh and willingly bore the pains of poverty. Our Lord lived in adversity and endured hostility with all humility in order that we may attain strength through Him, and in that knowledge, to overcome any challenges we may encounter.

Our true strength as Christians lies in the determined and continued efforts to faithfully abide in our Lord, living and serving as He did. As has been the case for centuries, the powerful witness of Christians in Egypt and throughout the Middle East, and the spirit of non-retaliation and love for those who consider themselves enemies, comes naturally by the grace of God and continues to testify to the presence of our Lord as He instructs us saying, “…But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:44-45)

The world has truly witnessed the manifest love of Christ in the spirit of forgiveness demonstrated by members of our community in Egypt as they have suffered repeated assaults and endured hostility, incitement and hatred. In bearing the very personal attacks on individuals, communities, churches, homes and businesses, the super-human power of restraint and forgiveness, which can only come from our Lord, has overcome all that has sought to threaten our very existence in Egypt. Despite repeated attempts to provoke Christians to anger and retaliation, there has been nothing but resilience, perseverance, humility, restraint and love demonstrated towards all those who seek to cause harm.

Whether one lives in the Middle East, in the United Kingdom, or anywhere in the world, there will always be an opportunity to be a reconciling agent at some level, and it is at this time that we follow in our Saviour’s footsteps and become “peacemakers” so that we are “children of our heavenly Father”.

As we celebrate the Feast of the Nativity, we must remember that through this witness, as with the humble reconciling Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are called to be those who continually testify to the love of God for all humanity. In doing so we can “overcome evil with good”, providing, in the midst of such apparent darkness, a guiding light and the opportunity for all to be reconciled to Christ.  

We pray blessings, joy and protection upon all those celebrating this New Year and the commemoration of the Birth of our Saviour, while holding in our prayers those living in areas of conflict in the Middle East, Africa and throughout the world, that we may sing with the angels “Glory be to God in the Highest, peace on earth and goodwill towards men.”