Press Release: HG Bishop Angaelos attends the enthronement of the new Archbishop of Canterbury

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
21 March 2013

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Media and Communications Office

His Grace Bishop Angaelos attends the enthronement of, and meets with the new Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby. 

On 21 March 2013, approximately 2000 guests were in attendance at Canterbury Cathedral during the enthronement service of the Most Revd Justin Welby, the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury. Amongst those attending were the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, Prime Minister David Cameron, and other members of parliament, with representation from the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches, and the whole breadth of Christian Churches, denominations, and expressions.

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom was also in attendance representing His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, the Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, and said the following shortly after the service:

‘After having attended the enthronement service for the His Grace, the Archbishop of Canterbury, we pray for the continued good relations between our Churches and our common witness here in the United Kingdom on so many fronts and at so many levels. 

At this pivotal time during which we have witnessed the appointment of new leaders in the Church of England, the Roman Catholic Church and our own Coptic Orthodox Church, we pray that there is a common heart and intention for fellowship and unity, and for collaboration on valuable witness and testimony, not only for members of our own Churches but for the whole world. I echo the words of His Grace, the Archbishop, in saying that ‘there is every possible reason for optimism about the future of Christian Faith in the world, and this country.’’

*Ends*

Press Release: HG Bishop Angaelos congratulates the Rt Revd Justin Welby, the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
9 November 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK
Media and Public Relations Office

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom congratulates the Bishop of Durham, the Rt Revd Justin Welby, on his appointment as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury.

Upon receiving news that the Bishop of Durham, the Rt Revd Justin Welby has been appointed as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury, His Grace Bishop Angaelos said:

“Based on the strong fraternal relations between our Churches in the United Kingdom, both as leadership and people, and on my own personal relationship with Lambeth Palace, I look forward to our continued collaborative efforts on matters that unite us and our congregations.

We ourselves have just completed our own process of selecting the 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, and thus have even more that binds us and our faithful in this significant historic experience that we have shared. I therefore also convey to Bishop Justin the regards and respect of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Metropolitan Pakhomious, Patriarchal Locum Tenens, and the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church, as well as the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom.

At this time I must also pay tribute to a very faithful Church leader and a dear friend in His Grace Archbishop Rowan, thanking him for his tireless efforts for the Church of God and Christian minorities all over the world. I pray that God continues to empower and utilise him for His work and the glory of His name.

We are well aware of the significant challenges that face Bishop Justin as he takes on this new role, but are also prayerfully confident that, led by the Holy Spirit, the Lord will provide him with wisdom and discernment to faithfully serve the Church of England, the world-wide Anglican Communion, and above all, the Church of God.”

**ENDS**