Press Release: Statement by HG Bishop Angaelos on the eve of the second anniversary of the uprising in Tahrir Square

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate use

24 January 2013

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

On the eve of the second anniversary of the January 2011 uprising in Tahrir Square, Cairo, Egypt, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom issued a statement (via CopticMediaUK.com) commenting on the recent escalation of violence against Christians, and calling for direct intervention by the Government of Egypt, leading to social cohesion, saying:

‘Considering the significant sacrifice that has been presented over the past two years, even leading to the loss of life, it is time for Egypt to emerge out of the pattern of discriminatory practice, and take on its new identity of a promised democracy that the January 2011 uprising sought to establish.’

Making reference to attacks on three churches in Egypt within the past two weeks, Bishop Angaelos said:

‘We call for proper investigation into any acts of violence against individuals, groups, or communities, and the protection of places of worship, to ensure that there are no further attacks of this kind.’

Read the full statement via CopticMediaUK.com or click here

*ENDS*

Resources:

AINA News RE attack on church in Qena: http://www.aina.org/news/20130118184819.htm

AINA News RE attack on church building in Fayoum:  http://www.aina.org/news/20130115185246.htm

Daily Mail RE family imprisoned for converting to Christianity: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2263727/Mother-Nadia-Mohamed-Ali-seven-children-jailed-15-years-Egypt-converting-Christianity-Islam.html

Press Release: HG Bishop Angaelos' Statement RE Nadia Eweida Case

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate use

16 January 2013

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Having spoken to Nadia Eweida on 16 January 2013 to congratulate her on winning her case at the European Court of Human Rights, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom issued the following statement saying:

‘Having provided personal and pastoral support for Nadia throughout her courageous effort to seek justice over the past 6 years I, along with The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, have considered her case one of extreme importance, offering support in laying a precedent for people who may be placed in a similar predicament. Witnessing the many parts of the world in which the significant human rights of faith and belief are limited or even revoked, whether passively or aggressively, we hold fast to calling for these God-given rights to be upheld and protected in the United Kingdom.’

The full statement can be viewed online via www.CopticMediaUK.com or by clicking here. 

Statement by HG Bishop Angaelos in response to the European Court of Human Rights ruling in the case of Nadia Eweida v. The United Kingdom

Statement by HG Bishop Angaelos in response to the European Court of Human Rights ruling in the case of Nadia Eweida v. The United Kingdom

The recent ruling by the European Court of Human Rights on 15 January 2013 in favour of Nadia Eweida, a British Airways employee and Egyptian Christian who was disallowed from wearing a cross to work, signifies the importance of the religious rights and freedoms of individuals within the United Kingdom and European Union.

Having found her employer in contravention of article 9 of the European Convention of Human Rights, the Court honoured the rights and freedoms of Nadia Eweida to manifest her religious beliefs, indicating that a person’s faith should be a matter of private choice.

While thankful to the European Court for its positive involvement on this occasion, we also ask that Her Majesty’s Government and the judicial system within the United Kingdom continue upholding the same principles based on this ruling. It is of course unfortunate that this case needed to be referred to the European Court; had the judicial system within the United Kingdom dealt it in the same manner, it would have given a clear message that there is a clear regard for faith and religious practice. It would also have spared much wasted time, effort and expense over years that could have been put to much greater use in numerous directions.

Following from this ruling, it is also encouraged that the private and public sectors within the United Kingdom likewise honour these principles, as human rights and civil liberties should not purely be considered for certain matters and public opinion and policy, and not others.

Having provided personal and pastoral support for Nadia throughout her courageous effort to seek justice over the past 6 years I, along with The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, have considered her case one of extreme importance, offering support in laying a precedent for people who may be placed in a similar predicament. Witnessing the many parts of the world in which the significant human rights of faith and belief are limited or even revoked, whether passively or aggressively, we hold fast to calling for these God-given rights to be upheld and protected in the United Kingdom.

Press Release: Funerals held for 2 killed in bombing at Coptic Orthodox Church Libya

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
2 Jan 2013

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Public Relations Office

Funerals for two men killed in an explosion at a Coptic Orthodox Church building in Libya have been held on 2 January 2013.

40 year old Wagdi Malak Hanna from the province of Al Minya and 26 year old Ashraf Samy Adly from the province of Alexandria were killed after an explosion at a Coptic Orthodox Church building in Libya on Saturday 29 December 2012. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack to date.

The following was said in a statement released by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark:

‘We condemn in the strongest possible terms these terrorist acts that target houses of worship and we appeal to the peoples of the world and their governments to fight such terrorism…religions are founded on love and peace and forbid aggression against innocent people.’

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom said:

‘The Coptic Orthodox Church has been in Libya for over twenty years, and it is sad that this has happened now, especially at this time of celebration. We hope that it is not a sign of things to come, and pray for peace in Libya, Egypt and throughout the Middle East, the birthplace of Christ.’

According to Associated Press, the Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohammed Kamel Amr said:

‘Egypt is requesting an investigation into the circumstances of the operation and for those responsible to be put on trial’

*ENDS*

Press Release: Explosion kills 4, injures 2 at Coptic Orthodox Church building, Libya

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
30 Dec 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Media and Public Relations Office

Two dead, and four injured as early reports confirm explosion at a Coptic Orthodox Church building in Libya on 29 December 2012.

Initial reports reveal that two people have been killed and four injured after an explosion at a Coptic Orthodox Church building in Libya. His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom said:

‘After speaking to His Eminence Metropolitan Pakhomious, Metropolitan of Beheira and Pentapolis, it was determined that authorities in Libya are co-operating and updates will be given as soon as more information is available.’

***Ends***

For more information please contact our media and public relations office:

Angela Mikhail
Media and Communications Officer 
The Coptic Orthodox Church UK 
Tel: +44 (0)207 1937076 

Media and Public Relations Office 
The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre 
Shephalbury Manor
Broadhall Way, Stevenage
Hertfordshire SG2 8NP
England, United Kingdom

Tel.: +44 (0)207 1937076
Fax: +44 (0)1438 313879
Office Email: Media@CopticCentre.com
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HG Bishop Angaelos attends a carol service at St John's Mar Thoma Church, London

On 9 December 2012 His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom preached at a carol service at St John’s Mar Thoma Church in London. 

The evening began with a procession and welcome speech by Reverend Eapen Abraham, followed by a selection of Christmas carols and readings from Scripture. In his address Bishop Angaelos spoke about the importance and relevance of Christmas for humanity:

‘The Nativity brings with it a promise of renewal, transformation, glory and abundant life, calling us all to shine in the world as a living manifestation of Emmanuel, ‘God with us’’

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



Press Release: 118th Pope enthroned on 18 November 2012

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
18 November 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Media and Public Relations Office

The 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II was enthroned at The Grand Cathedral of St Mark in Cairo on 18 November 2012. 

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II was enthroned as the 118th Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church on 18 November 2012 in a service at The Grand Cathedral of St Mark, Cairo. HH Pope Tawadros II was chosen in an altar ballot during a Liturgical service at the Cathedral on 4 November 2012, succeeding the late Pope Shenouda III, who departed on 17 March 2012. 

From St Mark Cathedral, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom said,

'It is wonderful to be part of this historic moment, seeing the jubilation on the faces of those in the Cathedral as our new father and shepherd was enthroned. Our prayers are with His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, asking for God’s guidance and grace upon him as he enters into this new stage of service, aiding the Coptic Orthodox Church in its continued mission to be light and salt in Egypt and throughout the world.'

For full details of the Papal Selection Process please visit www.CopticCentre.Blogspot.com

**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**

Press Release: The 118th Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church was announced on 4 November 2012

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
4 November 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK
Media and Public Relations Office

The 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark was announced on 4 November 2012. Bishop Tawadros was chosen in an altar ballot, concluding the Papal Selection Process for the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Bishop Tawadros succeeds the late Pope Shenouda III, who departed on 17 March 2012. In a process that has taken nine months, the new Pope was selected in an altar ballot during a Liturgical service at The Grand Cathedral of St Mark in Cairo on 4 November 2012. The date of the enthronement of the new Pope will take place on Sunday 18th November 2012 at the Grand Cathedral of St Mark, Cairo.

From St Mark Cathedral, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom said,

'The atmosphere was wonderfully joyous in the Cathedral, as people not only here but all over the world raised their hearts asking God’s selection for our new Pope and Patriarch. There was such a euphoric reaction when the name of Bishop Tawadros was announced, and we now shift our prayers from God’s selection to God’s guidance and grace upon him to lead our beloved Coptic Orthodox Church as it continues its mission to be light and salt in Egypt and throughout the world.'

For full details of the Papal Selection Process please visit www.CopticCentre.Blogspot.com , or click here.

**ENDS**

Coptic Nayrouz Vespers Service in St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey

30 October 2012

It was my great pleasure to have witnessed one of the most memorable events to date in the history of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, Coptic Vespers in St Margaret's Church Westminster Abbey, the parish church for the Palace of Westminster, the House of Commons.

One of the proudest and most uplifting moments was seeing our Coptic deacons, priests and HG Bishop Angaelos and HE Metropolitan Seraphim in a procession with bishops and clergy from our sister Orthodox Churches, the Church of England, the Roman Catholic Church, and a variety of other Churches and denominations, all united with one accord.

Being the first service of its kind, the Coptic community and its guests chanted praises alongside some of the United Kingdom's most influential parliamentary figures including the Rt. Hon Alistair Burt MP, Parliamentary under Secretary of State for Foreign and the Rt. Hon John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons.

In an introduction by The Reverend Andrew Tremlett, Rector of St Margaret’s Church, the Coptic community and guests were warmly welcomed on behalf of the Dean and Chapter of Westminster Abbey.

In his sermon, His Grace Bishop Angaelos reminded us that despite the struggles in Egypt, there is so much for us to be thankful for, particularly compared to the plight of our brothers and sisters in Syria and throughout the Middle East. He spoke of the significance of the Coptic New Year for which we were gathered to celebrate, marking the start of the Coptic calendar, which commences from the most severe period of persecution in the history of the Coptic Orthodox Church. Referring to the Remembrance Day, Bishop Angaelos noted that in both these events we do not commemorate the war or bloodshed, but rather the bravery and resilience of those involved.

His Grace then shared the verse, ‘I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh’ (Ezekiel 36:26). The heart of flesh is our natural state as the image and likeness of God, and is the heart that every single person was born with, but that is sometimes hardened by the corruption of life over time. The God-given heart of flesh is one that loves and respects equally, and does not discriminate regardless of person or situation. The concluding message was that we always have hope in God, Who will guide this new Coptic Year and bring peace to Egypt, the Middle East and the whole world.

The Rt. Hon Alistair Burt then addressed the issue of persecution in Egypt and reiterated that Britain will always do everything in its power to eliminate religious discrimination in Egypt. Similar words were spoken by the Rt. Hon John Bercow (below), who also echoed the importance and significance of the Coptic Community in the United Kingdom.

In this unforgettable night of unity and fellowship within the walls of the one thousand year old Church of St Margaret Westminster Abbey, hosting the ritual service of the two thousand year old Coptic Orthodox Church, we raised our prayers with the incense to our Lord, to keep us united as one in this great nation of Britain, our new home, and to bring peace and prosperity to our blessed country Egypt.

Press Release: Coptic Orthodox Church Service at St Margaret's, Westminster Abbey

From left to right: His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom,  Reverend Cannon Andrew Tremlett, rector of St Margaret's church, and the Rt Hon Alistair Burt, Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate use
October 31 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Media and Public Relations Office

A special service was held at St Margaret’s Church, Westminster on 30 October 2012 to commemorate the Coptic Feast of Nayrouz, marking the new Coptic Year. The service was the first of its kind for the Coptic community in the United Kingdom.

The service was attended by members of the House of Lords, the Speaker of the House of Commons, as well as heads and representatives of numerous Christian churches and denominations, and inter-religious governmental and non-governmental organisations.

Reverend Cannon Andrew Tremlett, rector of St Margaret’s church welcomed all on behalf of the Dean and Chapter of Westminster Abbey, and a message from the Right Reverend Archbishop of Canterbury was read by Canon Jonathan Goodall, his personal secretary.

During the service, which was prayed predominantly in English with some Coptic, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, addressed the changing political climate in Egypt, the challenges faced in the Middle East, and the new application of a new found democracy. Bishop Angaelos also spoke about the papal selection process and the general state of Christians in Egypt.

"At this significant time in the contemporary history of the Coptic Orthodox Church, we are prayerfully waiting for the announcement of the 118th Pope of Alexandria while at the same time hopeful that God can use this opportunity of change in Egypt to provide a heart for all where the rights, liberties, entitlements, and responsibilities of every person are considered equally before society and the law."

At the end of the service there were addresses from the Rt Hon John Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons, and the Rt Hon Alistair Burt, Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs. After the service there was a drinks reception for all those who attended.

*Ends*

For more information please contact:

Angela Mikhail
Media and Communications Officer 
The Coptic Orthodox Church UK 
Tel: +44 (0)207 1937076 

Media and Public Relations Office 
The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre 
Shephalbury Manor
Broadhall Way, Stevenage
Hertfordshire SG2 8NP
England, United Kingdom

Tel.: +44 (0)207 1937076
Fax: +44 (0)1438 313879
Office Email: Media@CopticCentre.com
Website: www.CopticCentre.com
Blog: www.CopticCentre.Blogspot.com
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Press Release: Final three candidates for papacy announced

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
29 October 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Public Relations Office

 
Three candidates remain after votes were counted as part of the penultimate stage of the Papal Selection Process for The Coptic Orthodox Church. The 118^th Pope will be announced on 4 November 2012.

The Holy Synod has announced the final 3 papal candidates as part of the process to select the 118th Pope for the Coptic Orthodox Church. The three remaining candidates who were chosen by the 2411 eligible voters are:

Bishop Roufail

Bishop Tawadros
Father Rafael Ava-Mina

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

‘As we near the end of this historic process, our own prayerful work and deliberation has now come to an end and the next stage requires prayer alone. Through these prayers and the altar ballot on 4 November, we place everything in the faithful hands of God, confident that He is the true Shepherd of the Church, and that He will continue to faithfully guide His Church in Egypt as He has for over two thousand years.’

In a process that has taken nine months, the new Pope will be selected in an altar ballot during a Liturgical service at The Grand Cathedral of St Mark in Cairo on 4 November 2012.

For details of the Papal Selection Process please visit CopticCentre.Blogspot.com, or click here.

**ENDS**

New dates for Papal Selection Process

Church-wide fast:    22-24 October
Papal Election:        29 October in Cairo
Church-wide fast:    31 October - 2 November
Altar ballot:              4 November (118th Pope announced)
Enthronement:        18 November

For questions relating to the Papal Selection Process, Press can contact the Media and Communications Officer for the Coptic Orthodox Church UK via Media@CopticCentre.com.

Press Release: New dates for Papal Selection Process

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
Date: 16 Oct 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Media and Public Relations Office

The new Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church will be chosen on 4 November 2012, as announced by the Nominations Committee on 16 October 2012.

The Nominations Committee in Cairo announced the new dates for the papal selection process, with the election on 29 October 2012, and the altar ballot 6 days later on 4 November. 

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

‘Due to the early conclusion of the eliminations stage, the Nominations Committee has seen it fit to expedite the remainder of the process, so that the 118th Pope of Alexandria will be enthroned in November, earlier than expected.’

*Ends*

For more information please contact:

Angela Mikhail
Media and Communications Officer 
The Coptic Orthodox Church UK 
Tel: +44 (0)207 1937076 

Media and Public Relations Office 
The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre 
Shephalbury Manor
Broadhall Way, Stevenage
Hertfordshire SG2 8NP
England, United Kingdom

Tel.: +44 (0)207 1937076
Fax: +44 (0)1438 313879
Office Email: Media@CopticCentre.com
Website: www.CopticCentre.com
Blog: www.CopticCentre.Blogspot.com
Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CopticMediaUK
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Press Release: Final five Papal candidates announced

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
Date: 13 Oct 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Media and Communications Office

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, announced the final 5 candidates for papacy following the official announcement of the Coptic Orthodox Church Nominations Committee.

On 13 October 2012, His Grace Bishop Angaelos announced the final 5 candidates for papacy following the official announcement, in Egypt, of the Coptic Orthodox Church Nominations Committee. 

Two of the papal candidates are bishops and three are monks. The candidates are:

Bishop Roufail
Bishop Tawadros
Father Rafael Ava-Mina
Father Pakhamious El-Souriani
Father Seraphim El-Souriani   

The final 5 candidates will be put forward for the papal election on 24 November, where the list will be reduced to 3 candidates. The new pope to succeed the late Pope Shenouda III will be chosen on 2 December 2012 from among those three by altar ballot, and enthroned later that month. Pope Shenouda III departed on 17 March 2012 after forty-one years of papacy.

*Ends*

For more information please contact:

Angela Mikhail
Media and Communications Officer 
The Coptic Orthodox Church UK 
Tel: +44 (0)207 1937076 

Media and Public Relations Office 
The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre 
Shephalbury Manor
Broadhall Way, Stevenage
Hertfordshire SG2 8NP
England, United Kingdom

Tel.: +44 (0)207 1937076
Fax: +44 (0)1438 313879
Office Email: Media@CopticCentre.com
Website: www.CopticCentre.com
Blog: www.CopticCentre.Blogspot.com
Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CopticMediaUK
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/CopticMediaUK

Press Release: Statement by HG Bishop Angaelos RE alleged Coptic involvement in film 'Innocence of Muslims' and the resulting unrest

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate use
Date: 14 Sep 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Media and Public Relations Office

In relation to the claims of the alleged involvement of Coptic Christians in the film ‘Innocence of Muslims’ and the resulting unrest in the Middle East, His Grace Bishop Angaelos has released a statement.

“It is of course the right of individuals or groups to protest in a responsible manner against conduct that insults what they hold sacred. Having said that, as these protests continue to escalate, sometimes dangerously out of hand, there must be a realisation that in Egypt, its surrounding region, and beyond, it is only local citizens and communities, and the reputation of these states that is being damaged through such aggressive and violent behaviour.”

The full statement is available here.

***Ends***

For more information please contact our media and public relations office:

Media and Public Relations Officer
The Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Tel: +44 (0)207 1937076
    
Media and Public Relations Office
The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre
Shephalbury Manor
Broadhall Way, Stevenage
Hertfordshire SG2 8NP
England, United Kingdom

Tel.:+44 (0)207 1937076     
Fax: +44 (0)1438 313879
Office Email: Media@CopticCentre.com
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Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK

Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of 

The Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK

In assessing the recent developments surrounding the release of the film 'Innocence of Muslims' that insults Islam, and the alleged involvement of ‘Coptic Christians’, it is imperative that a clear distinction be made between the vast majority of Coptic Christians, and a minute minority that may choose to use inflammatory and insulting means to further political agenda. Coptic Christians in Egypt, across all churches and denominations, are known to be a peaceful people who have faced persecution for centuries and have never retaliated in any way that would insult or demean any other faith or faith group. 

Having the largest Christian presence in the Middle East and numbering in the order of 18 million, Coptic Christians have peacefully coexisted alongside their Muslim brethren for centuries. Despite repeated attacks by religious extremists upon churches and communities, they continue to live a message of love, forgiveness, peace, and tolerance.

In this and in similar cases, it is of course the right of individuals or groups to protest in a responsible manner against conduct that insults what they hold sacred. Having said that, as these protests continue to escalate, sometimes dangerously out of hand, there must be a realisation that in Egypt, its surrounding region, and beyond, it is only local citizens and communities, and the reputation of these states that is being damaged through such aggressive and violent behaviour.

In a changing region that hopes to safeguard the rights of every individual, it is of course unacceptable for anyone to demean or insult another faith, whether it be the film currently in the spotlight or the radical Muslim cleric who burned, spat on and threatened to further desecrate a Holy Bible in a public square in Cairo. 

While we must realise and accept that there will always be differences on faith matters between religious communities, it must also be agreed that interaction, conversation, debate, dialogue and even protest must be in a respectful and peaceful manner that safeguards the wellbeing of individuals and the harmony of communities.

We pray for peace to prevail at this challenging time, and healing for those who have suffered injury, pain or offense of any kind; we especially pray for the repose of those who have lost their lives, and comfort to their families and those whom they have left behind.

Press Release: The Coptic Orthodox Church announces Papal Selection dates

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
Date: 13 Sep 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Media and Public Relations Office

The new pope of The Coptic Orthodox Church will be chosen on 2 December 2012 as announced by the Holy Synod and Nominations Committee on Wednesday 12 September 2012. The official list of Papal nominees and final dates that will bring the Papal selection process to a close was also announced.

The Holy Synod and Nominations Committee of the Coptic Orthodox Church have announced that the new pope to succeed His Holiness the late Pope Shenouda III, the 117th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark, will be chosen on 2 December 2012. Pope Shenouda III departed on 17th March 2012 after forty-one years of papacy.

The Papal Selection Timeline as announced on Wednesday 12 September 2012 is as follows:

• 14 September- Final papal nominations announced by nominations committee
• 15-30 September - Period for challenges to nominations by voters
• 1-3 October - Church-wide fast for the coming stage of the process
• 3 October - Nominations committee commences deliberations and creates a shortlist of 5-7 candidates for papal election
• 19-21 November - Church-wide fast before Papal election
• 24 November - Papal election
• 26-29 November - Church-wide fast preceding Altar Ballot
• 2 December - Liturgical service at the Grand Cathedral of St Mark in which the Altar Ballot will take place and the new pope will be chosen.

The Nominations Committee will formally issue the final list of Papal Candidates on Friday 14 September, and they are:

• Metropolitan Bishoy of Damietta
• Bishop Youannes
• Bishop Rafael
• Bishop Pafnotious of Samalout
• Bishop Boutros
• Bishop Tawadros
• Bishop Kyrollos of Milan
• Father Rafael Ava-Mina
• Father Maximos El-Antony
• Father Shenouda Anba-Bishoy
• Father Pakhomious El-Souriany
• Father Daniel El-Souriani
• Father Anastasi El-Samuel
• Father Bishoy Anba-Paula
• Father Saweris Anba-Paula
• Father Seraphim El-Souriany
• Father Pigol Anba-Bishoy

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom who has issued a detailed explanation of the papal selection process said:

“The papal selection process, albeit lengthy, has been carried out thus far with integrity, transparency and inclusion of the broad spectrum of the Coptic Orthodox Church both inside and outside Egypt. As we approach the selection of the new pope, we are confident that this process has been carried out for centuries, and is not merely based on democratic election, but primarily on a collective prayerfulness and faith in God’s choice.”

***ENDS***

For more information please contact:

Media and Public Relations Officer

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Tel: +44 (0)207 1937076

 

Media and Public Relations Office

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre

Shephalbury Manor

Broadhall Way, Stevenage

Hertfordshire SG2 8NP

England, United Kingdom

 

Tel.: +44 (0)207 1937076

Fax: +44 (0)1438 313879

Office Email: Media@CopticCentre.com

Website: www.CopticCentre.com

Blog: www.CopticCentre.Blogspot.com

Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CopticMediaUK

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/CopticMediaUK