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*
