His Holiness Pope Tawadros II visits His Holiness Pope Francis in Rome on the 9th and 10th May 2013

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate use

10 May 2013
 

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK Media and Communications Office

Official Media Office for The Coptic Orthodox Church in Europe

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark visited His Holiness Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church on the 9^th and 10^th of May 2013.

This historic visit marks 40 years since His Holiness the late Pope Shenouda III, and His Holiness the late Pope Paul VI signed the Christological agreement between their respective Churches in the Vatican in 1973.

Accompanying Pope Tawadros, are His Eminence Metropolitan Pakhomious of Boheira and Pentapolis, His Eminence Metropolitan Hedra of Aswan, His Grace Bishop Serapion of Los Angeles, HG Bishop Kyrellos of Milan, HG Bishop Raphaeil, General secretary of the Holy Synod, HG Bishop Barnaba of Turin, HG Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, HG Bishop Epiphanious, Abbot of the monastery of St Macarious, and Papal secretaries Father Angelos Ishak and Father Seraphim el Souriani.

In his official address Pope Tawadros said:

‘We appreciate all we have in common and need to work together to improve the relationships between our ancient Churches and prepare our people for our greater unity.’

In response to Pope Tawadros, Pope Francis said:

‘I am convinced that – under the guidance of the Holy Spirit – our persevering prayer, our dialogue and the will to build communion day by day in mutual love will allow us to take important further steps towards full unity.’

Speaking from Rome as part of the official delegation accompanying His Holiness Pope Tawadros, HG Bishop Angaelos, also Co-chair of the Catholic-Oriental Orthodox Regional Forum in the United Kingdom said:

‘This has been a historic meeting, as it is the first international visit by Pope Tawadros II, who is also the first head of Church to be received by Pope Francis after his installation. During this visit we have seen, in the two fathers of these ancient Apostolic Churches, a real commitment to working together for realised unity.

While centuries have kept us apart for a variety of reasons, it is clear that continued ecumenical dialogue and relations over the past decades have continued to bring us closer.’

The formal meeting was followed by a private prayer service in Pope Francis’ private chapel, led by Pope Tawadros and Pope Francis.

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Resources

Address of the Holy Father Pope Francis to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II

http://www.news.va/en/news/to-his-holiness-pope-tawadros-ii-pope-of-alexandri

Coverage on Twitter http://www.Twitter.com/BishopAngaelos

http://www.Twitter.com/CopticMediaUK

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II to meet His Holiness Pope Francis in Rome

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate use

8 May 2013

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark will visit His Holiness Pope Francis, the 266 Pope of the Roman Catholic Church.

This visit comes 40 years after His Holiness the late Pope Shenouda III, and His Holiness the late Pope Paul VI signed the Christological agreement between their respective Churches in 1973.

Pope Shenouda III’s visit to Rome came approximately one thousand five hundred years after the Christological schism of the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD, and encouraged the move towards greater unity between the Churches.

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Joint Communiqué about the Two Abducted Bishops 25-Apr-2013

Source: Syriac Orthodox Church - UK News 25-April-2013

Please Pray for Their Safe Return Joint Communiqué of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East and the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East 25-April-2013 On Thursday morning 25/04/2013, His Beatitude Mor Yohanna X Yazijy the Patiararch of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch and All the East has paid a brotherly visit to His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox of Antioch and All the East at his residence in Atchane, Lebanon. They have discussed the latest issues related to the two abducted brothers H.E. Mor Paulos Yazijy Greek Orthodox Bishop of Aleppo and Alexandretta and H.E. Mor Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim Syriac Orthodox Bishop of Aleppo. They have criticized again the fact that they have not been set free until now despite all the efforts being made. They have reiterated their call for the release of the two captive bishops. They call upon the international community to do all efforts to ensure their release and the stopping of all sort of violence in Syria and for the peace to prevail through dialogue and political means. Also, they agreed about the symbols for the common coexistence, tolerance and national unity. Also, they have agreed about the steps to be taken if the two bishops are not released within the next few hours. They are both hoping that the two abducted bishops will be in their Archdioceses to celebrate Palm Sunday, which will fill us and our people with joy. بيان صادر عن بطريركية السريان الأرثوذكس و بطريركية الروم الأرثوذكس 25 نيسان 2013 في صباح يوم الخميس 25/4/2013، قام صاحب الغبطة البطريرك يوحنا العاشر بطريرك الروم الأرثوذكس بزيارة أخوية إلى قداسة البطريرك مار إغناطيوس زكا الأول عيواص بطريرك السريان الأرثوذكس في مقرّه البطريركي في العطشانة ـ لبنان، و تداولا في المعطيات الأخيرة المتعلّقة بالمطرانين المخطوفين بولس يازجي و يوحنا إبراهيم، و إستنكرا مجدداً عدم الافراج عنهما حتى اليوم رغم الجهود التي تُبذل. و هما يجددان بهذه المناسبة دعوتهما للافراج عنهما و يدعوان المجتمع الدولي لبذل كافة الجهود في سبيل ذلك، و إيقاف العنف بكل أشكاله في سورية و إحلال السلام عبر الحوار و الحل السياسي. كما و يؤكدان على رموز العيش المشترك و التسامح و الوحدة الوطنية. و توافقا على اتخاذ الخطوات المناسبة، في حال لم يتم الإفراج عن المطرانين المخطوفين خلال الساعات المقبلة، آملين أن يكون المطرانان المخطوفان في أبرشيتيهما يوم الشعانين المقبل فنفرح و شعبنا بهما.

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.’’

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Pope Francis, 266 Pope of the Roman Catholic Church announced

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
13 March 2013

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

On the announcement of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as Pope Francis, the 266 Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom said:

‘I express my heartfelt joy shared with our Catholic brethren around the world on the appointment of Pope Francis. We pray God’s joy and blessing upon our sister Catholic Church as it embraces its new father and shepherd, and we also pray for His Holiness as he commences this sacred ministry, strengthened and overshadowed by the grace of God. 

As Co-chair of the Catholic-Oriental Orthodox Regional Forum in the United Kingdom, I celebrate this day with my brother and Co-chair, His Grace Archbishop Kevin McDonald, members of our Forum, and our Catholic brethren across the United Kingdom.’

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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: 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.”

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The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

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