Statement on the current state in Egypt by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom on 4 July 2013

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate use

4 July 2013

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

Media and Communications Office

Statement on the current state in Egypt by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom on 4 July 2013

What has been seen in the streets of Egypt over the past week would have been considered by many as impossible, especially when set against the backdrop of two years which commenced joyfully, but became increasingly challenging through a state of fragmentation, a failing economy and a weakened state of law and order. This situation deteriorated further when the state of social fragmentation developed into one of complete polarisation, and the hopes that were held for a strengthened economy, a unified people, and an empowered, reborn nation in 2011 were not realised.

With the age old scourge of illiteracy and poverty unaddressed and the development of a cohesive sense of national pride and unity unrealised, the people of Egypt took to the streets to follow their desire for dignity and social justice in the way that proved successful just over two years prior. 

The scenes of rejoicing and jubilation in Egypt’s squares must now be followed by an intentional and proactive programme of reconciliation among all parties.

We feel the pain of those who may consider themselves defeated, and who now fear marginalisation and alienation; sentiments which we as Christians have experienced at times over the centuries in Egypt. That being said however, what is needed now is a way of embracing these valued members of the wider community, as well as every other Egyptian, confirming that the path of reconciliation and unity is the only way ahead. Years of fragmentation, distrust, anger, and resentment, must be healed, and this will only happen when those who are now given the opportunity to lead Egypt, both in the short and long term, make the resolution of these negative experiences a priority and aim to achieve it. 

We pray that no more blood is shed, no more families or communities grieve, no more violence spreads, and that cooperation and collaboration become principle foundations throughout this continuing formative process. The next weeks and months will be crucial, needing the support of every Egyptian and guiding him or her to no longer think in terms of tribes or separation, but rather in terms of unity and collaboration for the good of all. 

We pray for peace and prosperity in Egypt and for every Egyptian, we pray for reconciliation and healing within and between communities, so that no one feels marginalised, victimised or rejected by any part of this greater family. I am confident that the people of Egypt seek, and will find, the peace that embraces all and that welcomes all once again into a joy that can be shared.  

*Ends*

HG Bishop Angaelos on BBCNewsnight 3 July 2013 speaking about the situation in Egypt - click here to watch.

Press Release: HH Pope Tawadros II receives the title 'Defender of Pro Oriente' in Austria on 27 May 2013

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate use 

28 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 received the title ‘Defender of Pro Oriente’ by the Pro Oriente Foundation on 27 May 2013 during his twelve day visit to Austria.

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II was awarded the title of ‘Defender of Pro Oriente’ by His Eminence Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, Cardinal Archbishop of Vienna during a ceremony held by the Pro Oriente foundation in Vienna’s Archbishop’s Palace. The ceremony marks the tenth anniversary of the official recognition of the Coptic Orthodox Church by the Austrian parliament.

The Pro Oriente Foundation was established in 1964 by Cardinal Franz König (1905-2004) in order to maintain the relationship between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches.

The award comes just weeks after Pope Tawadros visited His Holiness Pope Francis, 40 years after his predecessor, His Holiness the late Pope Shenouda III, who signed the official Christological agreement with the late Pope Paul VI.

In his address, Pope Tawadros said: 

‘Unity is the norm and essence of our Christian identity and character, and separation is the exception to that norm’

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

'We have seen yet another historic event as this award comes only weeks after His Holiness Pope Tawadros was received by His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican. This visit, among those previous, indicates the firm commitment on all parts toward a realised unity and continued ecumenical dialogue and relations.' 

During his 12-day visit to Austria, Pope Tawadros will consecrate five Coptic churches, deliver numerous sermons, and on 28 May 2013, meet with Federal President Heinz Fischer at Hofburg Palace. On Saturday 1 June, His Holiness will pray the Divine Liturgy in St Mary Cathedral in celebration of the great Coptic feast ‘The entry of the Holy Family in Egypt’. On Sunday 2nd June Pope Tawadros will visit the Syrian Orthodox Church of St. Efrem in the 13th District of Vienna before returning to Cairo.

*Ends*

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.

*Ends*

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.

*Ends*

Press Release: Statement by HG Bishop Angaelos following the attack on the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate in Cairo on 7 April 2013

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
7 April 2013

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom following the attack on the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate in Cairo on 7 April 2013

While the Arab Spring and uprising in Tahrir Square were expected to bring about a fresh start for Egypt, the only true difference is that the situation seems to have become progressively worse for many millions of Egyptian citizens. 

Today, Egypt saw an unprecedented attack on the See of the Pope of Alexandria, the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate in Cairo, by mobs, with the police arriving far too late and doing very little, if anything at all, to prevent them. 

Reports have indicated that Egypt’s president, Mr Mohammed Morsi had made telephone contact with the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark, saying that ‘the protection of the lives of all Egyptians, Muslims and Christian, is the responsibility of the state.’ It is now clear that the state needs to take that responsibility far more seriously.

We have seen escalating and increasing attacks on Christians, Christian communities, churches and now the Patriarchate during this past period of expected improvement, and so questions must be asked. What are the authorities waiting for? More bloodshed, violence, hostility, alienation, marginalisation, division, or just more anarchy? It is clear that without intentional, pragmatic and proactive leadership by the state, and the effective law enforcement by its security forces, that this pattern of increasing violence and lawlessness is the only possible outcome. With these incidents being dealt with in this way, we see a growth of expectation of impunity and thus encouragement by some to continue breaking the law while assured that they will not be held accountable. 

Last year, the streets of Abasseya around the Grand Cathedral of St Mark saw many thousands of Egyptians, Christians and Muslims alike, standing to pay their respects at the departure of our late Pope Shenouda III. Now those streets see an attack on that same Cathedral. So what has changed, and how can we return to the collective pride, passion and faithfulness of Egypt that we saw in Tahrir Square in 2011 with the thousands flying Egyptian flags, and calling for a unified state for all Egyptians? 

We pray for Egypt because we believe that Egypt, as blessed by God, still has a chance. This chance however, hinges on faithful, pragmatic and visionary leadership, otherwise these coming months and years will only introduce more heartache, bloodshed and division that will inevitably lead to the decline of the nation, that was once the birthplace of civilisation, and its individual members.

*Ends*

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK hosted the Annual Men's Basketball Tournament

On March 15- 17 2013, The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre hosted the annual men’s basketball tournament, the Coptic Orthodox British Elite Basketball Association (COBEBA). 

Under the care of His Grace Bishop Angaelos, the tournament saw youth from across the United Kingdom gather to support their respective teams, and to enjoy a weekend of healthy fellowship. The teams and supporters from parishes in Brighton, Newcastle, Golders Green, Kensington, and Stevenage, also joined the congregation in the Cathedral of St George in praying a Liturgical service on Sunday 17 March. The service marked the first anniversary since of the departure of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, the 117th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, who departed on 17 March 2012.

Bishop Angaelos said:

‘His Holiness is known for his words ‘the Church without youth is a Church without a future,’ and it would bring great joy to his heart to see hundreds of youth gathered here together in the house of God, in healthy fellowship during this weekend of sports ministry, as was the case at the time of his departure. We all, in remembering His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, do not mourn, but rather give thanks for his life and faithful ministry.’

One of the organisers, Mark Galta said:

‘What truly touched me about the tournament this year was the spirit of fellowship and unity, clearly shown by the attitude of all the players and supporters. After the competition I received feedback from other teams, and they expressed their desire to set up a league and have games throughout the year, encouraging people to get together more often in that same spirit of fellowship and love. It was clear to see that all the teams and their supporters had a great time.’ 

The defending champions, the Newcastle ‘Phoenix’ (above) reclaimed their title in a dynamic game, beating the Brighton ‘Cobras’ with a score of 104-94.

Democracy in Egypt – Theory and Reality

Lecture by HG Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK 

Centre for Muslim Christian Studies, Oxford England

On Tuesday 26 February 2013, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom gave a lecture on ‘Democracy in Egypt – Theory and Reality’ at the Centre for Muslim-Christian Studies, Oxford.  Tariq Ramadan, HH Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani Professor of Contemporary Islamic Studies, Oriental Institute, Oxford, also gave a lecture, ‘Building Democracy: The Challenge Ahead for Muslim-Christian Relations’. 

His Grace Bishop Angaelos highlighted the various challenges faced by Egyptians in light of the 2011 uprising, and the role of Coptic Orthodox Christians as the indigenous people of Egypt. Noting that Christians were present alongside their Muslim brethren during the Tahrir uprising, His Grace indicated that Egyptian Christians still seek a unified nation state.

Elaborating on the significant contribution of Coptic Christians as active citizens in the ever changing climate of Egypt, Bishop Angaelos spoke about the need for continued efforts towards the development of a national identity for all Egyptians, in order to safeguard the rights of every citizen, Muslim and Christian alike. 

The audio from the lecture is available here: http://bit.ly/ZVj9DV 

Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom on the eve of the January 2011 uprising and in response to the recent escalation of violence against Christians in Egypt.

The uprising in Tahrir Square on 25 January 2011 inspired the world as it saw Egyptians standing side-by-side in an effort to reclaim their national identity. There was hope for a new Egypt, one that could offer its people the freedom and responsibility of equal citizenship while no longer focusing on their religious or political stance. In my statement this time last year, I remember commenting that it was ‘indeed a turning point in Egypt's contemporary history. It is a time at which there can still be positive reform and the building of a new nation that is cohesive, and instills a sense of citizenship, ownership and responsibility into every Egyptian; ceasing to focus on the person's religious or political stance, but more on his or her contribution and accountability to a single nation state and equality before the law.’ It is unfortunate however, that two years down the line we have not seen sufficient signs of this transformation, and we still witness the marginalisation and alienation of many, Christians and Muslims alike, within Egyptian society, while repeatedly witnessing others committing crimes and not being brought to justice.

Indicative of this, is that over the last two weeks, violent incidents and targeted attacks on Christians in Egypt have escalated once again. Last week, in Fayoum, a hall and Sunday school building under construction, was destroyed by thousands emerging from a nearby Mosque after Friday prayers, reportedly justifying their actions by claims that the building would be used as a church. Security forces arrived after the building was completely destroyed, and to date no arrests have been made.

In a separate incident, on 18 January 2013, thousands of Muslim protestors in Qena attacked eight Coptic homes and businesses, torching Coptic-owned pharmacies and vehicles. A Cross was destroyed and property within the church of Abu Fam was damaged. These attacks came as a result of unqualified and now falsified rumours that a Christian man committed a sexual assault against a 6 year old Muslim girl. To safeguard its parishioners, the church was forced to cancel its Epiphany service so as not to subject them to unnecessary risk. As of yet, again, no charges have been made.

In a third incident, in Beba, Upper Egypt, a church building was forcibly taken over by a criminal gang, and converted into a drugs den after they had sold its contents. In this case once again, there was no intervention by local security forces.

Based on these three occurrences in the space of two weeks, 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.

In light of these events, it is equally disturbing to see the unbalanced response in the recent reported court ruling, convicting a mother and her seven children to 15 years incarceration. The family that had converted back to Christianity from Islam, was reportedly found in possession of allegedly falsified documents. Unlike the aforementioned incidents in which no convictions have been made, the verdict handed down in the case Nadia Mohamed Ali and her children is, to say the least, severe. While we do not condone the falsification of official documents, it is worth clarifying, by way of explanation and not justification, that if the right process were in place to allow Egyptian citizens to freely choose their faith as regularly claimed, there would be no need for this practice.

It is stated on numerous occasions that there is ‘no compulsion in Islam’ and that Egyptians are free to choose their religion. On that basis, we ask for Nadia Mohamed Ali, her family, and all those involved in the case to be released from prison. Following on from this, and in considering the intensity of severe challenges facing Christians, and in line with the movement towards greater democracy, cohesion, and citizenship, we call for the serious consideration of the removal of one’s religion from official personal identification cards, so as to facilitate the treatment of all Egyptian citizens equally.

As we approach the second anniversary of the uprising in Tahrir Square, it is unfortunate that these incidents are by no means isolated. They are merely the latest in a continuous stream of discriminatory decisions facing Egyptians, Christians and Muslims alike, who wish to be treated equally, regardless of their religious or political beliefs. That said, we call upon Egypt’s government, judiciary, and officials to respect ‘freedom of belief and practicing religions’, as set out in President Mohammed Morsi’s news conference in Cairo last week.

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.

We pray for the communities in Fayoum, Qena, and Beba while also praying for Nadia, her children, those involved in this case, and all those in a similar predicament who are in prison, facing imprisonment, or being victimised for merely desiring to exercise their God-given right to practice their chosen faith. We also pray for peace and safety on the streets of Egypt over these coming days, that there be no more injury, bloodshed, or mourning, and that the spirit of hope and resilience lives on in the hearts of those who desire positive reform and freedom.  

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

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: 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: 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
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
Website: www.CopticCentre.com
Blog: www.CopticCentre.Blogspot.com
Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CopticMediaUK
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/CopticMediaUK

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***

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