The Most Revd Justin Welby, 105th Archbishop of Canterbury visited His Holiness Pope Tawadros II at the Papal Residence in Cairo on 24 June 2013

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate use

24 June 2013

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

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, receives the Most Revd Justin Welby, 105^th Archbishop of Canterbury, at the Papal Residence in Cairo on 24 June 2013.

The Most Revd Justin Welby visited His Holiness Pope Tawadros II at the Papal Residence in Cairo. His Holiness was accompanied by His Eminence Metropolitan Bishoy, Co-Chair of the Anglican-Oriental Orthodox International Commission, His Grace Bishop Thomas of Quosia, His Grace Bishop Youannes and His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, who is a member of the International Commission and Co-Chair of the Regional Forum in the United Kingdom. Archbishop Justin was accompanied by His Grace Bishop Mounir Hanna, Primate of the Episcopal Church in Egypt and the Horn of Africa, Bishop Michael Lewis, Bishop of Cyprus and the Gulf, Bishop Grant LeMarquand, Area Bishop for the Horn of Africa, and members of the Lambeth Palace ecumenical and inter-religious offices.

The meeting was cordial and addressed the re-initiation of the International Commission later this year in England, and the nature of ongoing relations between the Coptic Orthodox Church, and the wider Oriental Orthodox family, and the Church of England and the Anglican Communion worldwide.

In welcoming the Archbishop, Pope Tawadros said:

‘We must build our dialogue and studies on love and crown them with prayers; we must also prepare our people to love, accept and work with each other in the spirit of unity found in John 17.’

Commenting on the meeting, Archbishop Justin said:

‘We had a very wide-ranging discussion, coming back several times to the question of how the Church can flourish and grow in prayer, in love for one another and in teaching of the scriptures to our contemporaries. It’s important that we find a way of enabling our affection for one another to be transformed into effective shared witness. I also had the opportunity to express the prayer and solidarity of the Anglican Communion with all the Christians of the Middle East as they seek the common good of their various nations.’

Speaking from Cairo, Bishop Angaelos said:

‘In what is proving to be a historic year for meetings between new heads of Churches across the world, this most recent visit of His Grace Archbishop Justin to His Holiness Pope Tawadros has highlighted the continued efforts towards continued good relations and greater unity between our Churches. Having commenced their ministries in leading their respective Churches only months apart, I am sure that this will be an opportunity for Pope Tawadros and Archbishop Justin to develop these existing relationships.  It is very significant that our International Commission is recommencing this year after ten years, and I am sure that it will recreate a valuable platform for common understanding, leading to a greater witness of solidarity, not only for members of our own Churches but for the wider Christian Church and the whole world.’

*Ends*

View the Press Release online via CopticMediaUK.com or click here

For more information please contact:

Angela Mikhail

Media and Communications Officer
The Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Tel: +44 (0)20 71937076

Media and Communications Office
The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre
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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**

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
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Press Release: The Coptic Cathedral of St George at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK will ring its bells in unison with churches across the country signifying the first day of the Olympics.

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
Date: 26 July 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK
Media and Public Relations Office

The Coptic Cathedral of St George at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK will ring its bells in unison with churches across the country signifying the first day of the Olympics.

On Friday 27 July at 8:12am, the Coptic Cathedral of St George at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK will ring its bells in unison with churches across the country, signifying the first day of the Olympics.

As part of the unifying effort to encourage a spirit of peace, community and excitement for the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom said the following:

“2012 has been a mixed year of festive celebrations and economic struggles, and this historic third hosting of the Olympic Games in London brings hope of greater social interaction, hope and prosperity. We celebrate as a nation and as nations together, praying for joy, safety and peace. We also pray for those who are organising, participating and supporting, that God may bless this time for them, and keep this empowering and unifying spirit alive for months and years to come.”

*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
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Press Release: Explanation of the Papal Election Process by HG Bishop Angaelos

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
Date: 4^th May 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK
Media and Public Relations Office

Explanation of the Papal Selection Process for the Coptic Orthodox Church by HG Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom

The Coptic Orthodox Church has begun the process of selecting a new pope after the forty-day memorial period ended for of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, the 117^th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark. H.H. Pope Shenouda III departed on 17^th March 2012 after forty-one years of papacy.

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom has issued a detailed explanation of the papal selection process, along with a timeline which identifies key stages of the process, saying the following:

“This is an experience with which many will not have been involved in their lifetime, so it was important to provide a simplified explanation, allowing engagement at every level. Within these steps we find a robust process that includes: nominations from peers within the Holy Synod, nominations from laity through the General Lay Council, systematic scrutiny with a process of challenges and appeals, representative democratic election, and above all, the Altar Ballot that encompasses this whole process with a spirit of prayer and trustful submission to the will of God.”

For the explanation and timeline please visit the Coptic Orthodox Church Centre Blog, www.CopticCentre.Blogspot.com, or click here.

For more information please contact:

Media and Public Relations Officer
The Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Tel: +44 (0)207 193 7076

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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UK Memorial Service for H.H. Pope Shenouda III at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK on 24th March 2012

Memorial Service for H.H. Pope Shenouda III at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in the UK

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, 117th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark the Evangelist, departed on March 17th 2012. A memorial service for the United Kingdom, celebrating his life and ministry was held on Saturday 24th March in the Cathedral of Saint George at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre.

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, and former secretary to the Pope, officiated the service which was attended by representatives of Her Majesty the Queen and His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, as well as numerous Ecumenical, Inter-Religious and Civil representatives. Bishop Angaelos was joined by HE Metropolitan Seraphim, also of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Prior to the service, the Church in the United Kingdom was inundated with messages of condolence and saw an incredible response worldwide. As many were unable to attend the funeral service in Cairo on Tuesday 20th March 2012, this memorial service was seen to provide an opportunity for people to gather together and pray for the repose of the soul of His Holiness, and for the Church at large.

Bishop Angaelos said the following leading up to the memorial service:

“We have been inundated with messages of condolence from many friends across the United Kingdom. It is only fitting to hold this memorial service in order to allow people to join in giving thanks for the life and ministry of His Holiness. It is undoubtedly very sad to farewell a father, yet as a Church, we are confident in the knowledge that our Lord, through the power of His Resurrection that we will celebrate in only a few weeks’ time, promises us life after death, and we join together to pray for His Holiness as he is welcomed into that heavenly promise.”

In his address, he commented on the Pope’s love for people, his heart for Egypt, national unity, for youth, ecumenical unity, and his faithfulness to his spiritual life which supported his service, and stated the following:

“Today is an especially important day for us; the last visit of His Holiness, and indeed his last pastoral ministry engagement in the United Kingdom, was to consecrate this Cathedral. Today we gather to give thanks not only for that, but for his ministry in the United Kingdom and throughout the world over the past 41 years.”

A message from the Archbishop of Canterbury, His Grace the Rt Hon and Rt Rev Dr. Rowan Williams was read during the service by the Rt Rev Bishop Christopher Chessun of Southwark. In it, the Archbishop said:

“We were all very deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Holiness and pray that his memory will be eternal, giving thanks for his life of heroic service and passionate concern for the well-being of the faithful, especially for the young people of the Church, a ministry so clearly prioritised in the work of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom.”

The memorial service was attended by hundreds of people, after which many took the opportunity to sign a book of condolence, expressing their thoughts and memories of H.H. Pope Shenouda III.

Press Release: Archbishop of Canterbury stepping down in December 2012

Press Release from the Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

For immediate use

Date:  16^th March 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Media and Public Relations Office

After receiving news that the Most Reverend Dr. Rowan Williams will be stepping down as Archbishop of Canterbury at the end of December 2012, HG Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom issued the following statement:

While I received the news of the stepping down of the Most Reverend Dr. Rowan Williams as Archbishop of Canterbury with great sadness, I am confident of the spirituality, wisdom, integrity and careful consideration that must drive such a decision. 

Through his ten years at Lambeth Palace, Archbishop Rowan has sought to deepen and strengthen relations within the Christian family around the world and has always been mindful of the deep and historic relationship between the Anglican Communion and the Coptic Orthodox Church, and at a wider level, with the family of Oriental Orthodox Churches internationally. We have also seen his great interest in and representation of Christians in the Middle East, as exemplified in the House of Lords Debate on the 9th December 2011. In the Archbishop we have also seen constant and faithful efforts aimed at holding together the Anglican Communion through what has been a very challenging time.

I will always hold very fond memories of the Archbishop’s visits to our Coptic Orthodox Church Centre, and the many ways in which we have worked together during the past ten years. I am also grateful for the numerous visits that His Grace has made to His Holiness Pope Shenouda III in Egypt.

In praying for Archbishop Rowan, whom I also consider a friend, I look forward to our continued co-operation in these coming months and beyond. As president of The Council of Oriental Orthodox Churches, I express our appreciation for the relationship we have had over these past years and assure him of our continued prayers.  

For more information please contact:

Media and Public Relations Officer
The Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Tel: +44 (0)207 1937076

Resources:

Statement by HG Bishop Angaelos regarding the debate led by His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury on the 9th December 2011: Consensus in the British House of Lords on the state of Christians in the Middle East

Press Release: House of Lords debate on Christians in the Middle East, 9th December 2011

Press Releases and Statements: The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK Blog

Media and Public Relations Office
The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre
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England, United Kingdom

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Fax: +44 (0)1438 313879
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The Coptic Orthodox Church launches a new ministry in the City of London to commence on the 4th March 2012

Press Release from the Coptic Orthodox Church UK

For immediate use

Date:  17th February 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Public Relations Office

The Coptic Orthodox Church launches a new ministry in the City of London to commence on the 4^thMarch 2012.

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church announced the launch of The St. Paul Ministry, a new initiative of the Church in the United Kingdom. Held in the beautiful and historic St. Mary-le-Bow church in the City of London, monthly services will be offered in the English language while maintaining the traditional Coptic spirituality and hymnology. Services will be followed by a fellowship meal and a contemporary Bible study and discussion. The first service will be held on Sunday 4^th March at 10am.

Bishop Angaelos who, with a dynamic and dedicated steering group, established the ministry, said the following:

“While this is a new and exciting ministry for the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, it follows the ethos that has been at its core for centuries, introducing people to our Lord Jesus Christ through the lived perspective of the Church in a real and relevant way. The words of Acts 2:42 have always been especially pertinent to me, and it is exciting to see them presented in a fresh 21^stCentury expression.”

Mission Statement

The St Paul Ministry is founded on a novel and fresh approach to fellowship, with the aim of encountering Christ through the life and practice of the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Christian Church of Egypt. This Ministry aims to make the ancient apostolic Faith practical, reachable and tangible within a Western context. Our goal is to enable the enrichment of lives through the fellowship of the Church, the manifest Body of Christ.

In line with Acts 2:42, the St Paul Ministry aims to achieve this by: 
1. Providing opportunities for greater knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures and teachings of the Fathers. 
2. Creating a safe and familiar space for interaction with like-minded people along their spiritual journey. 
3. Making manifest the Faith and practice of the Church through its Sacraments.
4. Having a time of focused collective prayer and worship.

First Service:

The first service will be held on Sunday 4th March at 10am in St. Mary-le-Bow church.

Resources:

St. Paul Ministry Website:www.StPaulMinistry.com

On Twitter: @StPaulMinistry , www.twitter.com/StPaulMinistry

E-mail: Contact@StPaulMinistry.com

[ENDS]

For more information contact:

Media and Public Relations Officer Coptic Orthodox Church UK 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 Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CopticMediaUK YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/CopticMediaUK