Monthly Archives: March 2014

Departure of Patriarch Mor Ignatius Zakka

Press Release
For immediate use
21 March 2014

 

Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office 

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)
Media and Communications Office

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom offers condolences and prayers to the Syrian Orthodox Church on behalf of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom upon the departure of Patriarch Mor Ignatius Zakka Iwas I of Antioch, 122nd patriarch of Antioch and All the East on the Apostolic Throne of St Peter.

Expressing his condolences, Bishop Angaelos said:

“Upon hearing of the departure of His Holiness, the late Mor Ignatius Zakka, I spoke to Archbishop Athanasius to assure him and our sister Orthodox Church of our prayers. The historic and fraternal relationship between our two Churches means that we have also lost a beloved father.

I fondly remember the visit of His Holiness to The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre here in the United Kingdom, and the numerous occasions in which I, along with members of the Coptic Clergy and community received His Holiness both in Cairo and London.

We pray repose for the soul of His Holiness and that God reward him for his many years of faithful ministry to his children who have undergone and continue to undergo huge struggles and pressures in Iraq, Syria and throughout the Middle East.”

Mor Ignatius Zakka departed on 21 March 2014 after a long and courageous battle against illness.

**Ends**

View this Press Release via the Coptic Orthodox Church Media and Communications Office Website www.CopticMediaUK.com 

Egypt the focus of Women’s World Day of Prayer 2014

Press Release
For immediate use
5 March 2014

Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)
Media and Communications Office

Women from 170 countries and regions across the world, including the United Kingdom, will pray for Egypt on Women’s World Day of Prayer (WWDP) on 7 March 2014.

A number of women from the Coptic Orthodox Community in the United Kingdom will be speaking at a variety of church and community services across the country on the role of women in Egypt and their contribution to their societies. They will also comment on the challenges faced by women in light of the recent uprisings.

Congregants from various denominations will gather across the world to show solidarity in prayer for women in Egypt and the Christian presence in the region, increasing awareness of the ongoing plight of these significant members of society.

Commenting on the WWDP 2014, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom said:

“It is humbling that tens of thousands of people will gather across the world to pray for Egypt and it’s women who have played a significant, powerful, and responsible role throughout the vast history of Egypt and most significantly now over the past three years. As Christians we consider prayer to be one of our greatest supports, and this support at this particular time is very much appreciated as Egypt continues through this formative stage.”

This initiative comes after millions of women took to the streets as part of the ongoing demonstrations and rallies that have taken place over the past three years in Egypt.

*Ends*

Resources:
www.WorldDayofPrayer.net
www.wwdp.org.uk