Monthly Archives: August 2018

Remembering the late Bishop Epiphanius

Remembering the late Bishop Epiphanius, Abbot of St Makarios Monastery, Wadi-el-Natrun, Egypt

 

View the official version via http://www.CopticMediaUK.com

31 July 2018

Today the Coptic Orthodox Church farewells a member of its Holy Synod, a faithful monk, a respected scholar and theologian, and above all a beloved father figure and friend to many around the world.

The late Bishop Epiphanius was found dead outside his cell at St Makarius monastery on 29 July 2018, and while the cause of death is unknown, this tragic loss of life will bring sadness to the hearts of countless members of not only the Coptic community, but to ecumenical friends and acquaintances around the world.

Bishop Epiphanius was born on 27 June 1954 in the Tanta Governorate in Egypt. He graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, and joined St Makarius monastery on 17 February 1984, becoming a monk on the 21 April of that same year. He became a priest on 17 October 2002 and was ordained a Bishop on 10 March 2013. As Abbot of the monastery, Bishop Epiphanius was well-respected by his peers and was known for his forward thinking and spiritual aspirations. He specialised in Church history, patristics and the translation of Arabic texts into English in order to promote Christian education worldwide.

Speaking of his friendship with Bishop Epiphanius, Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London said:

“Bishop Epiphanius will be missed not only as a respected leader and thinker, but as a dear friend and brother. His humble spirit was an inspiration to all, and I have been personally touched by his life and ministry. It is deeply saddening that he will no longer be with us, and it is important at times like this that we focus some of our attention to remembering and celebrating the wonderful witness that Bishop Epiphanius presented, and leaves with us, through his life and ministry. Having been an influential member of our Holy Synod, and Church at large, his ministry will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew, respected and loved him. Praying repose for his soul and God’s peace and comfort to his monastic community and all those who mourn his death, I am thankful that his life is one that can be remembered with joy and thanksgiving.”

The funeral for Bishop Epiphanius was held in the Monastery of St Makarios on 31 July 2018, officiated and attended by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, members of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church and clergy from the monastery.

View the official version via http://www.CopticMediaUK.com

The Ayoub Sisters: Book now

The Ayoub Sisters

Sun 7 Oct
The Stanley Hall

BOOK TICKETS

Since making their Royal Albert Hall debut in 2016, Scottish/Egyptian sisters Sarah and Laura Ayoub have had a meteoric start to their career. Discovered by Mark Ronson and now signed to Decca Records in partnership with Classic FM, the multi-instrumentalist sisters recorded their debut album with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in the world-renowned Abbey Road Studios. Their album debuted at No.1 in the Official Classical Artist Albums Chart.

The duo have performed across the UK, Europe, Middle East and Asia with highlights including appearances at the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall, London Palladium, The Embassy of Egypt, The Cairo Opera House, touring with choirmaster Gareth Malone and a record-breaking debut in China of 13 performances in 4 days.

Now they are coming to Stanley Halls under the care of Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of London, this is a fund raising event by St Mary & St Shenouda Church, Coulsdon.

“The word ‘incredible’ is overused but good grief, the Ayoub Sisters are exactly that…look out for them!” – CLASSIC FM

“Surely these are stars in the making”. THE INDEPENDENT

On Sunday 7th October 2018 doors will open at 5:30pm for a 6pm start for this not to be missed evening.

THE SCHEDULE

6pm: A brief introduction and introductory music
6:15pm: The Ayoub Sisters: classic and popular music
7pm: – – – Interval – – –
7:30pm: Raffle is drawn!
7:45pm: The Ayoub Sisters take the stage once more

Snacks are included in the ticket price of £35 + booking fee with student tickets available at £20 + booking fee.

A little more about The Ayoub Sisters:

The multi-award winning sisters made their live television debut, performing their own arrangement of George Michael’s ‘Mother’s Pride’ at the BAFTAs. That single, along with each single the sisters have ever released reached the top of the iTunes chart within minutes.

Classic Brit and Global Award nominees, Infinitime Music and Young Scot Award winners, The Ayoub Sisters are fast becoming the sound and faces of a truly exciting new generation of classical and crossover artists.

Laura is playing on a 1810 J.Gagliano violin which is kindly loaned to her by Florian Leonhard.