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Archbishop Angaelos proclaimed over new Coptic Orthodox Diocese of London during historic service in Egypt

***View official release via www.CopticMediaUK.com***

16 November 2017
On 11 November 2017 His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, and the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Proclaimed His Grace Bishop Angaelos as Bishop of the new Coptic Orthodox Diocese of London during a service at St Bishoy Monastery in Wadi-El-Natroun, Egypt.

With the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of London, two new dioceses were established: HG Bishop Karass was Proclaimed Bishop of Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia, and HG Bishop Marc was Proclaimed as Bishop of Paris and the North of France.

On Sunday 12 November, four monks were consecrated bishops: two monks from Saint Shenouda Monastery in Milan, Fr Giovanni and Fr Antonio, were consecrated as bishops of Mid-Europe and Milan respectively; Fr Seraphim El-Souriani was consecrated as Bishop of Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana; and father Pigol Al-Muharraqi was consecrated as Bishop and Abbot of Al-Muharraq Monastery in Assiut.

Bishop Angaelos, formerly the General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, will travel back to England accompanied by a delegation of Metropolitans and Bishops who will formally enthrone him as the Coptic Orthodox Bishop of London during a vespers service in the Coptic Cathedral of Saint George at The Coptic Centre later in the month.

Notes:

In his new capacity as the Bishop of London, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, has seen it fit for him to continue representing the Church at the ecumenical and official level as Papal Legate, and thus conferred him with the ecclesial title of Archbishop of London.

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Announcement
***View official releases via www.CopticMediaUK.com***
HG Bishop Angaelos to be enthroned as first Bishop of new Coptic Orthodox Diocese of London

31 October 2017
HH Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, and the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church, have decided on the establishment of the new Coptic Orthodox Diocese of London, and to entrust HG Bishop Angaelos as the first Diocesan Bishop of London.

The Proclamation of this new appointment will be made by His Holiness the Pope and the Holy Synod at a service in Cairo on 11 November 2017.

Bishop Angaelos will travel back to England, accompanied by a delegation of Metropolitans and Bishops who will formally enthrone him during a vespers service in the Coptic Cathedral of Saint George at The Coptic Centre later in the month.

*Ends*

Background:
The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, dates back to 10 August 1954 when it commenced its pastoral and liturgical ministry in London. In February 1969, a historic Liturgy was celebrated in London by the then Bishop Shenouda, the late Pope Shenouda III, who encouraged the faithful to hold regular services, which subsequently led to the hiring of St Andrew’s church in Holborn. Copts would gather from across the United Kingdom to pray there until 1978 when, returning to London as Pope Shenouda III, His Holiness consecrated St Mark church in Kensington as the first Coptic Orthodox parish in Europe.

Since then, the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland has become an active member of its respective local, regional and national communities, serving in a variety of ways across the four nations, equipping its faithful to be positively contributing and active members in their local settings. At the core of its pastoral care is a focus on Christian education at every level and an active youth ministry. The Coptic Orthodox Church also serves on a wider level through engaging in a variety of benevolent and advocacy related work.

The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland now has approximately 20,000 faithful across 32 parishes, with the number of these parishes constantly increasing. These have thus far been served by three dioceses: the diocese of Birmingham, the Midlands and its affiliated regions, served by HG Bishop Missael, the Diocese of Scotland, Ireland and North East England, served by HG Bishop Antony, and the Papal Diocese covering London, the South of England and South Wales, in which HG Bishop Angaelos has served as His Holiness the Pope’s delegate since 1999.

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II and the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church have now decided to establish the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of London.

Reflection

By His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, on recent terrorist attacks in Egypt and elsewhere

You are Loved

30 May 2017

Once again, we find ourselves experiencing pain before which words seem insufficient. I have previously addressed victims of terrorist acts; I have addressed their families; I have even addressed those who may have had an opportunity, even in some small way, to advocate for or support those most vulnerable. This time however, I feel a need to address those who perpetrate these crimes.

You are loved. The violent and deadly crimes you perpetrate are abhorrent and detestable, but YOU are loved.

You are loved by God, your Creator, for He created you in His Image and according to His Likeness, and placed you on this earth for much greater things, according to His plan for all humankind. You are loved by me and millions like me, not because of what you do, but what you are capable of as that wonderful creation of God, Who has created us with a shared humanity. You are loved by me and millions like me because I, and we, believe in transformation.

Transformation is core to the Christian message for throughout history we have seen many transformed from being those who persecuted Christ Himself and Christians, to those who went on to live with grace. We believe in transformation because, on a daily basis, we are personally transformed from a life of human weakness and sinfulness to a life of power and righteousness. We believe in transformation because the whole message of the Cross and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is to take humanity from the bonds of sin and death to a liberation in goodness and everlasting life. Our world is certainly suffering from the brokenness of our humanity, but it is our responsibility, personally and collectively, to encourage and inspire ourselves, and all those whom we meet along our path, to a life of virtue and holiness, and the love and forgiveness of all.

This of course, is far from the reaction that many may have expected, but the Christian message is just that, to look at our world as through the eyes of God, Who loves all and Who desires that all be liberated through Him.

I grieve, certainly for those who have lost their lives, for those who mourn, and for those who will continue to be adversely affected by these tragic experiences; but I also grieve for a young man who sees it not only justifiable, but glorious, to take the lives of other young men and women, and deprive his and their families of enjoying them as they grow and mature.

No family should lose a son in this way, even if they are partially or wholly responsible for his flawed ideology. This loss might be to that ideology, to incarceration as a result of his actions and choices or, in the worst case, in taking his own life, along with others, regardless of the great cost to those left behind. In the same way, no family deserves to lose children and members who merely go about their day to enjoy their God-given right to exist, whether it be by attending a concert, taking a pilgrimage to a monastery, simply walking through city streets, or in any other way.

I also grieve for those who considered it a victory to board a bus filled with pilgrims and execute children, women and men purely for refusing to denounce their Faith, as we saw happen to Coptic Christians in Menia only yesterday.

What is increasingly obvious is that many of these attacks come about due to a loss of the meaning and comprehension of the sanctity of life, our own or that of others; so join me in praying for the brokenness of our world that causes parents to lose their children, children to lose their parents, and humankind to lose the humanity for which it was created.

What is important is not that this message be read but that it be communicated; not that it be accepted but that it be understood as another perspective; and not that it should be fully embraced, but that it may create at least a shadow of a doubt in the minds of those intent on inflicting harm and pain.

*Ends*

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His Holiness Pope Tawadros II embarks on his first pastoral visit to the United Kingdom in May 2017

5 May 2017

Later today, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, 118^th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, will commence his first pastoral visit of the United Kingdom.

This will be the first time His Holiness has visited as head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, whose membership remains predominantly in Egypt. Coptic Christians now also represent 80% of Christians in the Middle East, the birthplace of Christianity.

His Holiness will visit Coptic Orthodox parishes across the United Kingdom, officiating liturgical services and performing several consecrations, while generally taking time to engage with parishioners. Pope Tawadros will also engage with various ecumenical, interfaith and official members of British society at a series of events planned throughout the course of his stay.

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, will receive His Holiness today and accompany him throughout his stay. Earlier today Bishop Angaelos said:

“This is a historic visit, not only of the 118^th Pope of Alexandria to the United Kingdom, but more personally for His Holiness Pope Tawadros, as his first engagement with his flock across Britain. For Coptic Christians here, it will be an opportunity to spend time with the head of their Church, and their spiritual father.

This has been a difficult year for Christians in Egypt with recent and ongoing attacks, and thus the visit will also be an opportunity for their brothers and sisters to hear directly from His Holiness about the situation there, and how they can provide greater support for them.”

During his visit, one of the most significant engagements will be when the Pope addresses hundreds of youth from Coptic parishes across England at a meeting during which they will present on the various ministries they engage with under the umbrella of Coptic Youth Mission.

*Ends*

Photographs will be made available throughout the visit via www.Flickr.com/CopticMedia

SKY News interviews His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, and members of the congregation of Saint George at The Coptic Centre days after many were killed in terrorist attacks on Coptic Churches in Egypt.

Stephen Sackur speaks to His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom on BBC HARDtalk shortly after the bombing and brutal killing of Coptic Christians in Tanta and Alexandria, April 2017.

***View official release via www.CopticMediaUK.com***

Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, on the terrorist attack in Westminster

23 March 2017

We have once again seen the worst and best of humanity in yesterday’s Westminster attack. One person was intent on harming and ending life, while countless hundreds of others tirelessly did their utmost to maintain and protect the lives of those they may not even have known. Our prayers are first and foremost with those who have lost loved ones, those who are injured and those who will carry the trauma of what they have experienced.

Having been within the Palace of Westminster when this attack happened, I witnessed the tireless efforts of hundreds of individuals whose primary goal was to look after and secure all those under their care: members of both Houses who reassured their guests and colleagues, the staff and security of the Houses of Parliament who looked after the ill and elderly, Metropolitan Police and emergency service officers who were among us updating and guiding us through the process, school teachers looking after their children who were visiting Parliament, sitting them down and singing songs to reassure them, the Chaplain to the Speaker who stood from beginning to end mingling with, and reassuring all those who were there, and countless others, each doing what he or she could to assist in any way.

What I found particularly moving was that, in the face of this act of terror, everyone involved demonstrated an instinctive and immense courage and resilience.

This and similar acts are meant to dishearten and defeat us; they are meant to take away our resolve and aim to lead us into a spiral of revenge. Despite evocative attempts to corrupt our hearts to hatred, we on the contrary have seen acts of unwavering selflessness, sacrifice and compassion.

Our thoughts and prayers are especially with the family of PC Keith Palmer of the Metropolitan Police, and all his colleagues who continue to work for the protection of others despite their personal loss. We also stand together in prayer for all those affected by this horrific attack, for those entrusted with the leadership, security and safeguarding of our communities, and for the safety of everyone in London and beyond.

*Ends*

***Read official release via www.CopticMediaUK.com***

Comment by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, on the recent spate of attacks against Coptic Christians in Egypt, including the recent attacks in Al-Arish, Sinai.

28 February 2017

I have now drafted and redrafted this statement numerous times over the past weeks, wanting to say something about the deadly attacks experienced by Coptic Christians in Egypt on a daily basis, yet every time I do, there seems to be a new and often more horrifying attack that needs to be addressed. In the past three months alone forty Coptic Christians have been murdered in targeted attacks in Egypt. From the terrorist bombing on St Peter’s Coptic Church in Cairo that claimed the lives of twenty nine mainly women and children, to the murders of individuals across the country since, the one common denominator is that these innocent children, women and men have had their lives brutally and tragically ended for no other reason except that they are Christians.

Incitement by terrorist groups that calls for the killing of Christians in Egypt has spiralled over the past weeks to the extent that lists of churches and individuals have now been released as desirable targets.

While persecution is nothing new for the Coptic community, this escalation of attacks over the past months, culminating in the most recent murders of seven Christians in Al-Arish, has resulted in the displacement of hundreds forced to leave their generations-old homes in North Sinai.

These horrific attacks have gone largely unnoticed by the international community, but Copts continue to suffer tragic violations daily. The attacks against them are anti-Christian and religiously-motivated, demonstrated in many cases by the circulation of flyers within villages urging Christians to ‘leave or die’. Similar events have tragically occurred far too often over the past years, and there is unfortunately little deterrent to prevent them from reoccurring.

In our fast moving world that is filled with so much news of tragedy, war and death, it is all too easy for atrocities to become ‘incidents’, and for individuals suffering them to become mere statistics, very quickly pushed aside by the next item of news. In the eyes of the perpetrators they are a viable target, and in the eyes of the world they become a regrettable phenomenon; yet what is actually left behind is traumatised individuals, families and communities that have lost loved ones, living the reality of themselves being targeted.

While Coptic Christians have been particularly targeted they have always remained peaceful and opted for non-retaliation. Exceeding this already admirable stance, they have even proceeded to forgive their perpetrators. After the destruction of over 100 places of Christian ministry and worship in August of 2013, the bombing of various churches across the country in the last decade, and the targeted killing of clergy, families, women and children, purely for their Faith, the community and individuals within it remain non-violent and resilient. Despite their being condemnation of these attacks by national government and authorities, there is yet to be a consistent robust and fair implementation of these same sentiments more regionally and locally.

In communicating over the past weeks with various brothers and sisters in Egypt, what becomes immediately apparent is that this community that continues to witness its Faith with integrity and strength despite the hurdles it faces, desires to live with dignity in its indigenous homeland.

It must also be mentioned that Coptic Christians are not alone in facing these attacks, as scores of Egyptian civilians, soldiers and police officers have lost their lives as a result of this wave of terrorist activity.

We pray for those suffering terrorism and violence, for God to grant them peace and reassurance that they are not forgotten by Him or by all those who not only witness their plight but strive to advocate for them. We also pray for those in positions of authority and influence that they may be advocates for all those entrusted into their care. Finally, and not of least importance we pray for those who perpetrate these crimes, that they once again become conscious of the true value of every life that appears to be dispensable in their eyes.

*Ends*

***View official statements via www.CopticMediaUK.com***

Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, on the current debate regarding security and provision of refuge for the most vulnerable

30 January 2017

The current state of geo-politics and the numerous terrorist attacks around our world in recent months have led to a growing uncertainty and global anxiety with regards to both internal and external security. This concern has prompted debates on the need for vigilance, the safeguarding of national security and the protection of individuals. Those same debates have also uncovered an underlying scepticism over the fluidity of borders and ease of access for those potentially intending harm, while also highlighting a perceived lack of compassion and understanding for those fleeing that same harm.

While it is important to safeguard individuals, communities and entire nations, it is undeniable that there has been widespread instability and conflict that has also led to the inhumane treatment and vast displacement of millions of vulnerable people across the Middle East and elsewhere. In seeking to protect individuals or a particular sector of a community, it is imperative that we do not alienate others, especially when it means denying the basic human rights and freedoms of those most vulnerable. We are already witnessing the generic application of law and policy running the risk of violating the same rights they seek to protect, potentially doubly discriminating against vulnerable families and individuals fleeing war and conflict by denying them the opportunity to seek refuge and safe haven.

As Christians following Biblical teachings and traditions existing for millennia, we believe that God instructs us to provide refuge and hospitality to all humanity indiscriminately. He does not stop there in His instruction, but goes further to urge us to love all, even those who consider us their enemies. We are warned in the Gospel of Saint Matthew about neglecting “…the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith.” In addressing the balance between maintaining security and providing refuge for those most vulnerable, we must remember the words of our Lord that, “These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.” Love and forgiveness, as I have stated in the past should not amount to a lack of justice or wisdom, but they do safeguard against our human tendencies to seek revenge, or act in ways no different from those who seek to harm us.

While our human brokenness has led to the conflict and vulnerability we see in the world, we must not allow that same brokenness to lead us into dehumanising others, considering them less worthy of God-given rights and freedoms.

At a time when some politicians across the globe are utilising language that potentially promotes division and polarisation, it is imperative for all in positions of influence or authority, whether religious leadership or other, to remind all of the crucial values of love, acceptance, forgiveness and mercy. Without these values, our world will become a much more hostile place; and in not providing for the other, we deprive ourselves and future generations of those same entitlements fought for and upheld for millennia.

As a Church that frequently finds itself at the receiving end of lethal terrorist attacks, we understand far too well the need to protect communities and individuals. At the same time however, we must not do so in a way that compromises our integrity or goes against the humaneness with which we must address the vast majority of those who do not directly or indirectly advocate for, aspire to, or inflict harm on others.

We pray wisdom for leaders, safe passage and refuge for the vulnerable, and a realisation, by those who seek to inflict harm and terror on others, of the value and sanctity of every life.

*Ends*

***View official press release via www.CopticMediaUK.com***

The Archbishop of Canterbury and Ambassador of Egypt join HG Bishop Angaelos in prayers at The Innocent Victims’ Memorial at Westminster Abbey, for victims of the Cairo Church Bombing

14 December 2016

The Most Revd Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, and His Excellency Mr Nasser Kamel, Ambassador of Egypt to the UK & NI, spoke at a prayer vigil alongside His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, at the Innocent Victims’ Memorial, Westminster Abbey.

The vigil was held on 14 December 2016 in honour of the 25 Coptic Orthodox Christians, mostly women and children, who lost their lives in the recent tragic bombing of St Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo. Present at the memorial were various faith leaders, ambassadors, ecumenical guests, members of NGOs and the Coptic Orthodox community in the United Kingdom.

The Reverend Jane Sinclair, Canon in Residence, welcomed all to the vigil, which began with a communal prayer of thanksgiving, followed by a Scripture reading, and addresses from HG Bishop Angaelos, HG The Archbishop of Canterbury and HE The Ambassador of Egypt. After the speeches there was a prayer for the departed, during which their names were read aloud as 25 red roses were laid onto the Innocent Victims’ Memorial in between 25 lit candles, representing the blood that they shed for their faith, and the light that they will continue to represent in the memory of many around the world.

In his address during the vigil, Bishop Angaelos thanked Canon Sinclair, the Dean and Chapter of Westminster, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Ambassador of Egypt, going on to thank all who attended, saying:

“It is deeply moving for myself and our community that all of you gathered here today have done so at such short notice. It is a shame that it takes events like these to gather us, but the fact that we do gather means that there is significantly greater good than evil in this world.

It is tragic that families have been broken apart just before the celebration of the Feast of the Nativity, and I can only begin to imagine their sorrow. While we pray for the families and support them pastorally in whatever way we can, we know that the loss of a loved one is something that only God can truly comfort at this time through His grace. I am personally moved that my sisters and brothers, continue, despite their suffering, to live with dignity, integrity, resilience, love and forgiveness, demonstrated through their genuine Christian witness.

People are indeed surprised when we speak of forgiveness at times like this, but we are called to forgive and we must continue to do so. Of course there is a call for justice but never for vengeance…reconciliation but never carelessness. In our unity as the Body of Christ, the family of faith, and the global family, we must continue to advocate for and safeguard the dignity and sanctity of every life. The importance of our mission and our ministry here as God’s children, is to continue, like these candles to be light in darkness.”

In responding to the tragic events in Cairo, the Archbishop of Canterbury said:

“We pray for all those who have lost loved ones that they may know God’s comforting presence, and for the nation of Egypt as it mourns. As we prepare to celebrate the coming of Christ, the Prince of Peace, our prayer is that in Egypt Muslims and Christians together may be strengthened in their quest for peace and their rejection of the crude and cruel tactics of the terrorists.”

His Excellency The Ambassador of Egypt,​ said:

“Despite this moment of sorrow, the people of Egypt remain united against ignorance, intolerance and extremism. These heinous crimes that aim to undermine the unity of the Egyptian people,​  regardless of their religious affiliation, ​will never succeed, ​nor will the bonds that tie its religious establishments ever be broken. Peace and harmony have always prevailed in Egypt.

Let me remind you – as we also approach ​the Nativity celebrations – that the Virgin Mary, after giving birth to Jesus Christ, sought refuge in Egypt to protect her newborn from tyranny and intolerance.”

*Ends*