Category Archives: News

Prayers for the persecuted at Nayrouz Service

View the official release via www.CopticMediaUK.com

Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)
Media and Communications Office

23 October 2015

Victims of religious persecution remembered during the annual Coptic New Year service at St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey on 22 October 2015 with messages from HRH The Prince of Wales, Prime Minister David Cameron, and The Archbishop of Canterbury.

 In his sermon to members of the House of Lords, House of Commons, members of the diplomatic corps and various ecumenical, inter-religious and official guests, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, marked 2015 as a year of commemoration, marking the Centenary of the Armenian Genocide and the end of WW1, as well as the year in which the United Kingdom celebrates HM The Queen as its longest reigning monarch. He continued that it is also a year that will be commemorated in history with regards to matters of international religious freedom.

Speaking about the brutal murder of Coptic and Ethiopian Christians in Libya earlier this year he said:

 “This has been a year during which a line of unparalleled evil has been crossed, and this has touched us all personally.

 It is also a year during which there has been an expression of solidarity from prominent figures, including His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales and Prime Minister David Cameron, along with the vast breadth of the Christian family in Britain and around the world, and brothers and sisters from a multitude of faiths.

 We must however see this as a year of opportunity, to break the darkness that increasingly surrounds us day after day with light and hope. This is a time for us all to stand in solidarity.”

Touching on the Government’s Syrian refugee scheme, Bishop Angaelos said:

 “We welcome the fact that our nation has decided to accept 20,000 refugees, and undoubtedly we need to do more, but let us be thankful for the start of this initiative and continue to work together to help those most vulnerable.”

 In a message from the Right Honourable David Cameron, Prime Minister, read by The Baroness Berridge of The Vale of Catmose, the following was said:

“I recognise that this is one of the most auspicious days within the Coptic Calendar and an important occasion not only to give thanks, but also to remember those who suffer for their faith around the world.”

 Going on to say:

 “I believe that our communities here in Britain and abroad have been strengthened by the strong voice and leadership provided by the Coptic Orthodox Church.”

 In a message from The Most Rev. and the Rt Hon. the Archbishop of Canterbury, read by The Right Reverend Christopher Chessun, the Coptic New Year was spoken of as an occasion for thankfulness, yet also:

 “…one of somber commemoration of the martyrs of the past two millennia, particularly the Armenian martyrs and our Coptic and Ethiopian brothers in Christ who recently gave their lives in Libya …For us it is a reminder to be persistent in our commitment to prayer and solidarity.”

 Bishop Christopher, in his address, thanked the leadership of the Coptic Church for:

 “…drawing attention to the struggles and challenges faced by people in the Middle East, both Christians and others, and in particular the plight of refugees from the nations of the Middle East.”

 Baroness Berridge, Co-Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief spoke of the many unable to worship freely in the Middle East, saying:

 “How wonderful it is that an Orthodox service can be celebrated here in the United Kingdom…but there are places in the Middle East where that service is no longer celebrated…”

Referring to the OBE conferred upon Bishop Angaelos by Her Majesty The Queen, Baroness Berridge also mentioned that this is the first time that such an award has been given for International Religious Freedom, expressing that it is indicative of the times and in recognition of the work that has been done by Bishop Angaelos and the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Referring to the work of the APPG and the role of the Coptic Church, she went on to say:

 “In our country we have been given the resources to do the work that we need to do, but it is only through the generosity of others that we can do that work, and I do want to pay tribute for the continued and faithful support of the Coptic Orthodox Church for the parliamentary work here in the UK.”

 The service commenced with a welcome and short address from The Reverend Canon Andrew Tremlett, Canon of Westminster & Rector of St Margaret’s Church, who said:

 “…the continuing events of the Middle East bring into sharp focus the need for prayer, solidarity, and common cause which tonight’s service represents.”

 *Ends*

 

HG Bishop Angaelos’ Comment re Refugee Crisis

View official statements and press releases via www.CopticMediaUK.com 

Welcoming those less fortunate

By His Grace Bishop Angaelos,
General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom

Until now, the Middle East crisis has been contained in that part of the world, and has, for some, become somewhat of a distant reality. If we have occasionally been moved by what we have seen or heard in reports, we have also had the relative comfort of being several steps removed from the situation. Now however, we are witnessing the movement of tens of thousands of desperate people fleeing that crisis and approaching the shores of Europe to seek refuge, and so the issue has become much more immediate and closer to home.

I have recently visited both refugee camps in Erbil and transit camps on the Greek-Macedonian (FYROM) border at Idomeni, and have therefore seen this humanitarian tragedy from both sides. This has provided an invaluable opportunity to personally meet and speak with many humanitarian aid workers and volunteers, as well as those in camps, and those making the dangerous journey. It has also further reinforced my view that this is a humanitarian crisis of a scale unseen since the Second World War, and that it can only be satisfactorily addressed, let alone resolved, through collaboration among and between states, NGOs and religious institutions.

During my visit to Idomeni it was painful to hear a young Syrian man say “…in Syria we are now used to quick deaths that come with bombs or shootings, but what we are experiencing in these journeys is a slow death.” The fact that these refugees willingly travel, sometimes with their children, in what they themselves call ‘death boats’ is proof of the desperate situations they are fleeing, and their struggle should not be belittled.

Along these journeys, vulnerable refugees, many of whom are children and minors, become easy prey for trafficking and organised crime gangs that exploit this vulnerability in a way that shames our humanity. We must therefore not close our ears to the cries of those who flee the horrors of their day-to-day existence in war-torn homelands to face even more horrific journeys. As more borders close, refugees who have already sacrificed almost everything will still find alternate routes because they have nothing to lose. In anticipation, we must collaborate to formulate a coherent and humane response and continue to protect those in greatest need while recognising and preserving their dignity.

As the United Kingdom prepares to welcome refugees from camps bordering Syria under the Government’s Vulnerable People Relocation Scheme (VPRS), it is imperative that we look at the whole issue of asylum with renewed insight. Until now, refugees have been considered by many as a potential burden and/or threat on and to our communities, and an additional drain on our economy. Looking with humane eyes however, we must realise that the majority of these vulnerable individuals have experienced immense suffering and loss and have not wanted to, but have been compelled to, leave their countries, communities, and all they have behind. Many have even more tragically also lost loved ones in this ongoing conflict.

The Prime Minister’s initiative to accept 20,000 refugees from camps bordering Syria over the next five years is welcomed, as it will indeed make a significant difference to those people and their families. While this is a start to solving a problem that is now of immense magnitude, we are also hopeful that these numbers will be revisited over time, and increased when possible to accommodate the ever-increasing flow of people fleeing conflict, war and persecution. As we see people come into the United Kingdom under this scheme or others, it is worth considering our outlook on the overall situation.

I was moved by the call of a senior figure within UNHCR Greece during my recent visit, who challenged us as Church leaders to make the teaching of Matthew 25 manifest: “Come, you blessed of My Father… for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I wasnaked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.” This commandment is timeless and without exception, it applies today just as much as it did 2000 years ago when our Lord Jesus Christ Himself sought refuge in Egypt, fleeing adversity (Matthew 2:13).

As we do our utmost to serve those in great need, we pray for the millions currently displaced, those currently in refugee camps, and others who have embarked on treacherous journeys fleeing war and conflict; we also pray for policy makers, aid workers and volunteers who are dealing with this complex situation first-hand.

*Ends*

Find out more about His Grace’s visit to Greece via CTBI.org.uk

Statement on assisted suicide by Bishop Angaelos

View our official statements via www.CopticMediaUK.com 

Statement on the proposal to legalise assisted suicide

By His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church
in the United Kingdom

As we approach the UK Parliament debate on the proposed ‘assisted dying bill’, we must ensure that this discussion is conducted within the context of a clear understanding of the sanctity of life and the inevitability of death. At the outset, the selective use of the term ‘assisted dying’ over ‘assisted suicide’ shifts the focus from the fact that this act will essentially legitimise and facilitate the premature taking of one’s own life.

An open letter addressed to parliamentarians regarding the ‘assisted dying’ bill was published in the Guardian on 5 September 2015, signed by various Faith leaders, of which I was one. This letter which opposed the bill outlined the following key concerns:

  • “If passed, it will directly affect not only those who are terminally ill and who wish to end their lives, but also their families and friends and the health professionals who care for them”
  • “It also has the potential to have a significant impact on other vulnerable individuals: those who believe that they have become burdens to family and carers and feel under pressure within themselves to ‘do the decent thing’ and, tragically, those who might be pressured by others to seek a medically-assisted death”
  • “In the UK some 500,000 elderly people are abused each year, most by family members, often for financial reasons. Many of these would also be vulnerable to pressure to end their lives prematurely”
  • “For many, a change in the law would result, not in great comfort, but in an added burden to consider ending their lives prematurely; a burden they ought not be asked to bear”

We have an age-old duty of care, especially to those closest to us, and this proposed change could in certain situations deprive us of giving that care to those who may consider themselves purely as a burden, and thus seek the premature ending of their own lives.

It is encouraging that the vast majority of doctors and healthcare professionals entrusted with front-line care for terminal patients see their role as being either to provide treatment or the appropriate palliative care, according to their medical judgement, but not as actively encouraging or taking part in ending life.

In not knowing when life will end, we continue to live that life to its fullest and impact the world around us, even at an advanced age or when experiencing the greatest illness. If we are now placed in a position to decide when life can or should indeed end, whether it be ours or others, this could significantly affect how we live our life, and would create a constant dilemma for many as to when the ‘right time’ to end it would be.

One unsettling element of the proposed bill is that it qualifies a person for assisted suicide if he or she is “reasonably expected to die within six months” leaving no room for the uncertainty which we know to still be part of our medical science even today. My own pastoral experience has brought me to minister to many diagnosed with terminal illness who have lived far beyond their prescribed life-expectancy. One brother bishop in particular who was told that he had 6 months to live 7 years ago continues to effectively shepherd his flock until today.

At a time when we see tens of thousands of people coming to our shores, fleeing death and seeking a better chance of life, this bill essentially seeks to advocate for those within those same shores to end their lives; a stark contrast indeed. Rather than looking at ways to legitimately end life, our focus should be on how to allow people to live and safeguard it as a precious gift.

Regardless of the outcome of this debate, it must be acknowledged that being in a place where death seems preferable to life, whether our own or others, is one of immense pain, and so we pray comfort for those suffering that pain, those seeing loved ones suffering before them, and for the wide variety of healthcare and support professionals who deal with them at various stages of their journey.

*Ends*

Statement on refugee crisis by HG Bishop Angaelos

View the statement via our Media and Communications office www.CopticMediaUK.com or read below:

Statement on the refugee crisis in Europe

By His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church
in the United Kingdom

4 September 2015

Having seen heartbreaking images of the lifeless and abandoned body of young Aylan Kurdi lying alone on a beach in Turkey puts an all too gruesome optic to a matter either in the forefront or background of every mind over the past months. The images we have now become too accustomed to seeing may have desensitised some, but the horrific reality of the situation remains; thousands of people continue to risk all, even their lives, to seek the safety that we are thankfully free to live on a daily basis.

Whether it is Aylan, his family, or the countless thousands of others making the treacherous journey to flee conflict and find a better life, we must now realise that the solution to this crisis is greater than for individual Churches, religions, communities, or even states to address alone, and so a more universal, integrated and collaborative approach to make the best of limited human and material resources, must be sought.

The Church of Egypt is no stranger to the issue of asylum as it was Egypt that accepted and embraced the infant Christ and His family as refugees when they fled targeted and intentional persecution. It is indeed telling that while the world has apparently progressed over millennia since then, the problems and challenges remain the same.

As a Church with its roots in the Middle East we are very aware of the struggles faced by people in the region, Christians and others. It is essential that the plight of these refugees is not belittled or ignored, as they face very real challenges in their homelands, living with a daily threat to their livelihood and even existence.

At a time of increasing economic pressure in Europe and a greater fear of importing radical elements seeking to destabilise our communities, it is understandable that caution must be exercised. Having said that however, that caution should not mean a blanket rejection of the vast majority of those coming who are genuinely seeking safety for themselves and their families. What is concerning is abrasive rhetoric in the media and public sphere, leading to the constant dehumanisation of people who are undoubtedly victims of this conflict, to the extent that many now see them simply as an impending risk to their communities, putting aside their basic rights and needs. What we must realise is that many of these people, indigenous to their homelands, are not fleeing out of choice or preference but out of sheer necessity.

This is undoubtedly an extremely complex issue that involves geo-politics, global economics, European economies and borders, state and regional security, as well as an increasingly volatile Middle East, but as I have mentioned previously, we must not be prescriptive to people living in crisis on whether or not they should stay and fight in their war-torn countries, or flee for their lives. Whatever their choices may be, we must advocate to either safeguard their continued presence or provide an alternative if they cease to see a viable continuity in their homelands.

It is encouraging, that over the past few days there has been a greater intention and appetite for a pragmatic and compassionate response to this increasing refugee crisis in seeking practical solutions whatever they may be.

The Scriptures are timeless in their direction, and when the Lord God instructs His people to care for the widow, orphan, traveller and stranger (Deuteronomy 10:18) that was not meant exclusively for His immediate audience alone, but to the whole of humanity over time.

These challenging events remind us of the brokenness of our humanity, but as Christians we also recognise the ability of God to heal that brokenness. For that reason, we pray confidently for solutions in the homelands of those fleeing, the countries that may extend whatever hospitality they can, and above all, safety for many who make these dangerous journeys out of sheer desperation.

*Ends*

Bishop Angaelos re killings in France, Tunisia, Kuwait

Comment by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, following the brutal killings in France, Tunisia and Kuwait on 26 June 2015

The brutal killings in France, Tunisia and Kuwait today show the vulnerability of our humanity, not only in those who died so needlessly and tragically, but also in those who were able to murder so brutally, mercilessly and intentionally. Once again the world witnesses the unnecessary claiming of innocent lives, a now far too familiar yet wholly unacceptable occurrence in the 21st Century. These horrific events indicate the increasing need for us all to continue to hold ourselves, as well as others, accountable for what we as fellow humans perceive to be the sanctity of human life because such intolerance, hatred and the objectification of others stems from an inability to recognise that shared humanity.

We pray for those whose lives have been taken, as well as for their families and communities, and for all those who will continue to fear and be traumatised by these horrific events. In the spirit of Christian forgiveness we also continue to pray, as we have in the past, for the perpetrators of these heinous crimes, that they may one day look upon those they have killed with a sense of remorse and grief, realising that they have deprived their families of a vibrant and beautiful future with them.

May God grant us and the world His peace, strength and healing, that incidents such as these may cease and that, in the interim, we have the strength to continue to speak out and seek a solution, and find an end, to such tragic and needless acts.

 

Bishop Angaelos receives OBE for Intl. Religious Freedom

Read official announcement via www.CopticMediaUK.com

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Announcement

His Grace Bishop Angaelos to be conferred the honour of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to International Religious Freedom by Her Majesty The Queen

13 June 2015

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom will be conferred the honour of Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to International Religious Freedom by Her Majesty The Queen as announced in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, published in the London Gazette on 13 June 2015.

Bishop Angaelos, who is conducting and speaking at the inaugural young adult’s convention in Vancouver, Canada, said the following in response to the announcement:

“I am humbled by this award because I see it as my role and duty to advocate for religious freedom as part of my ministry. While I am thankful for this great honour, it also comes with a sense of sadness that in the 21st Century we still need to defend people’s God-given rights and freedoms in this way. I consider this an award to every person who has worked with and supported me along the way and pray that God rewards and blesses them for all they have done and all they will continue to do. I must also express my sincere gratitude to Her Majesty The Queen and the Prime Minister for considering this cause worthy of such public acknowledgement.”

The formal investiture will take place in the coming months.


*Ends*

View this announcement online via www.CopticMediaUK.com

 Media coverage re HG Bishop Angaelos:

Resources regarding HG Bishop Angaelos on international religious freedom:

 

Statement re murder of Ethiopian Christians in Libya

Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, following the murder of Ethiopian Christians in Libya

20 April 2015

The confirmation of the murder of Ethiopian Christians by Daesh (IS) in Libya has been received with deep sadness. These executions that unnecessarily and unjustifiably claim the lives of innocent people, wholly undeserving of this brutality, have unfortunately become far too familiar. Once again we see innocent Christians murdered purely for refusing to renounce their Faith.

The Christians of Egypt and Ethiopia have had a shared heritage for centuries. Being predominantly Orthodox Christian communities with a mutual understanding of life and witness, and a common origin in the Coptic Orthodox Church, they now also share an even greater connection through the blood of these contemporary martyrs.

This sad news came on the day that His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury visited His Holiness Pope Tawadros II in Egypt to personally express his condolences following the similar brutal murder of 21 Coptic Orthodox Christians in Libya by Daesh in February of this year.

These horrific murders have not only touched the lives of those in the Middle East and Africa, but have led to a greater sense of solidarity among people and communities around the world. I am thankful, in the midst of this pain, that the ghastly nature of these crimes is bringing a greater rejection of them, and of any ideology that sanctions, justifies or glorifies brutality and murder.

As people of faith and none who respect humanity and life, we must continue to speak out against such appalling and senseless violence. As Christians, we remain committed to our initial instinct following the murder of our 21 Coptic brothers in Libya, that it is not only for our own good, but indeed our duty to ourselves, the world, and even those who see themselves as our enemies, to forgive and pray for the perpetrators of this and similar crimes. We pray for these men and women, self-confessed religious people, that they may be reminded of the sacred and precious nature of every life created by God.

Acts such as these do not only cause insurmountable pain to so many around the world, especially the families and communities of the victims, but can also create an even greater desensitisation in those perpetrating them to the suffering and pain which they cause. The will of God, Who created us in His own Image and likeness, can most certainly not be that we feel each other’s pain less or become desensitised to each other’s suffering.

We pray repose for the souls of these innocent men, a change of heart for those who took their lives, but above all we pray comfort and strength for their families and communities, and the many around the world who may not have known them, yet are left to mourn such a tragic and unnecessary loss of precious life.

Having seen the courageous response of the families of the Coptic martyrs in Libya, we pray similar strength, courage and peace for all those suffering as a result of this brutal act, reassured that their loved ones will never be forgotten, having died as true martyrs and paying the ultimate price, hearing the joyful promise “Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your Lord.”[1]

*Ends*

Visit our Media and Communications website for more statements / press releases via www.CopticMediaUK.com

When Left Behind Appeal for families of Libya victims

Official Press Release available via www.CopticMediaUK.com

When Left Behind Appeal Video

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury offer their support for the ‘When Left Behind’ appeal launched by His Grace Bishop Angaelos for the families of Coptic Christians brutally murdered in Libya in February 2015

6 March 2015

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales wrote personal letters of condolence to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark, and His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom following the brutal murder of 21 Coptic Christians in Libya and subsequently made a generous contribution towards the #WhenLeftBehind appeal, which will support the families in Egypt of those murdered in Libya. The Prince of Wales has continuously expressed his concern regarding the current challenges facing Christians in some Middle-Eastern nations and visited the Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in Stevenage in December 2013.

The Most Revd Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury also offered his condolences to Bishop Angaelos during his personal visit to the Coptic Orthodox Church Centre on 19 February 2015, and endorsed the appeal with a video message. The full appeal video can be seen HERE.

Bishop Angaelos launched the ‘When Left Behind’ appeal at a memorial service in London on 18 February 2015, where he spoke of the immense courage, strength and dignity shown by those who lost their lives in Libya, saying:

“As we mourn with the families of those who died we also rejoice in the faithful conviction, strength, dignity and bravery of these men; these fathers, brothers, uncles and sons who will never be forgotten.”

Bishop Angaelos invites all to contribute to the ‘When Left Behind’ appeal, saying:

“These young men were bread winners for their families and their loss will not only rob them of the joy of their presence but will leave a significant financial void in an already impoverished community. I am thankful to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, His Grace The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Right Honourable David Cameron and so many more who have already expressed their support and solidarity with the families who are left behind and with the Coptic faithful around the world.”

DONATE via www.JustGiving.com/WhenLeftBehind or TEXT ‘COPT21 £(amount)’ to 70070.

More information via @WhenLeftBehind and www.CopticMediaUK.com and www.CopticCentre.com

The names of the young men killed in Libya are:

  1. Milad Makeen Zaky
  2. Abanub Ayad Atiya
  3. Maged Soliman Shehata
  4. Youssef Shukry Younan
  5. Kirollos Boshra Fawzy
  6. Bishoy Astafanous Kamel
  7. Samuel Astafanous Kamel
  8. Malak Ibrahim Sinyout
  9. Tawadros Youssef Tawadros
  10. Gerges Milad Sinyout
  11. Mina Fayez Aziz
  12. Hany Abdel Mesih Salib
  13. Samuel Alham Wilson
  14. Ezzat Boshra Naseef
  15. Luka Nagaty Anis
  16. Gaber Mounir Adly
  17. Essam Baddar Samir
  18. Malak Farag Abrahim
  19. Sameh Salah Farouk
  20. Gerges Samir Megally
  21. Mathew Ayairga (from Ghana)


For more information about the appeal please contact Advocacy@CopticCentre.com