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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*

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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*

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

HG Bishop Angaelos comments a day after brutal bombing and murder of 25 people in St Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church, Cairo

12 December 2016

Today is a day of many emotions: sadness, nervousness, uncertainty, and understandably even anger at times. That is because yesterday was a day in which we witnessed the worst of humanity, when innocent women and children who decided to worship their God in their spiritual home had their lives needlessly and senselessly ended without warning. They were used as pawns; a means to an end. To the perpetrators of this heinous crime, their lives clearly held no greater value than scribbles on a strategic page; a plan that was to be executed for a cause to which they were merely incidental, collateral damage. Yesterday we saw beautiful lives lost, families separated and broken, and whole communities grieving; a truly painful time that has not only affected Coptic Christians, but Egyptian society at large, Muslims and Christians alike, and millions around the world.

Crimes will always be perpetrated and criminals will continue to exist, but such a strategic, vicious act is difficult to comprehend. It is indeed difficult to understand how a person might plan and execute such a horrific, ruthless and barbaric plot against innocent women and children. The only way to do this is to completely disregard the relevance, value and sanctity of any life potentially affected by these actions.

In recent decades, we have seen recurring acts of violence against Christians and Christian communities in Egypt. Time and time again, very few, if any, perpetrators have been brought to justice, and we subsequently continue to witness an escalation of these attacks. This is not a matter of blame, but accountability, with an expectation that barbaric acts such as these should never occur, but if they do, that their perpetrators are rightly and fairly held to account. This is not a call for vengeance, but a deterrent against similar future plans and aspirations.

We are thankful for the overwhelming outpouring of emotion and support that we have personally received from friends, and even indeed strangers, around the world in response to this horrific and heartbreaking attack, but it is unfathomable that at the same time, others have politicised this atrocity by actually laying blame on those targeted, maimed and killed because of the perceived political stance of Christians in Egypt. They have even gone so far as to imply that Christians and the Church were somehow complicit in this crime to gain sympathy, allegedly using their daughters, sisters, mothers and grandmothers as means to a ludicrous contrived political end.

As Christians, we have hope in the belief that good will prevail despite the seemingly increasing evil in our world. Life will certainly go on and atrocities such as these will by no means defeat us. Today, tomorrow and the next day will continue to bring new beginnings and greater resilience, but there will continue to be a deep effect on many that may remain with them for weeks, months, and even years to come.

As Christians, we also believe in forgiveness, but forgiveness is by no means synonymous with ignoring justice. Forgiveness ensures that our own hearts are not entangled in a web of anger and resentment, or corrupted by feelings of hatred or revenge. Forgiveness is ultimately liberating and empowering, but at the same time, justice is essential; not for the purposes of punishment, but to secure and protect our societies in which people must respectfully live side by side.

Chapter 16 of the Gospel of Saint John tells us that in the world “we will have tribulation” but to be “of good cheer” for the Lord Jesus Christ has “overcome the [evils of this] world.” The Scriptures also tell us that “the time is coming that whoever kills [us] will think that he offers God service”(John 16:2).This reality has been lived for two millennia, through the reign of Diocletian, and continues until today as we still witness targeted persecution throughout the world. In facing these struggles throughout history, too many precious lives have been lost, and this is why we must advocate for the safeguarding of every life, so that many more do not continue to suffer on our watch.

As we prepare for feasts and celebrations: Christmas in the Gregorian calendar, the New Year, the Feast of the Nativity in the Julian calendar, and Epiphany, sharing them with family and friends around us, there are families that will not be coming together, and communities that will not be celebrating, as a result of this great loss. We remember and pray for them all, and assure them that they will not be forgotten. We also live confident that if we, as limited imperfect beings, are moved by their loss and suffering in this way, that our perfect, all-loving, all-powerful, and all-just God hears their cries and will by no means forsake or forget them, but strengthen, support and comfort them as only He can.

*Ends*

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Explosion kills 25 Coptic Orthodox worshippers during Sunday worship in Cairo

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

11 December 2016

It is with great sadness that we receive the news today of at least 25 people brutally murdered by an explosion during regular Sunday worship at St Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo, adjacent to the Grand Cathedral of Saint Mark.

Our prayers are with those whose lives have been so senselessly ended, those who have been injured, and every family and community affected. We also pray for every Coptic parish and community across Egypt as they fill their churches this morning, as well as for the broader Egyptian society that fall victim to similar inhumane attacks.

Many within our Coptic community in Britain will have family and friends in Egypt, and we also pray for them at this time of uncertainty.

We share in this tragedy but are encouraged by the strength and resilience of our brethren in Egypt that we have grown accustomed to and learn from. We pray God’s peace and protection upon the Christians of Egypt, the broader Egyptian society, Christians around the world worshipping this morning and all faith communities that fall prey to similar attacks.

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Human Rights Day 2016

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

10 December 2016

As another year draws to a close and we mark Human Rights Day 2016, the importance of the sanctity of every human life remains challenged in far too many places in our world. This is despite various charters and conventions put in place to safeguard the lives of all. While humanity is seen to be rapidly advancing in many areas we are, as a global community, guilty of neglecting and even forsaking basic God-given rights and freedoms which were bestowed indiscriminately upon all; rights that must continue to underpin our values and choices if we seek to preserve justice, peace and freedom.

Human Rights Day commemorates the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights[1] in 1948, which set out to provide a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations to be universally protected.

Among the various safeguards outlined in the Charter, yet clearly still violated across our world today, is Article 3, which states: “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.” This is sadly in stark contrast to the way in which many are forced to exist in parts of our world. Likewise, Article 14 outlines that “Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution,” a right now threatened by vast global displacement that has in part resulted from the overlooking of gross human rights violations over decades against those who now seek refuge. On the matter of Religious Freedom in particular, Article 18, a right still grossly violated in many countries states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion…either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.” This of course is starkly different from the reality that 5.3 billion people, representing 76% of the world’s population, live in countries with a high or very high level of restrictions on religion[2]. Other articles within the Charter deal with education, legal representation, quality of life, and other key issues, yet how many of the countries that subscribe to this charter truly abide by it in its entirety?

We should not forget however, that so many within the religious, civic and political spheres work tirelessly to advocate for the protection of these basic human rights, and their efforts must be supported and praised. We owe a great debt of gratitude to countless religious leaders, advocates, lawyers, politicians, healthcare professionals, aid workers, volunteers, and so many more who risk their lives for the sake of others.

Whether speaking of religious freedom, freedom of thought or conscience, asylum, education or any other right outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we must realise that all of these rights are fundamental, as without them we allow for inequality, injustice, marginalisation, and oppression. We must also remember that to protect the rights of others is to protect our own.

Remembering that there is a foundation for our actions that pre-exists this and similar charters, the Christian message calls us to live as the image and likeness of God, and if we are to do so faithfully, the Scriptures provide a model for us to follow in the way that He Himself has dealt with humanity, saying “He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing” (Deuteronomy 10:18).

We pray that those who work tirelessly to safeguard the rights of others are supported in their continuing and faithful work, and that more commit to the active promotion and safeguarding of these basic human rights that protect us all. We also pray for all those deprived of their basic human rights across our global community, that they find comfort and peace, knowing that many around the world still work tirelessly to alleviate their pain.

[1] www.UN.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights

[2] www.FreedomDeclared.org/Facts

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Syrian Patriarch speaks at House of Lords meeting

29 November 2016

On 28 November 2016 a meeting was held with the Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church at the House of Lords, hosted by The Lord Alton of Liverpool, at the invitation of His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom.

The meeting, held under Chatham House Rules, gave opportunity for interested parliamentarians, diplomats, religious leaders and members of advocacy and human rights organisations, to listen to His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, one of Syria’s leading figures and one of its senior Christian leaders. The current situation in Syria, the suffering of its Christian communities and how others abroad can be of assistance, was discussed.

During the course of the meeting, concerns were raised over the nature of media coverage of events in Syria, and its lack of coverage of suffering communities in Western Aleppo. The concerns of the Syrian community, both Muslim and Christian, over British foreign policy and its potential long-term effects were raised.

The efforts of the Church in Syria to support and care for all members of the community indiscriminately, despite a lack of resources, were outlined. Following the meeting The Baroness Cox and The Lord Cormack both raised questions in a debate in the House of Lords concerning the situation in Aleppo.

After the meeting, Bishop Angaelos said:

“I am pleased that numerous members of parliament and the British community were given opportunity to listen to His Holiness, who is not merely a leader, but someone who lives in Syria among his flock, and who understands the gross challenges faced by Syrians. It is time for us to stop speaking about people in Syria, and start speaking and listening to them, in order to ascertain their needs and to try our utmost to meet them.

While thankful for the generosity and humanitarian aid already provided by Her Majesty’s government and the British public to suffering communities in the Middle East, what has become increasingly more evident is that Churches in Syria are left to their own devices to provide for those suffering, both Christian and Muslim, as a result of the ongoing war and crisis.

With limited resources and little to no funding from government bodies, Churches are playing a crucial role in helping to provide for the most vulnerable, and to hold communities together at a time when they themselves are under threat. The time is now for us all to do what we can to act to support their efforts, and to ensure that the most vulnerable are protected and not left to suffer under our watch.

Having said that, we give thanks for the clear message of hope consistently lived and demonstrated by our sisters and brothers in Syria, and continue to pray that calm, peace and safety may once again be restored to their land and communities”

In the days before the meeting, Bishop Angaelos attended the consecration of St Thomas Syriac Orthodox Cathedral, with His Holiness Patriarch Aphrem II, which was also attended by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, and attended liturgy at the Cathedral with the Patriarch before welcoming him to a community reception at St Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in London.

*Ends*

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Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom

International Religious Freedom Day 2016

27 October 2016

As we mark International Religious Freedom Day, it is becoming more apparent that the Freedom of Religion or Belief is not only desirable, but fundamental to our ability as humanity to peacefully co-exist, and live with God-given dignity irrespective of our religious or non-religious convictions.

Regardless of what many may want to believe, religion is not only hugely significant, but fundamentally core to the vast majority of the world’s population. Accordingly, the opportunity to have and practice one’s religion unencumbered, and without imposition on others, is a right that must be protected for all those who believe and practice peacefully and faithfully.

Our world is struggling to promote, and indeed maintain, God-given freedoms that have been enshrined in numerous international charters and conventions for decades, such as Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As a result we continue to witness violations against communities around the globe, and for that reason it is now that governments, faith leaders, civil society, NGOs and all in positions of leadership or influence must stand together in solidarity to address the problems that threaten further violations against the most vulnerable, and lead to the destabilisation of our global community.

Collaboration remains our best tool in combatting intolerance and injustice, and providing hope at a time when fear, anxiety and hopelessness are increasingly overtaking our general state of being and perspective.

The Christian message is one of hope, and at these times of seemingly increasing darkness, that Gospel message of hope and promise is most needed. God has graciously and indiscriminately bestowed humanity with the freedom to choose or reject Him, and did not make His image and likeness, the right to dignity or the basic right to exist, conditional upon choosing Him. It is upon that foundation that we must accept one another’s diversity, and advocate for all who are denied the right and freedom to practice their chosen faith, or none.

The oppression and persecution of religious minorities across the Middle East and beyond has unfortunately become an all-too-familiar occurrence. As a result, many have become either desensitised or disheartened by the ongoing struggle. We must not lose heart however, but take opportunities such as today, to speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves, to advocate for those who find themselves without a champion, and to challenge all who seek to justify injustice. Following in the footsteps of our Lord, we must endeavour, to the best of our ability, to “proclaim liberty to the captives…recovery of sight to the blind…[and] set at liberty those who are oppressed…” (Luke 4:18).

Each and every one of us can make a difference, so let us take the opportunity on International Religious Freedom Day to work in whatever capacity we can to safeguard the basic God-given rights and freedoms of those we encounter on a daily basis, and those we see suffering from afar. When we advocate for others we inevitably advocate for the whole of humanity, ourselves and our own included.

Trusting in the faithfulness of our heavenly Father, we pray that He continues to use all who are willing to spread the message of hope, light, forgiveness, and peace to those who are so desperately in need of it in our world today.

*Ends*

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Press Release: Messages from HRH The Prince of Wales, the Prime Minister and the Archbishop of Canterbury received as religious freedom is highlighted in annual Coptic New Year (Nayrouz) Service at Westminster Abbey.

24 October 2016

Messages were received from HRH The Prince of Wales, the Prime Minister and the Archbishop of Canterbury as religious freedom was highlighted at the annual Coptic New Year (Nayrouz) Service at St Margaret’s, Westminster Abbey. Addresses were also delivered by HE Ambassador David Saperstein, The Lord Alton of Liverpool, HE Ambassador Nasser Kamel and The Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth. [Read full report including quotes and photographs here]

Joining members of the Coptic community at the service were members of the House of Lords, House of Commons, the Diplomatic Corps, the Foreign Commonwealth Office, the Home Office, humanitarian and advocacy organisations, and various ecumenical, inter-religious guests. The service commenced with a welcome by the Reverend Canon Jane Sinclair, Canon of Westminster & Rector of St Margaret’s.

In his sermon, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom said:

“It has undoubtedly been a challenging year with the referendum, news of wars, oppression, homelessness, displacement, and presidential elections; there is so much to destabilise us, but what is our core? Our core is our Faith; the Good News.”

“How can I stay silent in seeing the oppression of others when I have tasted that bitterness and seen that affliction and persecution. We have all suffered in our own ways and so therefore we are all mandated to speak out for others in our own ways.”

“Today as we start this year, ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon us’; we are anointed, mandated and sent into this world as hope, light and promise. It is God in us Who enables us to do this, and so today we really do stand together in this sacred place, with the saints, in unity of heart. Let nothing take that away from us, and let nothing defeat that spirit that allows us to defeat all that seeks to silence us.”

Following prayers for the persecuted and martyrs of the Christian Faith, a message from His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales was read by The Right Reverend Geoffrey Rowell and Mr Jonathan Hellewell LVO, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister read a message from The Right Honourable Theresa May, Prime Minister.

In a message addressed to Bishop Angaelos from The Most Rev. and the Rt Hon. the Archbishop of Canterbury, read byThe Right Reverend Nigel Stock, Bishop at Lambeth, he said:

“Your community is a suffering community. Who can forget those young men so brutally murdered in Libya, or what your Church must endure from time to time in your homeland. Yet you speak of the forgiveness of Christ and look always for that which helps the peace of God be known.”

Prior to the service, the Foreign Commonwealth Office hosted a ground-breaking 2-day summit from 19-20 October which brought together more than 50 expert speakers, including His Grace Bishop Angaelos, and over 170 participants from 38 countries, to explore how Freedom of Religion or Belief can help prevent violent extremism and identify opportunities to work together. Over 100 of those participants joined the Coptic community at the annual Nayrouz service in St Margaret’s, Westminster Abbey on 20 October 2016.

*Ends*

Read the full report including quotes and photographs via www.CopticMediaUK.com