The Coptic Church in the UK

The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom dates back to 10 August 1954 when the first Liturgical service was prayed in London by delegates representing the Coptic Orthodox Church at the general assembly of the World Council of churches.

In February 1969 a historic Liturgy was prayed in London by His Grace Bishop Shenouda (the late Pope Shenouda III) who encouraged the faithful to carry out regular services which subsequently led to the hiring of St Andrew’s church in Holborn. Many would gather from across the United Kingdom to pray there until 1978, when, returning to London as Pope, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III consecrated St Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Kensington, London, the first Coptic Orthodox Church in Europe.

Since then, 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 Archbishop 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 seen it fit to embark on a new stage of the ministry of the Church in Britain by establishing the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of London under the care of Archbishop Angaelos of London. We pray God’s blessing, guidance, inspiration and protection as it commences its ministry.

The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland is an interactive member of its community, serving people of all ages in a variety of ways across the four nations, equipping people to be faithful citizens and active members of their local communities. Among the various services that the Church provides are spiritual, pastoral care, advocacy and benevolent work, and youth ministry.