The preliminary list of names presented to the Nominations Committee of those put forward as Papal candidates was announced and published on Wednesday 30th May 2012

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
Date: 30th May 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Media and Public Relations Office

The preliminary list of names presented to the Nominations Committee of those put forward as Papal candidates was announced and published on Wednesday 30th May 2012, in Cairo as part of the Papal Selection Process for the Coptic Orthodox Church.

The Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church has announced the preliminary list of names presented to the Nominations Committee of those put forward as Papal candidates as part of the process of selecting a new pope to succeed His Holiness the late Pope Shenouda III, the 117th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark. H.H. Pope Shenouda III departed on 17th March 2012 after forty-one years of papacy.

A final list of eligible voters is yet to be announced, and the period for challenges to be presented to the Nominations Challenges Committee with regards to Papal candidates will only commence once this is done.

The preliminary Papal candidate list is as follows:

Metropolitan Bishoy of Damiette
Bishop Youannes
Bishop Roufail
Bishop Pavnotious of Samalout
Bishop Boutros
Bishop Tawadros
Bishop Kirollos of Milan
Father Rafael Avva-Mina
Father Maximos El-Antony
Father Shenouda Anba-Bishoy
Father Pakhomous El-Souriani
Father Daniel El-Souriani
Father Anastasi El-Samuely
Father Bishoy Anba-Paula
Father Sawaries Anba-Paula
Father Seraphim El-Souriani
Father Pigol Anba-Paula

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom has issued a detailed explanation of the papal selection process, along with a timeline which identifies key stages of the process, saying the following:

“This is an experience with which many will not have been involved in their lifetime, so it was important to provide a simplified explanation, allowing engagement at every level. Within these steps we find a robust process that includes: nominations from peers within the Holy Synod, nominations from laity through the General Lay Council, systematic scrutiny with a process of challenges and appeals, representative democratic election, and above all, the Altar Ballot that encompasses this whole process with a spirit of prayer and trustful submission to the will of God.”

For the explanation and timeline please visit the Blog or click here.

For more information or to arrange an interview with His Grace Bishop Angaelos please contact:


Media and Public Relations Officer
The Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Tel: +44 (0)207 1937076

Media and Public Relations Office
The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre
Shephalbury Manor
Broadhall Way, Stevenage
Hertfordshire SG2 8NP
England, United Kingdom

Tel.: +44 (0)207 1937076
Fax: +44 (0)1438 313879
Office Email: Media@CopticCentre.com
Website: www.CopticCentre.com
Blog: www.CopticCentre.Blogspot.com
Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CopticMediaUK
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/CopticMediaUK

HG Bishop Angaelos Holy Week Parish Pastoral Visit Schedule

His Grace will be delivering all the sermons throughout this week in English

Saturday 7^th April

Palm Sunday Vespers St Mary and St Mercurius Church, Risca  (5-7pm)

Sunday 8^th April

Morning Palm Sunday Liturgy St George Cathedral, Stevenage (10am-1pm)

General Funeral Service St. George Cathedral (1-2pm)

Evening Pascha Service St Mary and St Shenouda Coulsdon (5-7pm)

Monday 9^th April

Morning Pascha St. George Cathedral (11-1:30pm)

Evening Pascha St. Mary and St. Abraam Church Brighton (6-9pm)

Tuesday 10^th April

Morning St. George Cathedral (11-1:30pm)

Evening St. Mary & Archangel Michael Golders Green (6-9pm)

Wednesday 11^th April

Morning Pascha St George Cathedral (11-1:30pm)

Evening Pascha St. Mark Kensington (6-9pm)

Thursday 12 April (Maundy Thursday)

St. George Cathedral

Pascha Service (10am)

Laquan Service (12pm)

The Holy Liturgy (1:30pm-3pm)

The Pascha Service (6pm-9pm)

Friday 13 April (Good Friday)

St. George Cathedral

Good Friday Prayers (10am-5pm)

Apocalypse Vigil (11pm-4am)

The Holy Liturgy (4am-5:30am)

Saturday 14 April (Bright Saturday)

St. George Cathedral

Raising of incense (8pm)

The Holy Resurrection Liturgy (8:30pm)

Sunday 15 April (Feast of the Resurrection)

Spending the day with the local parish community and visitors from other parishes at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

CY March 2012 - For Youth By Youth

Click to launch the full edition in a new window
Publishing Software from YUDU

Remembering His Holiness Pope Shenouda III

On hearing of the passing of our beloved father, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, on Saturday 17th March, there was much comfort in the fact that as the Coptic youth of the UK, we were gathered together at that moment in fellowship. The news came during the annual men’s basketball tournament at the Coptic Church Centre in Stevenage, and as one body, we halted the sports, moved to the Cathedral of St George and shared in prayer and remembrance of a wonderful man who touched each of our lives in a unique way.

One week later on Saturday 24th March 2012, another gathering was held in the Cathedral, again to pray and remember His Holiness, but this time the congregation that gathered consisted of clergy and believers from several of the Orthodox denominations, Catholic, Anglican, Evangelical and many other Churches across the UK and the rest of the world. There were also representation of Her Majesty, as well as organisations and groups that have had affiliations and dealings with the Coptic Church for many years, and everyone in attendance had come to pay their respects to a man whom they knew to be respected and loved the world over.

The procession was mournful but beautiful and rousing, as the sheer number of attendees became apparent. Approximately 400 people filled the Cathedral, and the atmosphere was one of respect and reverence, but at the same time emotive and celebratory of Pope Shenouda; our loss uniting us and bringing us closer. Once the memorial prayer service had been shared, a letter was read on behalf of the Archbishop of Canterbury, offering his condolences and prayers, followed by HG Bishop Angaelos’ thoughts. His Grace spoke of His Holiness’ life and teachings, as well as His Holiness’ love for the Church, who are his children.

Later, refreshments were offered in the hall, giving all an opportunity to share their own stories and personal experiences of His Holiness in their lives. There was also a chance to sign the book of condolences, which will prove a historic collection of messages in the future.

We pray that the Lord reposes His Holiness’ soul, and that he continues to remember us in his prayers, which will undoubtedly be heard more clearly from where he is now.

Memorial Service for H.H. Pope Shenouda III at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre, UK

A memorial service celebrating the life and ministry of our late father, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, will be this Saturday 24th March at 3pm in the Cathedral of St. George at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre.

As many are unable to attend the funeral service of H.H. the late Pope Shenouda III in Cairo, this memorial service will provide a good opportunity for people to gather together and pray for the repose of the soul of His Holiness and for the Church, and all are welcome and invited to attend.

HG Bishop Angaelos, who will be officiating the service, travelled to Egypt upon hearing news of the departure of His Holiness on Saturday March 17th; he said the following about the upcoming service:

“We have been inundated with messages of condolence from many friends across the United Kingdom. It is only fitting to hold this memorial service in order to allow people to join in giving thanks for the life and ministry of His Holiness. It is undoubtedly very sad to farewell a father, yet as a Church, we are confident in the knowledge that our Lord, through the power of His Resurrection that we will celebrate in only a few weeks’ time, promises us life after death, and we join together to pray for His Holiness as he is welcomed into that heavenly promise.”

There will be a book of condolence available at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre Monday 19th till Wednesday 21st March 2012 for those who would like to pay their respects (Please contact Admin@CopticCentre.com or phone 01438-745232). The book will also be available for contributions after the memorial service on Saturday 24th March.

Centre address:
Saturday 24th March, 2012 from 3pm
The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre Shephalbury Manor
Broadhall Way, Stevenage Hertfordshire SG2 8NP


For more information please contact:

Media and Public Relations Officer
The Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Tel: +44 (0)207 1937076

A Message from H.H. Pope Shenouda III

A Message left from His Holiness Pope Shenouda for his Congregation following his Departure.

The words I am going to say are the words from His Holiness Pope Shenouda talking to his children, these are words of comfort and condolences to you all

I am your father and teacher, all of you my children, listen to my commandments, for I ask you my beloved children, preserve and look after the faith of the Holy Trinity. 
I ask my beloved children, love one another with a true love. 
I ask you my beloved, do good with all humanity. 
I ask my beloved children, do not let the world deceive you. 
I ask you my beloved children, do not fall short or “be not eager” in the service of the Lord. 
I ask you my beloved children, to pray without ceasing and tirelessly. 
I ask you o my beloved children, preserve your tongues from causing any division. 
I ask of you my beloved children, to preserve the Holy Baptism that was granted to you. 
I ask of you my beloved children, preserve your body pure for the Lord. 
I ask of you my beloved children, do not ever lamp weaken without light. 
I ask of you my beloved children, preserve the commandments that God gave to you. 
I ask of you my beloved children, that the fear of God be within you.

God is witness, my beloved children, that I did not keep any of God’s words from away you…that I never ever slept my children, and be blamed by any one of you…that if you preserve and keep what I have told you, you will crush the head of the serpent and dragon. So hence, if you preserve and keep what I have said to you, you will eat of the goodness of the earth. So hence, if you preserve and keep what I have said to you, the shinning Cherobeam will guard you. So hence, if you preserve and keep what I have said to you, you will never lack of the Heavenly gifts.

I ask of you my beloved children, to ask of Christ for my soul, that it may have comfort in front of Him, and do not count my short falls, unknowingly and unwillingly. (Then he directs his talks to the Bishops, clergy and priests) I ask for your love and I plead to your reverence, to absolve me from everyone. And now, I am far from you and left you, and I cannot see your faces. And now I ask of you all, that you exhaust yourselves in prayers for me, remembrance in the Holy Liturgies, that my Master may accept me to Him, and forgive me. 

And I ask Christ, the Great Shepherds of Shepherds, that he may elect for you a righteous shepherd according to His Will and heart, that he may shepherd you and your matters and watch for the salvation of your souls.

HG Bishop Angaelos Announces Departure of H.H. Pope Shenouda III

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE USE

Date: 17^th March 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Media and Public Relations Office

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK announced the departure of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III.

On 17^th March 2012 His Grace Bishop Angaelos announced the departure of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, the 117^th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark the Evangelist of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria.

In a statement released today Bishop Angaelos said the following:

“His Holiness Pope Shenouda III will be remembered by his Church as a dedicated servant of God and of the people, a man who faithfully endured through conflict, opposition, and persecution. His Holiness built upon the foundation laid by our Lord Jesus Christ, enhancing the Church in a variety of ways, encouraging a spirit of unity for all of humanity. May his prayers be with us all, and may he find joy and rest in the Kingdom of our gracious Lord.”

The announcement came during a sports ministry event at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre involving hundreds of youth from across the United Kingdom; His Grace commented that “this was especially pertinent as youth ministry has always been one of the passions of His Holiness and it would have given him joy to see this gathering.”

His Holiness Pope Shenouda was consecrated Pope of Alexandria on November 14, 1971, and under his leadership the Church experienced rapid growth within Egypt and in the lands of immigration, including the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia, with over 200 churches in North America being established, there being only 4 at the time of his succession.

His Holiness gave weekly meetings to over seven thousand people in the Cathedral of St. Mark in Cairo, authored over 100 spiritual books, later translated into many languages for consumption worldwide; he also ordained over 80 Metropolitans and Bishops and over 600 priests.  

His Holiness was also dedicated to ecumenism and helped to pave the way towards greater unity between the Oriental, Catholic, and Protestant among other Churches worldwide being the first pope in over 1500 years to visit the Vatican in 1973, agreeing to establish joint commissions for dialogue on unity.

There will be a book of condolence available at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre from Monday 19^th March 2012 for those who would like to show their respects. Please contact Admin@CopticCentre.com or phone 01438-745232.

For more information please contact:

Media and Public Relations Officer
The Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Tel: +44 (0)207 1937076

Media and Public Relations Office
The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre
Shephalbury Manor
Broadhall Way, Stevenage
Hertfordshire SG2 8NP
England, United Kingdom

Tel.: +44 (0)207 1937076
Fax: +44 (0)1438 313879
Office Email: Media@CopticCentre.com
Website: www.CopticCentre.com

Blog: www.CopticCentre.Blogspot.com
Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CopticMediaUK
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/CopticMediaUK