Revive 2012

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Timothy 4:7

Revive 2012, the new and improved summer conference was the first of its kind! With a dedicated team of servants working tirelessly with HG Bishop Angaelos and the parish priests to see a new structure and attitude infused, it lived up to expectations. Revive managed to cater for four different age groups with sessions split into ages 14-15, 16-17, 18-19, and 20-21. Under the umbrella theme ‘Running the Race’, the usual talk-and-workshop format was nowhere to be seen, and interactive sessions were re-structured to ensure that Revive was a weekend to remember. The sessions focussed on how to start our spiritual race fully equipped, how to stay on track, and to avoid losing sight of the finish line. Other aspects of Revive that made it a huge success was the excellent catering, awesome activities and general friendly vibe promoted by all those who served.

In the lead up to Revive an Olympic-style torch was passed between all 5 South East Churches during youth events to promote and celebrate unity, and in keeping with the Olympic theme. Along with the torch, a prayer baton was used to record the names of all of the youth within the parishes. When the baton reached Revive it was placed on the altar at St. George’s Cathedral, and prayers were offered during the Liturgy for all the youth in the various churches. An incredible number of people attended Revive, approximately 200, and we all came together to ‘fight the good fight’ and end the Olympic summer with a bang, and that we did!

But don’t take our word for it, why not see what youth who attended had to say about it:

Strand A: Age 14-15
"The fellowship was really good and I loved how the teambuilding tasks got everyone to work together."

Strand B: Age 16-17
"God’s forgiveness means that no matter how many times we fall, God is always willing to forgive us if we run to Him"

Strand C: Age 18-19
"All the little details of each session were taken care of which allowed us to feel the joy of listening and participating in them. I was inspired by the work of the strand leaders"

Strand D: Age 20-21
"We focused on what our 'identity' is and the importance of stripping away the views and perceptions of others about us as well as our own. Instead we should strive to view ourselves through Gods eyes so we can discern HIS purpose for us"

Thank you to everyone who made Revive 2012 a weekend to remember, especially the servants and priests, and God willing we will see you at Revive 2013!

EuroCOFTA 2012

A wise man once said “football is more than a sport or a mere activity, it is a means of unifying individuals; provoking emotion in all people, irrespective of age, race or gender, and that is why it is considered a universal language.”

That wise man, is me. The above is an accurate description of what I witnessed over the weekend of 13-15 July 2012 where The Coptic Centre hosted the 2nd Euro COFTA.

England, France, Holland, Germany, Italy, Sweden and Switzerland; 7 teams coming together to compete for the most desired title in Church football, whilst representing their churches and countries.

A couple of teams arrived before the weekend and international friendships were already being formed. By Friday all teams had arrived with their fans, coaches and high spirits as they prepared to showcase their talents. The Coptic Centre felt like an EU summit!

As the games kicked off under the infamous English rain, fans persisted in cheering for their countries and the teams did not fail to deliver highly entertaining matches, whether with high scores or tight games. The day was full of thrilling football and provided excitement, laughter and frustration as both groups played for the top 2 spots in their respective groups.

A delicious BBQ and candy-floss as well as outdoor activities ensured that everyone had much to enjoy alongside the football. In the evening, His Grace Bishop Angaelos gave a bible study after a highly energetic vespers where the teams came together for prayer and to share the word of God.

The liturgy was an amazing experience, multilingual but united in spirit, heart and prayer. It was a real testament to the ministry of the Coptic Church and how, with its expansion into all parts of the earth, she still maintains common foundations upon which her children can come together and worship in unity.

During the knockouts, England failed to defend its title, and lost to last year’s runners up, France, with the heart-ache of an own goal. In the other semi-final, tournament debutants Sweden beat the Swiss in an exciting game. In the thrilling final, France and Sweden were battling each other as well as exhaustion, yet the Swedes managed to edge past the French to claim their first Euro COFTA cup.

What was evident more than anything was that despite having 7 teams playing football, there were more teams elsewhere: in the kitchen, at the BBQ, arranging accommodation, activities and transport. The spirit of unity and fellowship displayed over the weekend really made me proud of our youth. May God continue to bless this wonderful ministry.


By Amir Michaeel

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

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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