THE COPTIC ARCHBISHOP OF ENGLAND VISITS THE PATRIARCHATE

On Tuesday, September 19^th, 2023, the Coptic Archbishop of England, His Eminence Archbishop Angelos accompanied by His Eminence the Coptic Archbishop in Jerusalem, Archbishop Antonios, visited our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Theophilos III.

In this fraternal meeting were discussed issues concerning the Christian Churches in Jerusalem, like the challenges of unfair municipal taxes by the Jerusalem Municipality, as well as attacks of radical elements against Christians and their Churches.

The churches cooperate to overcome these challenges as well as serving the thousands of pilgrims visiting the Holy Land. The Churches further strive to maintain the multi-religious and multi-cultural character of Jerusalem.

The issue of Der Sultan problem was discussed as well for a solution through dialogue between the Churches and without the interference of any external factors.  We are optimistic, said Patriarch Theophilos III, because we are the Church of the Resurrection.

The issue of the repetition of the Theological dialogue between the Eastern Chalcedonian Orthodox Churches and pro-Chalcedonian Churches was also discussed.

The Patriarch offered His Eminence, Bishop Angelos, an “Engolpion” and the icon of the Theotokos and of the Edicule, and His Eminence offered the Patriarch an icon with Coptic children iconography.

From Secretariat-General