Coptic Orthodox Church in Wales

Historical background

Third and Fourth Centuries missionary work of the Church of Alexandria

It is known in the ecclesiastical history of the Church of Alexandria that the Church had sent missionaries in the 3rd or 4th century to the Celtic lands, espesially monastics.

It is also know within the Celtic tradition, especially in Ireland that the foundation of the monastic system among the Celts was either based in portion or inspired by the Egyptians monastic system and there are many traces of Alexandrine Theology inbedded in the Celtic Theology. So the return of the Church of Alexandria to these lands is of certain importance.

Modern times presence

Although the Coptic Orthodox congregation has been present is Wales since the 1960s , The first Coptic Orthodox Church in Wales was consecrated in 1992 by HH Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria in the town of Risca , South Wales

Currently there are two Coptic Orthodox Churchs in Wales.

St Mary and St Mercurius Coptic Orthodox Church

The Coptic Priest for Risca: Fr. Philopateer Wahba

The first Coptic Orthodox Church in Wales , consecrated in 1992 by HH Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria in the town of Risca , South Wales as a church of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria. The ofiicial name of the church is St Mary's and St Abu Saifain's Coptic Orthodox Church.

The Church building was a Former Welseyan Methodist church. Founded 1837, rebuilt on same site 1852 and dedicated to St John. Architect not known, Church was designed to seat 600. Later was known as Trinity Methodist Church

The church is a listed historic building (Grade II) for its well preserved architectural interest, its unusual slender arcades and especially for its fine decorative frontage.

Interior partly converted to Coptic Orthodox liturgical use. Unusual aisled roof structure, wooden trusses rising from posts set on the very tall slender marbled columns with Corinthian derived capitals, which also support the high round arches of a wooden arcade; painted boarded ceiling. Wide moulded reredos arch and gallery. Rear raked gallery with curved and panelled front; pews on both floors retained. Vestibule has glazed panels to partition and swing doors with quarry glazing incorporating Art Nouveau motifs.

Current Priest is Father Philopater Wahba

This Church is under the direct supervision of HH Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria and he is the head of the Church's council. The Church is regularly visited and supervised by His Grace Angaelos, the General Bishop.

Saint Mary and Saint Abasikhiron Coptic Orthodox Church

The second Coptic Orthodox Church in Wales is in 25 Trinity Avenue, Llandudno, North Wales, it was bought in 2005 .

See also

• Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria
• St Mary and St Mercurius Coptic Orthodox Church
• Saint Mary and Saint Abasikhiron Coptic Orthodox Church
• Copts
• Coptic iconography
• Coptic language
• Coptic music
• Coptic abstinence
• Patriarch of Alexandria
• Coptic Orthodox Church in UK
• Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria
• Coptic Catholic Church
• Coptic Orthodox Church in Europe
• British Orthodox Church
• Coptic Orthodox Church in Australia
• Coptic Orthodox Church in Canada
• Coptic Orthodox Church in Europe
• Coptic Orthodox Church in South America
• The French Coptic Orthodox Church
• Coptic Orthodox Church in Europe
• The Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria
• Oriental Orthodoxy
• Egypt

Reference

1. Jones A V, Risca, its Industrial and Social Development, 1977

2. ElKeraza English with the news of buying the church , 33rd year, 11 February 2005, issues 5 and 6 Page 7

http://www.copticpope.org/downloads/eng_keraza/engkeraza11-02-2005.pdf

External links

• Churches in Llandudno
• The Official Site for the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Midlands & Affiliated regions, U.K.

Jones A V, Risca, its Industrial and Social Development, 1977

ElKeraza English with the news of buying the church , 33rd year, 11 February 2005, issues 5 and 6 Page 7