Monday 12 December 2016

Message from HRH The Prince of Wales sent to HH Pope Tawadros II after Cairo Church Bombing


Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)
                                Media and Communications Office

Message of condolence received by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II from
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales

12 December 2016

Messages of condolence have been pouring in for the Coptic Orthodox Community worldwide as a result of a brutal bombing which claimed the lives of 25, mostly women and children, at St Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo.

A message from HRH The Prince of Wales was sent to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, saying:           

"I wanted to send to Your Holiness, and to all members of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt and across the world, my most profound sympathy over the unbearably inhuman attack on the chapel adjacent to St Mark's Cathedral.  Those guilty of this terrible crime are clearly seeking, in their brutal way, to create divisions within Egyptian society, as we have seen only on Friday with the barbaric murder of six policemen in Giza. The steadfastness of Egyptians in the face of such appalling hatred and extremism is greatly to be admired.

I can only begin to imagine the dreadful shock and grief that Copts, and indeed all Egyptians, must be feeling and my heart goes out to the families and loved ones of those who have been killed and wounded.

I wanted to assure Your Holiness that Copts everywhere, and especially in Egypt, are in my thoughts and special prayers as they try to cope with the loss, pain and fear that the attack has inflicted upon them."

In response to the message of condolence from HRH The Prince of Wales and other individuals, Church bodies, faith groups and organisations, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom said:

“On a day of great concern and sadness for Coptic Christians around the world, it is truly heartening to receive warm messages of support and condolence from friends across a broad spectrum of society. Atrocities such as these cause much pain to all affected, yet they also shine light on the immense love, care and solidarity expressed by many who feel they share a common humanity, whatever their background, faith or walk of life.

I am thankful for the message from His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, who visited our community in 2013 to highlight the plight of Christians in the Middle East, and for his ongoing support for all who suffer as a result of oppression and marginalisation. We pray that God continue to provide hope, light and support to all who are suffering, as we also pray for those who continue to aspire to be that support, that hope and that light.”

*Ends*