Colonels meet Copts

Dated: 10/06/2011 

 

Members of the UK Brigade of Kentucky Colonels paid a special visit to the Coptic Centre in Stevenage, north of London, on 5 June. The Colonels were invited to attend the morning service in St George’s Cathedral and met with leaders of the Coptic community in Britain.

 

 

Bob Morrow, Hazel Morrow, Karah Templeton, Father Shenouda, Col. Stuart Notholt, Col. Mark Haley, Col. Steve Nimmons, Col. Simon McIlwaine. 

“At this crucial time in the history of the Middle East it seemed very timely to spend some time with representatives of one of the oldest of Middle Eastern churches,” said Colonel Stuart Notholt, Commanding Officer of the UK Brigade of Kentucky Colonels. “After Israel, Egypt is probably the country most mentioned in the Bible and Egypt’s Coptic church has been a vibrant and vital part of Egyptian life since the third century.”

Today, Egypt’s Copts, along with other religious minorities, face an uncertain future as Egypt’s new political structure takes shape after political upheavals of recent months. 

The centre at Stevenage provides a focus for the UK Coptic community, both for worship and at play. The centre is used for sport, conferences and educational purposes. “It was particularly encouraging to see young children being taught in the ancient Coptic language – helping keep the community very much alive,” said Colonel Notholt. “We’d like to thank the Coptic community for welcoming us so warmly and letting us share the day with them.”

 

Members of the Order will no doubt recognise that Colonels Simon McIlwaine, Mark Haley, and Steve Nimmons were additionally representing the Order of St. George and that Col Stuart Notholt KStG joined the Order at our Investiture in May 2011. The Order wishes to develop closer relationships with the Coptic Orthodox Centre and the aptly named Cathedral of St. George. Director of Inter Faith Relations Steve Nimmons: "the Order additionally thanks His Grace Bishop Angaelos and all at the Coptic Orthodox Centre for an amazing welcome and uplifting day". "We look forward to working together and furthering the bonds of Christian fellowships between the organisations we represent."

 

The Order plans further visits to the Coptic Centre this year, and will be working with other inter faith, religious and civic organisations on similar projects.