Inter faith visit to Coptic Centre in Stevenage

Dated: 27/06/2010 

Members of the Order (many of whom are also members of the Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem) joined an Order of St. Lazarus delegation on Saturday on an inter faith visit to the Coptic Centre in Stevenage (by kind invitation of His Grace, Bishop Angaelos).

His Grace, Bishop Angaelos

The morning and early afternoon programme (as below) included the "The Liturgy of Saint Basil, Bishop of Caesaria", and was followed by a very fitting visit to the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral of St. George.

10.30am Liturgy in Archangel Michael and St Anthony Coptic Orthodox Chapel in the Manor House (pictured below)
12.30pm Lunch
1.00pm  Talk and tour of Coptic Orthodox Cathedral of Saint George

"Built in a characteristic cross shape and traditional Coptic style and decoration, the cathedral is complimented by modern functionality which will allow worshippers and visitors to enjoy a comfortable and uplifting spiritual experience.

The new building has distinctive Coptic elements such as a vaulted roof over the length of the structure, a traditional domed Coptic bell tower with Coptic design stationed over the church and crowned with a Coptic Cross. The interior of the cathedral is decorated with an iconostasis (icon bearer) and intricate, hand-carved woodwork which has all been designed and prepared by skilled craftsmen in Egypt. It frames beautiful specially-commissioned traditional Coptic icons dedicated to the saints of the church, creating an atmosphere of holiness within the quiet and peaceful surroundings and giving the feeling of our heaven on earth." [source: Coptic Centre Website]

A beautiful depiction in wood of St. George slaying the Dragon (St. Georges Coptic Cathedral)

Another depiction of Saint George slaying the dragon (wonderfully embroidered)

Some of the Coptic Icons and exquisite wood carvings inside the Cathedral

Speaking about the importance and meaning of the visit: Grand Herald Chev. Steve Nimmons KCStG OLJ said: "it has been a moving experience and pleasure to join the visit and to share in the ancient traditions of the Coptic Faith. The openness, welcome and great sense of hospitality was truly wonderful, the visit to St. George's Cathedral and the very generous time given over to questions, provided the visitors with a greater depth of understanding of Coptic traditions and the persecution it sadly suffers in less tolerant regions of the world. The Cathedral is exceedingly impressive, as is the self-determination and self-assurance of the community, and the warmth and generosity of our welcome and acceptance."

Grand Prior H.E. Simon McIlwaine GCStG CLJ extended thanks on behalf of the Knightly Order Valiant of St. George to His Grace Bishop Angaelos. Noting "the importance of the inter faith work of the Order and the need for continued vigilance against religious intolerance and persecution", the Grand Prior also expressed a wish to "nurture the relationship between the Order and the Coptic Diaspora in the United Kingdom."