Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Midlands and Affiliated Areas U.K.

The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Midlands, U.K. is under the care of Bishop Missael.

Background and Foundation

Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Midlands, U.K.

In 1991 the first Coptic Orthodox Diocese to be established in the United Kingdom, and one of the first in the diaspora, was the Diocese of the Midlands, U.K. (Although at the time known as the Diocese of Birmingham).^[1] Pope Shenouda III appointed Bishop Missael (who was at the time a General Bishop) to oversee this Diocese, which he has continued to do to this day.

The Diocese is headquartered at St. Mary & St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Centre in Birmingham where the bishop also resides.

The seal of the Diocese depicts a crucifix and fish based on the ancient 4th-5th century limestone Coptic engraving currently situated in the Louvre Museum, France.

Regions in the United Kingdom that fall under the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Midlands, U.K.^[2] are as follows:

Bishop Missael

H.G. Bishop Missael

Before becoming Bishop of the Diocese, Bishop Missael established St. Mary & St. Antony's Coptic Church in 1985, and the Coptic Orthodox Centre in Birmingham in 1989.^[3] These later formed part of the early Diocese.

On 26 May 1991, Bishop Missael was consecrated as Bishop of the Diocese of Birmingham, by Pope Shenouda III.^[4] In 2006, the Diocese was renamed "the Diocese of the Midlands" (in the United Kingdom).^[5]

The Diocese was the first Diocese under the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate to be established in the United Kingdom and one of the first in all the lands of immigration (Europe, America, Australia). Following its establishment by Pope Shenouda III, the British Orthodox Church and the Diocese of Ireland, Scotland and North East England and its Affiliated Areas were formed in 1992 and 1995 respectively.^[6] Hence Bishop Missael became the first permanent Coptic Orthodox bishop to serve the United Kingdom.

Other Clergy

As of 2013 the diocese has six resident priests.^[7] In order of their appointment:

Hegumen Fr. Youhanna (John)
Hegumen Fr. Bishoy
Hegumen Fr. Peter
Hegumen Fr. John
Hegumen Fr. Anthony
Hegumen Fr. Hedra

In 2015, H.G. Bishop Missael appointed an Archdeacon in Birmingham to serve St. Mary & Archangel Michael's Cathedral.^[8]

Churches and Missions

The Diocese has a total of 11 Churches and missions (communities that it serves):

St. Mary & St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Centre, Birmingham
St. Mary & Archangel Michael's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral (under construction), Birmingham
St. Mary & St. Antony's Coptic Orthodox Church, Birmingham
St. Mary & St. Mina's Coptic Orthodox Church, Manchester
St. Mary & St. George's Coptic Orthodox Church, Nottingham
St. Mary & St. Abaskhyron's Coptic Orthodox Church, Llandudno
St. Mary & St. Cyril's Coptic Orthodox Church, Liverpool
Community in Stoke-on-trent
Community in Leicester
Community in Oxford
Community in Northampton

Websites

References

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