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Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Midlands

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The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Midlands, UK is a diocese of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, an autocephalous Oriental Orthodox church.

History

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Background and foundation

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Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Midlands, UK

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, UK (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.

Bishop Missael

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Bishop Missael

Before becoming bishop of the diocese, Bishop Missael consecrated St. Mary & St. Antony's Coptic Church in 1985, and established the Coptic Orthodox Centre in Birmingham in 1989.[2] 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.[3] In 2006, the diocese was renamed "the Diocese of the Midlands" (in the United Kingdom).[4]

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 Diocese of Ireland, Scotland and North East England (Bishop Antony) was formed and Bishop Angaelos was ordained a general bishop over Stevenage in 1995 and 1999 respectively.[5] Thus, Bishop Missael became the first permanent Coptic Orthodox bishop to serve the United Kingdom.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "The 30th Anniversary of the Enthronement of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III".
  2. ^ "Coptic Orthodox Churches in Birmingham, U.K. » Our Churches". Archived from the original on 30 June 2016. Retrieved 24 January 2017.
  3. ^ "H.G. Bishop Missael • Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Midlands, U.K."
  4. ^ "About the Diocese • Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Midlands, U.K."
  5. ^ "The 30th Anniversary of the Enthronement of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III".
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