COPTS ABROAD
Many Places. ONE Church.
United kingdom and ireland
The UK and Ireland have long been a destination for Copts emigrating out of Egypt, with the first migration taking part in the 1960s, and the first church (St Mark's Kensington) being established in 1969. Since then, the Coptic population in the British Isles has grown to over 20 000. Included within the three dioceses are over 30 churches, 2 monasteries, 1 convent, and two Coptic cultural centres. Perhaps reflecting that of her host country, the Coptic church here is an old one, and is home to the first Coptic Orthodox Diocese established within the Diaspora, the Diocese of the Midlands (more info below).
Coptic Capitals
London
Brighton
Birmingham
Navigation Tip
If you fullscreen the Google map, you'll be able to use the Search function for the address you'll be staying at! You can see what churches are closest to you!
Church
Monastery/Covent
Retreat/Cultural Center
Educational
Diocese of Ireland, Scotland, the North East of England and affiliated regions
Shepherded by H.G Bishop Antony, this diocese is extensive, spanning across all four nations of the UK and Ireland. Its headquarters is in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. This diocese contains two monasteries, both named after St Athanasius in Scarborough, England and Waterford, Ireland, and one convent in Delvin, Ireland.
Fun fact: In the 3rd to 4th century, missionaries were sent from Alexandria up to what is now Ireland, and so many customs of the ancient Celtic monks have Alexandrian influences!
For more info: http://www.coptic-isneed.org/
Diocese of the Midlands
Shepherded by H.G Bishop Missael, this diocese consists of several churches that span across the Midlands of Great Britain and North Wales. Its headquarters is in Lapworth outside of Birmingham.
Fun fact: This is the oldest Coptic diocese within the diaspora, being established in 1991!
For more info: https://ukmidcopts.org
Diocese of London
Shepherded by H.G Bishop Angaelos, whose headquarters is in Stevenage outside of London. This new diocese serves the considerable Coptic population of London and of South Wales and includes St. Mark's Kensington, the first Coptic parish in Europe.
Fun fact: Anba Angaelos was awarded an OBE, an Order of the British Empire, for contributions to international religious freedoms by the Queen!
For more info: http://www.copticorthodox.london/
Sussex
The churches of Brighton and Worthing have massive, devoted Coptic populations and an abundance of different services available. They are overseen by H.G Bishop Paula, who is the Diocesan bishop of Tanta in Egypt, as he is head of the parish council for both. As such, they don't belong to any of the UK - Ireland dioceses, and exist in a unique situation.
For more info: www.stmary-stabraam.co.uk
