King visits Coptic Orthodox Centre

Archbishop Angaelos (l) and King Charles (r) at the Coptic Orthodox Church Centre. (Photo: The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK)

King Charles has paid a visit to the Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK where he took part in an Advent service and Christmas reception.

The visit to the centre on Tuesday included a prayer service in Coptic Orthodox Cathedral of Saint George and the planting of a plum tree in the grounds of the Hertfordshire-based. 

Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, Archbishop Angaelos, welcomed the King to the centre - his first visit in 10 years.

The Archbishop presented the King with a fragment of stone from the Coptic Orthodox Altar within the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

King Charles signs the visitor book at the Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK. (Photo: The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK)

Over 600 guests were in attendance, including members of the UK Coptic Orthodox community, the Anglican Bishop of St Albans and other faith leaders, parliamentarians, diplomats, and representatives of humanitarian groups. 

During his visit, the King heard from members of the Church about their involvement in youth, homelessness, social welfare and advocacy work. 

Archbishop Angaelos said it was a "true joy" to welcome the King back to the centre during his coronation year.

"Seeing His Majesty move among the people and engage with them with such warmth and sincerity speaks to his commitment to being the servant King. He touched and left a lasting impression on the hearts of so many individuals and families within our community," he said. 

"We are very thankful to His Majesty for his visit, his time and genuine sincerity and warmth, and we pray a blessing upon him, the nation and the Commonwealth and the world during this Advent period, which is a period of hope amidst many global challenges that are affecting so many at this time."

News
Prince and Princess of Wales visit Lambeth Palace to meet new Archbishop of Canterbury
Prince and Princess of Wales visit Lambeth Palace to meet new Archbishop of Canterbury

The Prince and Princess of Wales have paid an official visit to Lambeth Palace.

Pastor, daughter and son-in-law slain in Plateau state, Nigeria
Pastor, daughter and son-in-law slain in Plateau state, Nigeria

Fulani herdsmen last month killed a pastor, his daughter and her husband, leaving the couple’s 3-month-old baby with a machete wound, in Plateau state, Nigeria.

Christian group welcomes British sanctions on Iranians
Christian group welcomes British sanctions on Iranians

Britain stopped shot of designating the Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organisation.

2,000-year-old 'Pilgrim's Path' opens in Jerusalem
2,000-year-old 'Pilgrim's Path' opens in Jerusalem

An ancient road that may have been built in the days of Jesus and led up to the Jerusalem Temple Mount has been opened to the public for the first time.