26.10.2018
Statement of The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Ireland, Scotland and North East England regarding the events in Jerusalem
The Church of Ireland is in dialogue with the Copts and there are seven Coptic Orthodox churches in Ireland. The United Dioceses of Dublin & Glendalough has a link with the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem. Below is the statement issued by H. G. Bishop Antony, Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Ireland about the treatment of monks protesting at the restoration of their Coptic Monastery (El– Sultan) in Jerusalem.
+ The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Ireland, Scotland and North East England, H.G. Bishop Antony, the clergy, the deacons, churches councils and the Coptic Community, fully denounce the current events taking place at El–Sultan Monastery in Jerusalem.
+ This monastery belongs to the Coptic Orthodox Church since the year 700 AD. In 1970, by using excessive violence and force, the Israeli Forces have removed the Coptic priests there from their home. On 1971, the Israeli Supreme Court had unanimously confirmed that this monastery is a property of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Jerusalem and must be returned to it.
+ Urgent restoration work is needed for some time, the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate had offered on numerous occasions to carry out the required work itself (by specialized engineers and under the supervision of the local authorities), but was refused. This work is now being carried by Israeli authorities on their own terms without any approval from the legal owner who is the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate, and with preventing the Coptic Orthodox Metropolitan of Jerusalem: H. E. Archbishop Antonios access throughout.
+ His Eminence Archbishop Antonios, with the Coptic clergy and deacons were peacefully demonstrating at the door of the El–Sultan Coptic Monastery this morning, but were treated with unnecessary force and aggression. The pictures of such violance and assault caused a shock to everyone saw them.
+ We pray to God that He may protect His Church in all places.
+ We announce our full support to His Eminence Metropolitan Antonious, Metropolitan of the Holy Seat of Jerusalem, backing him up until matters are set correctly and back to normal. Any offence against the Coptic Monastery is considered an offence against the Egyptian Land which is documented by authentic documents. This offence is unaccepted by all means.
+ We call upon all Government and religious officials in our residing countries and everywhere around the world to spread this announcement so that the whole world may realize the brutality and injustice of this event.
By the Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
Bishop Antony
Coptic Orthodox Bishop of Ireland, Scotland,
NE England and Affiliated Regions