On Tuesday 5 December, King Charles III of the UK and Commonwealth Realms visited the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral of St George in Stevenage. Anba Angaelos, Coptic Archbishop of London and Papal Legate to the UK was there to welcome King Charles from the minute he arrived to the grounds of the cathedral. The King attended a 20-minute Advent service which was officiated by Anba Angaelos.
Following the service there was a reception where His Majesty met some 500 members of the congregation who came to meet him. King Charles seemed delighted to meet them and wish them a happy Christmas, he described the visit as “a very special occasion”.
The Royal Family official X account posted: “This morning The King attended an Advent Service and Christmas reception at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in Stevenage. The Coptic Orthodox Church is one of the most ancient Churches in the world, founded in the first century in Egypt.
“His Majesty has attended yearly advent services since 2013, celebrating with diverse Christian communities. These annual events form part of his ongoing efforts to encourage inter-faith dialogue and a greater understanding of different religions in Britain and abroad.”
According to Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire who accompanied His Majesty in his visit, it has been 10 years since King Charles visited St George’s Cathedral in Stevenage.
During the reception that followed the service, the renowned sisters Sarah and Laura Ayoub gave a beautiful performance on the cello and violin. His Majesty made a point on congratulating them on their beautiful performance, After that the King socialised with members of the clergy and congregation and even received a Christmas drawing and message from a six-year old girl. King Charles then unveiled a new commemorative plaque in honour of the royal visit and signed the visitors’ book.
Before the end of the visit, the king planted a plum tree in the cathedral garden.
For a video footage of King Charles’s visit to St George’s cathedral:
Watani International
6 December 2023