Abbey welcomes Pope Tawadros and Archbishop of Canterbury
Thursday, 11th May 2017
His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Bishop of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, was joined by the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, and other representatives of the Church of England, at Evensong at Westminster Abbey on Friday 12th May 2017.
They were welcomed by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, who invited them to pray at the Shrine of St Edward the Confessor during the service.
The service was sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by Daniel Cook, Sub-Organist. The organ was played by Matthew Jorysz, Assistant Organist.
His Holiness later spoke at St Margaret’s Church to members of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom.
Pope Tawadros II is the 118th Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark. His Holiness, who was enthroned on 18th November 2012 in Cairo, Egypt, is making his first pastoral visit to the United Kingdom, at the invitation of His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom and a President of Churches Together in England.
During his time in the United Kingdom, Pope Tawadros is visiting Coptic Orthodox parishes across the country, celebrating liturgical services and consecrations, while taking time to engage with his flock across Britain. His Holiness, who had an audience with Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, is also engaging with ecumenical, inter faith, and other official members of British society at a series of events planned throughout the course of his stay.
