# Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Midlands

The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Midlands, UK is under the care of Bishop Missael.

## Background and Foundation

In 1991 the first Coptic Orthodox Diocese to be established in the United Kingdom, and one of the first in the diaspora, was the Diocese of the Midlands, UK (although at the time known as the Diocese of Birmingham). Pope Shenouda III appointed Bishop Missael (who was at the time a General Bishop) to oversee this Diocese, which he has continued to do to this day.
The Diocese is headquartered at St. Mary & St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Centre in Birmingham where the bishop also resides.
The seal of the Diocese depicts a crucifix and fish based on the ancient 4th-5th century limestone Coptic engraving currently situated in the Louvre Museum, France.
Regions in the United Kingdom that fall under the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Midlands, UK. are as follows:
* Cheshire
* Cumbria
* Derbyshire
* Gloucestershire
* Greater Manchester
* Herefordshire
* Lancashire
* Leicestershire
* Lincolnshire
* Merseyside
* Northamptonshire
* North Wales
* Nottinghamshire
* Oxfordshire
* Rutland
* Staffordshire
* Shropshire
* Warwickshire
* West Midlands
* Worcestershire

## Bishop Missael

Before becoming Bishop of the Diocese, Bishop Missael consecrated St. Mary & St. Antony's Coptic Church in 1985, and established the Coptic Orthodox Centre in Birmingham in 1989. These later formed part of the early Diocese.
On 26 May 1991, Bishop Missael was consecrated as Bishop of the Diocese of Birmingham, by Pope Shenouda III. In 2006, the Diocese was renamed "the Diocese of the Midlands" (in the United Kingdom).
The Diocese was the first Diocese under the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate to be established in the United Kingdom and one of the first in all the lands of immigration (Europe, America, Australia). Following its establishment by Pope Shenouda III, the Diocese of Ireland, Scotland and North East England (Bishop Antony) was formed and Bishop Angaelos was ordained a general bishop over Stevenage in 1995 and 1999 respectively. Thus, Bishop Missael became the first permanent Coptic Orthodox bishop to serve the United Kingdom.

## Other Clergy

As of 2018 the diocese has nine priests. In order of their appointment:
* Hegumen Fr. Youhanna (John)
* Hegumen Fr. Bishoy
* Hegumen Fr. Peter
* Hegumen Fr. John
* Hegumen Fr. Anthony
* Hegumen Fr. Hedra
* Fr. Peter Farrington
* Fr. George
* Fr. David
In 2015, Bishop Missael appointed an Archdeacon in Birmingham to serve St. Mary & Archangel Michael's Cathedral.
There are also three deacons ordained to assist the bishop and priests.

## Churches and Missions

The Diocese has 9 Churches and also other missions (communities that it serves):
* St. Mary & St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Centre, Birmingham
* St. Mary & Archangel Michael's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, Birmingham
* St. Mary & St. Antony's Coptic Orthodox Church, Birmingham
* St. Mary & St. Mina's Coptic Orthodox Church, Manchester
* St. Mary & St. George's Coptic Orthodox Church, Nottingham
* St. Mary & St. Abaskhyron's Coptic Orthodox Church, Llandudno
* St. Mary & St. Cyril's Coptic Orthodox Church, Liverpool
* St. Mary & St. Philopater's Coptic Orthodox Church, Bolton
* St. Mary & St. John's Coptic Orthodox Church, Stoke-on-Trent
* Community in Central Birmingham
* Community in Leicester
* Community in Oxford
* Community in Northampton
* Community in Derby
* Community in Worcester