Coptic Orthodox Church in Wales

The Coptic Orthodox Church in Wales was established in 1992, with the consecration of the first parish in the town of Risca, South Wales
==Historical background==
===Third and Fourth Centuries missionary work of the Church of Alexandria=== 
It is known in the ecclesiastical history of the Church of Alexandria that the Church had sent missionaries in the third or fourth century to the Celtic lands, especially monastics. 
It is also know within the Celtic tradition, especially in Ireland that the foundation of the monastic system among the Celts was either based in portion or inspired by the Egyptians monastic system and there are many traces of Alexandrine Theology imbedded in the Celtic Theology. So the return of the Church of Alexandria to these lands is of certain importance.
===Modern times presence===
Although the Coptic Orthodox congregation has been present is Wales since the 1960s, The first Coptic Orthodox Church in Wales was consecrated in 1992 by HH Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria in the town of Risca, South Wales. 
Currently there are two Coptic Orthodox Churches in Wales.
==St Mary and St Mercurius Coptic Orthodox Church==
The first Coptic Orthodox Church in Wales, consecrated in 1992 by HH Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria in the town of Risca, South Wales as a church of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria.
The official name of the church is St Mary's and St Abu Saifain's Coptic Orthodox Church.
 
The Church building was a Former Welseyan Methodist church. Founded 1837, rebuilt on same site 1852 and dedicated to St John.
Architect not known, Church was designed to seat 600. 
Later was known as Trinity Methodist ChurchJones A V, Risca, its Industrial and Social Development, 1977 
The church is a listed historic building (Grade II) for its well preserved architectural interest, its unusual slender arcades and especially for its fine decorative frontage.
Interior partly converted to Coptic Orthodox liturgical use. Unusual aisled roof structure, wooden trusses rising from posts set on the very tall slender marbled columns with Corinthian derived capitals, which also support the high round arches of a wooden arcade; painted boarded ceiling. Wide moulded reredos arch and gallery. Rear raked gallery with curved and panelled front; pews on both floors retained. Vestibule has glazed panels to partition and swing doors with quarry glazing incorporating Art Nouveau motifs. 
Current Priest is Father Philopater Wahba
This Church is under the direct supervision of HH Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria and he is the head of the Church's council. The Church is regularly visited and supervised by His Grace Angaelos, the General Bishop.
==Saint Mary and Saint Abasikhiron Coptic Orthodox Church==
The second Coptic Orthodox Church in Wales is in 25 Trinity Avenue, Llandudno, North Wales, it was bought in 2005ElKeraza English with the news of buying the church, 33rd year, February 11, 2005, issues 5 and 6 Page 7 .
==See also==
*Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria
*Patriarch of Alexandria
*Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom
*Shenouda III (Gayyid) of Alexandria
*Coptic Orthodox Church in Europe
*British Orthodox Church
*Coptic Orthodox Church in Australia
*Coptic Orthodox Church in Canada
*Coptic Orthodox Church in Europe
*The French Coptic Orthodox Church
*Coptic Orthodox Church in Europe
*The Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria
*Oriental Orthodoxy
==References==
*1. Jones A V, Risca, its Industrial and Social Development, 1977
*2. ElKeraza English with the news of buying the church, 33rd year, February 11, 2005, issues 5 and 6 Page 7
*
==External links==
*Wikipedia: Coptic Orthodox Church in Wales
*Churches in Llandudno
*The Official Site for the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Midlands & Affiliated Areas, U.K.
Category:Coptic Orthodox Church
Category:Oriental Orthodox