Coptic Orthodox Church in Great Britain and Ireland

The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria has churches in Great Britain and Ireland. These churches are led by four diocesan bishops.

The first religious service in the British Isles was in London on August 10, 1954. It was led by visitors at a meeting of the World Council of Churches.

The church started with a service in London in February 1969. It was led by Bishop Shenouda, who later became Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria. Regular services began in 1971 with the first Coptic priest in the area.

In 1976, the church bought a building in Kensington, London, and created the first Coptic parish there. In 1979, Pope Shenouda III officially opened St Mark's Coptic Orthodox Church in Kensington.

More communities formed across Britain and Ireland during the 1980s. In 1985, the second church, St Mary and St Antony's Coptic Orthodox Church, opened in Birmingham by Bishop Missael. Over time, more bishops were appointed, and the church continued to grow in many places in Britain and Ireland.

Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Midlands

Further information: Diocese of the Midlands

Bishop Missael leads the Holy Diocese of the Midlands. This diocese was created in 1991. It is the oldest one in the United Kingdom for the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate. The diocese is located at the Coptic Orthodox Centre in Lapworth, Warwickshire. It covers many parts of England and Wales.

Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Ireland, Scotland, North East England and its Affiliated Regions

Bishop Antony is the bishop for Ireland, Scotland, and North East England. This diocese was started in 1995 to help the Coptic Orthodox community in these areas.

Coptic Orthodox Diocese of London

Bishop Angaelos OBE was the bishop of the Holy Diocese of London. The diocese was started in 2017 by Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria. It is now based at St George's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Stevenage, the main church in the area.

Sussex

These churches are led by Bishop Paula. He is the diocesan bishop of Tanta and helps guide the parish's council. The churches include St Mary and St Abraam Coptic Orthodox Church, Hove and St Demiana and St Pope Kyrillos VI Coptic Orthodox Church, Worthing.

South West Wales

Further information: Coptic Orthodox Church in Wales

There is a Coptic Orthodox Church called Archangel Michael and St Mina in Swansea. The church is led by Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria. He helps manage the church.