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TheCoptic Orthodox Church in Wales consists of the Coptic Orthodox presence inWales.
Theecclesiastical history of theChurch of Alexandria records that the church sentmissionaries, especiallymonastics, to theCeltic lands in the 3rd or 4th century.[citation needed]
Celtic tradition, especially inIreland, suggests that the foundation of themonastic system among theCelts either partly imitated or took inspiration from theEgyptianmonastic system, and that traces[which?] of Alexandrine theology remain embedded inCeltic theology. Thus both Coptic Christians and Celts can see the return of theChurch of Alexandria toCeltia as of significance.
Although the Coptic Orthodox congregation has been present in Wales since the 1960s, the first Coptic Orthodox Church in Wales was consecrated in 1992 byPope Shenouda III of Alexandria in the town ofRisca, South Wales.
Currently there are twoCoptic Orthodox churches in Wales.
The first Coptic Orthodox Church in Wales was consecrated in 1992 by Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria in the town of Risca, South Wales, as a church of theCoptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria. The official name of the church is St Mary's and St Abu Saifain's Coptic Orthodox Church.
The currentpriest is Father Philopater Wahba.
This church is under the direct supervision of Pope Shenouda III ofAlexandria and he is the head of the Church's council.
The second Coptic Orthodox Church in Llandudno,Wales was bought by the Coptic OrthodoxDiocese of the Midlands in 2005 under the supervision ofBishop Missael[1] asCoptic Orthodox services began there later that year.[2][3]
At first the church did not have its ownpriest, therefore the mass was held there on Saturdays by a visiting priest, Father Bishoy, from the Coptic Orthodox Church inManchester. Later the church had its own priest, Fr. John Saleeb.
The church was consecrated by Pope Shenouda III during a visit to the UK on Saturday 29 March 2008.[4][5]