British Orthodox Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Orthodox Church |
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Logo of the British Orthodox Church
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| Type | Oriental Orthodox |
| Classification | Independent Oriental Orthodox (independent sacramental movement) |
| Orientation | Alexandrian |
| Scripture | Septuagint, New Testament |
| Theology | Miaphysite |
| Structure | Episcopal |
| Primate | Patriarch Seraphim |
| Language | English |
| Liturgy | Alexandrian Rite |
| Headquarters | 10 Heathwood Gardens, Charlton, London, United Kingdom |
| Territory | British Isles |
| Founder | Jules Ferrette (claimed) |
| Branched from | Coptic Orthodox Church (2015) |
| Merged into | Coptic Orthodox Church (1994–2015) |
The British Orthodox Church (BOC) is a Christian church. It used to be called the Orthodox Church of the British Isles. This church is independent, meaning it makes its own decisions. Its history is connected to Oriental Orthodoxy, which is a group of ancient Christian churches.
Since 2015, the British Orthodox Church has been independent. This means it is not officially connected to other Oriental Orthodox churches. The church is currently led by Seraphim. He was born William Henry Hugo Newman-Norton. He holds the important title of British Patriarch.
Contents
The Story of the British Orthodox Church
How the Church Began
The British Orthodox Church believes it continues the traditions of a very old church. This church is called the Ancient British Church. It is linked to a person named Jules Ferrette.
A leader named Metropolitan Seraphim of Glastonbury has served the church. He was a Metropolitan for the area of Glastonbury. He was also a Patriarch for the Orthodox Church of the British Isles. He took over from Hugh George de Willmott Newman.
Joining the Coptic Orthodox Church
In 1994, the Orthodox Church of the British Isles split from another group. This happened under the leadership of Mar Seraphim. Mar Seraphim is also known as William Henry Hugo Newman-Norton.
After the split, the Orthodox Church of the British Isles joined the Coptic Orthodox Church. The Coptic Orthodox Church is a large, ancient Christian church. When they joined, the church changed its name to the British Orthodox Church.
On April 6, 1994, an agreement was signed. This agreement officially joined the Orthodox Church of the British Isles with the Coptic Orthodox Church. The British Orthodox Church became a special part of the Coptic Church. It was like a diocese, which is a church area. This diocese covered the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands.
Seraphim, the leader of the British Orthodox Church, was not re-ordained. Instead, he received a special blessing called a chrismation. On June 19, 1994, Seraphim became a Metropolitan. This was a big ceremony led by Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria. About seventy other Metropolitans and Bishops helped. After this, Seraphim became a member of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church. The Holy Synod is like a main council for the Coptic Church.
Becoming Independent Again
On October 4, 2015, the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate agreed to a request. The British Orthodox Church wanted to become independent again. The Coptic Church understood this decision. They felt it would help the British Orthodox Church with its mission. This was especially true because of changes happening in the Middle East and Britain.
The British Orthodox Church website said they were "amicably returning to its original status." This means they separated in a friendly way. This change meant the British Orthodox Church was no longer officially connected to other churches. It was outside of communion with them.
On October 29, 2017, Metropolitan Seraphim made an important decision. He consecrated Father David Seeds as Bishop David of Priddy. This means he officially made him a bishop.
In January 2019, the British Orthodox Church announced something new. Seraphim was once again called their Patriarch. He had stopped using this title when the church joined the Coptic Church.
On February 23, 2019, Patriarch Seraphim and Bishop David of Priddy consecrated another person. They made Father James Maskery into Abba James. He became the Archbishop Titular of Caerleon-upon-Usk. He also became the Mafrian of the British Orthodox Church. The title "Mafrian" is used in some other Orthodox churches. It refers to a high-ranking leader.
Leaders of the Church
Here are some of the people who have led the British Orthodox Church:
- Richard Williams Morgan (claimed)
- Charles Isaac Stevens (claimed)
- James Martin (claimed)
- Andries Caarel Albertus McLaglen (claimed)
- Herbert James Monzani-Heard (claimed)
- Hugh George de Willmott Newman
- Abba Seraphim
See also
- Catholicate of the West
