We must look at our beloved Church here in the United Kingdom with a great sense of pride, because in a considerably short time, we have reached more substantial goals than many other ethnic Churches that have been established for much longer.

As is evident with the Coptic Church throughout the world, the Church here in the United Kingdom is also in a transitional period, moving from a state of establishing firm foundations, to a stage of growth- bearing many fruits while satisfying the needs of her children. She is lead by the inspiration and guidance of our beloved father His Holiness Pope Shenouda III.

As we look at the Church here today, we realise that, more than just providing for the pastoral care of groups of people in various areas, she is now looking toward providing more concentrated care for more specific categories of people. 

One of the greatest areas of pastoral concern in today’s ministry is that of youth, being the foundation of tomorrow’s Church.  In our attempts to serve these youth we realise that we must look to provide a greater variety and diversity of pastoral, social and individual activities and services, and thus arises the need for the facilities to serve this very important purpose. 

With the grace of God and the blessings of His Holiness, we are about to embark upon such a project- an exciting and challenging project which we have named ‘The Cornerstone’. 

The Cornerstone started as a concept for the pastoral ministry of youth and families, and has now developed into an achievable reality for the service of each and every one of our children.  This complex consists of various facilities:

·    A large multi-purpose hall which can be used for conferences, meetings, stage productions, sporting activities and a variety of other events (for those budding sports men and women amongst you, it is worth noting that this hall will be large enough to contain an indoor basketball court or a five-a-side football field).

·    Annexed to the multi-purpose hall is a large games and activities room which will be used for smaller activities such as table tennis, snooker, pool, ‘baby foot’ and other appropriate arcade games. 

·    The next type of facilities in this project aims to serve smaller meetings, conferences, Bible studies and other such gatherings in a series of conference rooms which can either be merged into a large room or partitioned into smaller areas.

·    All of this is then crowned with a Church which will be both functional and tastefully simple, and will bear the name of the great martyr Saint George, as one of the greatest intercessors of the Coptic faithful, and the patron saint of England.

As you can see from the above brief description, this project will by no means be an extravagant monument, but rather, a practical integration of facilities that aim to serve the Coptic Church, not only in Stevenage, nor just London, but throughout the United Kingdom, and may we be even more forward-looking to say, various Coptic youth groups from around the world,… both today and for many years to come.

This is a project of which we should all be part, because it will serve us, our children and their children- thus providing a firm foundation for good Christian life. When completed, The Cornerstone will also be a great achievement of which we should be very proud, because it is the illustration of a forward-thinking, committed, faithfulness that will also be left for the generations to come.

As a general project for all, The Cornerstone is being managed by a project committee which has been assembled from amongst various churches, professional groups, areas of specialty and age groups, so as to ensure a broad spectrum of concepts, talents and capabilities.

During His Holiness’ visit, our holy father will lay the foundation stone of The Cornerstone on site. This will be carried out in an official ceremony which will be attended by dignitaries and representative of various Churches, organisations and institutions, but above all, it will be a ceremony in which our congregation, young and old, can witness and take part in a truly historic event.

We ask God’s blessing for this work, and pray that He grants us unity of heart and vision, utilising all His Church for the glory of His holy name.