His Majesty King Charles III attended an advent service and Christmas reception at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in Stevenage last week.

The King was welcomed by the Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, 10 years after his last visit.

After attending a prayer service, the King met volunteers for the church's youth, advocacy and benevolent ministries, who presented the various services offered by the church that align with His Majesty’s coronation pledge ‘to serve’.

The Comet: King Charles III addressed the congregation.King Charles III addressed the congregation. (Image: The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK)

The King was then greeted by members of the Coptic Orthodox Church community, and signed a visitors' book before unveiling a plaque to mark the occasion of his visit.

Addressing the congregation, His Majesty spoke of his joy at returning, and wished everyone a blessed Christmas.

The Comet: His Majesty was welcomed to the church 10 years after his last visit.His Majesty was welcomed to the church 10 years after his last visit. (Image: The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK)

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Archbishop Angaelos said: "It was a true joy to welcome His Majesty back to our centre and cathedral during his coronation year.

The Comet: The King attended an Advent service.The King attended an Advent service. (Image: The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK)

"The response we received from our community to attend a mid-week morning service was overwhelming, and the genuine love and enthusiasm expressed was heartening.

"Seeing His Majesty move among the people and engage with them with such warmth and sincerity speaks to his commitment to being the servant king.

The Comet: His Majesty met with various representatives from the community.His Majesty met with various representatives from the community. (Image: The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK)

"He touched and left a lasting impression on the hearts of so many individuals and families within our community.

"As part of the visit, we were conscious to present some of the major ministries of the church related to youth, homelessness, social welfare and advocacy in order to demonstrate the breadth of engagement that we have, and this was further represented in the number of our ecumenical, interreligious and official guests who joined us on the day.

The Comet: Hundreds of people attended the event.Hundreds of people attended the event. (Image: The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK)

"We were also delighted that His Majesty planted a tree with us, something that speaks to the importance of environmental stewardship as faith communities.

"We are very thankful to His Majesty for his visit, his time and genuine sincerity and warmth, and we pray a blessing upon him, the nation, the commonwealth and the world during this Advent period, which is a period of hope amidst many global challenges that are affecting so many at this time."

The Comet: King Charles III planted a tree to mark his visit.King Charles III planted a tree to mark his visit. (Image: The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK)