News by email Donate

Suggestions

Fr Luke and Archbishop Angaelos banner.jpg
Fr Luke and Archbishop Angaelos.jpg
Diocese of London
World News

Coptic Orthodox Church's headquarters goes fully carbon neutral

by Kelly Valencia

A historic church in the heart of London has become the first Grade I listed place of worship in the city to go fully carbon neutral.

After undergoing an extensive renovation project worth £1.1million, St Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe has installed six air source heat pumps, new roof insulation, specialist energy-efficient LED lighting, an equal and access ramp in a bid to become more environmentally friendly.

The refurb also saw the complete renovation of the toilets, kitchen and parish room.

Rector of St Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe and Archdeacon of London, the Ven. Luke Miller, said: “. It’s been a true privilege to oversee the third regeneration of an irreplaceable part of the City’s rich tapestry, and I am so excited to see worshipers welcomed through St Andrew’s doors once more.”

St Andrew’s will also become the London headquarters for the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London as part of a church-sharing arrangement.

Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, Archbishop Angaelos, said: “When we first embarked on this partnership, it was never expected to reach the scale which it has. Having the two-thousand-year-old Church of Egypt now finding a home in a thousand year old iconic church in the heart of London speaks of the breadth of the Church in our current era.

“Our vision is that this not only becomes a place of worship for the Coptic Orthodox Community, but a space through which it serves London in all its breadth and diversity.”

A celebratory choral evensong to mark its reopening was held on Wednesday 26th July, attended by the Bishop of Fulham, Jonathan Baker, the Bishop of London, Dame Sarah Mullally, and the Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, Archbishop Angaelos. The City of London’s Livery Companies, local businesses and residents were also in attendance.

Bishop of London, Rt Rev Dame Sarah Mullally, added: “It is wonderful to see St Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe reopened, and I would like to pay tribute to the tireless dedication of all involved in the restoration of the building, including Archdeacon Luke and project manager Bob Wilson.

“As stewards of God’s creation, we have a fundamental responsibility to act sustainably and protect the world we live in. I am thrilled that St Andrew’s is leading the way in showing us an example by which we should all strive to follow.”

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate