Britain’s monarch Queen Elizabeth II honoured Saturday two Egyptians for “outstanding services” to British society as part of her Birthday Honours list.
Bishop Angaelos of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK received an Order of the British Empire (OBE), for services to international religious freedom. Nemat Shafik, deputy governor of the Bank of England, received damehood for her services to public administration and the global economy.
“Dr Shafik and Bishop Angaelos have led dedicated lives in service of others and… are inspirations to young Britons and young Egyptians alike,” said British Ambassador to Egypt John Casson.
Bishop Angaelos commented on Twitter saying: “This OBE is as much for all who support me in advocating for Religious Freedom in our world.”
Shafik has been made a Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. She has previously worked as Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund and Permanent Secretary of the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID).
Bishop Angaelos was consecrated a monk by the late Pope Shenouda III, before beginning his pastoral mission in the UK in 1999. Throughout his ministry, he has been an advocate for human rights and religious freedoms.
