Thank you Father Michael and Abba Seraphim

[John Charmley]

Dear Mark,

Indeed it is so.

For me, one of the greatest things it knowing that being within the BOC means knowing that I am being guided aright according to the Holy Tradition of the Church.

Today, for various reasons, going out to Babingley was not possible, so, instead I went to my own University, where there is a Coptic Service at 9.30. I emerged 3 and a half hours later feeling that I had been in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Although parts of the service were in Coptic and Arabic, it didn't matter; a nice young man next to me helped me find my place when I was lost, and I was made so welcome. Fr. Makar, the Coptic priest is yet another of transparent goodness and holiness, and to be in his presence is to feel blessed. As at Babingley, I just came out feeling spiritually nourished and refreshed.

Perhaps it is just the zeal of the new convert (although since I am not a great one for zeal, I doubt it) but there is something very special about the Coptic Church, as about the BOC, and the synergy between the two seems to generate a very good 'energy'.

May you be guided aright, and in His time come safely to harbour.

In Christ,

John