25 Years of Community and Care at Coptic City Mission
Celebrating Christmas 2025
By Nardos T.
25 Years of Community and Care at Coptic City Mission.
As we celebrate the birth of Christ, Christmas invites us not only to reflect and give back, but to remember how acts of faith and guidance can grow into something lasting. The Christmas story begins in this way, with ordinary people responding in obedience, faith and courage, facing an environment where there are difficult circumstances.
“But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favour with God.” Luke 1:30
Coptic City Mission began 25 years a go with several teenagers who spoke honestly to Archbishop Angaelos of the Coptic Orthodox Church, recognising the fact that more could be done to support those experiencing hardship locally in the UK. What began as a simple call to action has, by God’s grace, grown in to a service rooted in compassion and presence. Through fellowship, sharing food, gifts and blessings, this year’s Christmas party celebrated the foundations of the City Mission and reflected this part of the Christmas story.
Food, Gifts and Fellowship
This warm night in mid-December started with the familiar gathering of volunteers. We teamed up to unload boxes of decorations and tables, bringing food, games, and gifts. As we worked side by side, the preparation itself became an act of service and I felt a strong sense of purpose in the conversations unfolding as we set up. It was my first time assisting with the Christmas party, but the group leaders and fellow volunteers made settling into the role easy and enjoyable. Before opening the doors to guests, we said the Lord’s Prayer, blessing the evening ahead. In hours after, I felt a strong sense of gratitude for the other unseen efforts, from cooking and donating to cleaning up, because this group effort made it possible for us to serve others.
“Whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
”Colossians 3:17
When we opened the doors, the arrival of familiar faces brought an immediate warmth to the room. From the entrance, where I handed out the bingo tickets, I could see the evening unfold: with haircuts being offered, food being served, and volunteers moving quietly between tables, creating a space that felt welcoming and relaxed.
Celebrations and Reflections
Seeing the mix of concentration and excitement around the room during the rounds of bingo was definitely a highlight of the evening. The conversations and jokes I overheard reflected a strong sense of community, making the earlier efforts feel worthwhile. Another special moment came when another volunteer and I celebrated the birthday of one of the people we serve: it was heartwarming to see their smile as we marked the occasion with cake and candles.
As the evening came to a close, Archbishop Angaelos handed out the winning raffle tickets and spoke warmly to everyone about the Mission, thanking volunteers and guests and reminding us of the importance of faith and compassion. The Celebration was then rounded off with the joyful cutting of the 25th Anniversary cake, followed by carol singing of some well-loved Christmas songs!
The successful evening really reflected how much organisation and dedication is at work behind Christmas magic. There was a strong connection to the Christmas story, where on a cold evening it was courage, service, faith and gift-giving that brought warmth and life to this event. I look forward to carrying this blessed tradition forward with Coptic City Mission for many years to come.
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12.
