“Then I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest who shall do according to what is in My heart and in My mind,” (1 Samuel 2:35).
Today, 11 Abib 1738 (17 July 2022) The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney and affiliated churches celebrated the ordination of the Deacon Michael Selim as priest Fr Bishoy Kamel Selim, named after Fr Bishoy Kamel (1931 – 1979), who was canonised by the Holy Synod last June 2022.
St Fr Bishoy Kamel was the founder of the Coptic church of Mar-Girgis (St George) in Sporting, Alexandria, and was famous for his singular spiritual stature and loving, dedicated ministry.
Presided jointly by Anba Psada, Bishop of Akhmim and Saqolta, who is currently on a visit to Sydney; and Anba Daniel, Bishop of Sydney and affiliated churches, the ordination ritual was held during Mass at the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral of St Mary and St Mina in Bexley, Sydney, Australia. It was attended by a large number of priests, and the deputy to Anba Angaelos, Archbishop of London and Papal legate to Sydney.
Once the ordination Mass concluded, Fr Bishoy Kamel left to spend the traditional post-ordination 40 days at the monastery of St Shenouda the Archmandrite in Putty, New South Wales.
Fr Bishoy Kamel is the first Coptic priest to be named after the newly canonised saint, and is the 80th priest in the Diocese of Sydney.
Watani International
17 July 2022