H.G. Bishop David Consecration in Egypt

November 21, 2013

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, the 118th Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, with the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church, has appointed His Grace Bishop David as the first Shepherd and Diocesan Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of New York and New England. Prior to being enthroned, His Graced served as the General Bishop and Patriarchal Exarch of the Coptic Orthodox Archdiocese of North America in Cedar Grove, New Jersey for fourteen years. Coptic churches in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine will form a newly constituted diocese, and see their first diocesan bishop after four decades in this country. His Grace was consecrated in formal ceremonies taking place in Cairo, Egypt on November 16-17, 2013.

The Coptic Orthodox Church is the ancient Christian Church of Egypt, having been founded in the first century by St. Mark the Apostle and author of the Gospel named after him. Throughout Her history, the Coptic Orthodox Church has suffered severe persecution that continues to this day. Yet, the Church has stood firm and remained faithful to the Lord through Her Apostolic Tradition and Orthodox faith. She is noted for Her profound spirituality and many contributions to the Christian faith, including the Theological School of Alexandria, the earliest and most important institution of Christian learning in antiquity, monasticism, and Her pivotal role in the Ecumenical Councils.

Born in 1967 in Cairo, Egypt, Bishop David first arrived in North America with his family in 1984 and settled in Toronto, Canada where he completed studies in biological science. After being ordained as General Bishop in 1999, His Grace was appointed as the Patriarchal Exarch at the Coptic Orthodox Archdiocese of North America in Cedar Grove, New Jersey and served Coptic communities throughout North America. He has since earned two Master’s Degrees, his first in Pastoral Counseling from Fordham University in New York, and his most recent in Theological Studies from Holy Cross School of Theology in Boston.

His Grace will be formally enthroned on December 7, 2013 at the Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Abraam in Woodbury, Long Island in a ceremony that will bring together thousands of the Coptic faithful, clergy, and dignitaries. St. Abraam Church is located at 90 Woodbury Road, Woodbury, NY 11797. The enthronement ceremony will begin at 12 p.m.

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