H. G. Bishop Antony | St. Mary & St. Demiana's Church

His Grace Bishop Antony is the first Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Ireland, Scotland, North East England and its affiliated regions. He was ordained by His Holiness, the late Pope Shenouda III, on 11th June 1995.

Early Life and Education

Bishop Antony was born in Egypt and graduated as a civil engineer. He entered the monastic life in 1981 at St. Bishoy’s Monastery in Wadi-El-Natroun. He became a monk on 29th March 1981 and was called to the priesthood order by the name Axious El Anba Bishoy on 9th September 1984.

Service

He started his service in Switzerland and the British Isles. After his ordination as a bishop, he worked tirelessly establishing churches and serving the Coptic Orthodox community throughout the British Isles. As of 2022, after 27 years of bishopric service, His Grace has established a total of 33 Coptic Orthodox Churches including 2 monasteries and 1 nun’s convent across the British Isles.

Contributions

Bishop Antony is the first Coptic Orthodox Bishop in the UK to institute the monastic life for both nuns and monks, with the establishment of two monasteries and an abbey. He takes great care in educating the Coptic Orthodox congregation about Christian principles through his auspices at seminars, conferences, and other church events. Moreover, throughout his service, Bishop Antony is keen to build strong relations with other churches in the UK, encouraging solid interactions and active engagement within society.

Personal Life

He is known universally by every individual as a fatherly figure, who always shows love and passion. He is unique in his innate ethical and principled advice and guidance, making sure that he is always setting the example as a true role model. Despite his busy pastoral schedule, His Grace never missed out on visiting the poor, the sick and asking about the lonely, following the example of his master, our Lord, and God Jesus Christ. He also established “Pope Shenouda III” service which supports the poor and the needy financially, socially and emotionally.