Our Clergy
The Patriarch His Holiness Pope Tawadros II
His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, born on November 4, 1952, in Mansoura City, is a distinguished figure in the religious and academic community. He completed his education at the University of Alexandria, earning a degree from the Faculty of Pharmacy in 1975. Subsequently, he embarked on a professional career, holding a managerial position at a pharmaceutical factory in Damanhur. In 1985, His Holiness augmented his academic credentials by obtaining a fellowship in world health from England, and in the same year, he was awarded a Bachelor's degree in Theology from the Theological College in Alexandria.
His spiritual journey deepened in 1986 when he joined the St. Bishoy Monastery. He took his monastic vows in 1988, adopting the name Theodor El-Anba Bishoy. His ordination as a priest occurred in 1989, and he subsequently dedicated his service in Damanhour from 1990 to 1997 under the guidance of His Eminence Metropolitan Bakhomious of Al-Beheira. On June 15, 1997, he was elevated to the rank of General Bishop, serving as an Assistant Bishop to Metropolitan Bakhomious.
Apart from his ecclesiastical responsibilities, His Holiness is an accomplished author, having penned 12 books on Christian Theology. A significant milestone in his spiritual journey was reached on November 4, 2012, coinciding with his 60th birthday. On this day, by divine selection through the Altar Ballot, he was chosen as the 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark. His formal enthronement occurred on November 18, 2012.
General Bishop of East Asia and the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne
His Grace Bishop Rewis was appointed as General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne by Papal Decree No. 2 of 2025, issued and signed by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II. This appointment, effective 1 July 2025, marks a moment of great joy and blessing for the Diocese.
His Grace entered monastic life on 7 March 2001 at the historic Monastery of the Holy Virgin Mary (Muharraq Monastery) in Assiut, Egypt, where he was tonsured as Fr Zosima El Muharraqi. Following his monastic consecration, His Grace served with distinction in the United States, the Scandinavian countries and the Philippines, undertaking pastoral and missionary responsibilities that were marked by dedication, humility and spiritual wisdom.
On 7 March 2021, His Grace was ordained as a General Bishop for East Asia by the blessed hands of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II. Throughout his episcopal ministry, he has continued to deepen his knowledge and capacity for church leadership. In addition to his pastoral experience, His Grace has also pursued formal studies in Church Management, equipping him with the administrative and strategic skills necessary to guide and oversee the growing needs of a diverse and dynamic Diocese.
The Very Rev Fr. Dr. Shenouda Boutros - Parish Priest
Fr. Shenouda was born in Manhattan New York and moved to Melbourne Australia as a one year old. He grew up at St. Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Melbourne where he served as a Sunday School servant and youth servant until his ordination to the priesthood.
Fr. Shenouda was called to the priesthood and ordained on October 28th 2007 by H.G. Bishop Suriel and in the presence of H.G. Bishop Bisenti (of blessed memory) and H.G. Bishop Daniel of Sydney and was assigned to serve at St. Bishoy and St. Shenouda Coptic Orthodox Church. In September 2024 Fr. Shenouda was assigned to serve at St. James Coptic Orthodox Church. He was elevated to Hegomen (Archpriest) on 17th August 2025 by H.G. Bishoy Rewis.
He holds a B.Sc. (Hons) and M.Sc. from the University of Melbourne, a M.A. (Theology) from the Melbourne College of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
He is a lecturer at the University of Divinity teaching Ethics at St Athanasius Theological College (SAC). He was appointed the Dean of SAC in 2025.
He has a passion for Ecumenism and was the President of the Victorian Council of Churches from 2019-2021.
He is married to Tasoni Gina and has three boys, James, Lucas and Timothy.
Favorite book: Epistle of St. James, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, The Paradise of the Fathers.
Favorite verse: “But Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and these things shall be added to you.” Matt 6:33