Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States

Priest Elevation and Ordination – Dallas, TX

December 3, 2017

COLLEYVILLE, TX. December 3, 2017 -- On Sunday, December 3, 2017, the diocese was blessed with the ordination of Fr. Barnaba Melek for the St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Dallas, TX as H.G. Bishop Youssef performed the "laying of the hands". This blessed event was attended by some of the Diocese priests, visiting lay people, and the Dallas community. We pray that the Lord will grant Fr. Barnaba wisdom, love, and peace as he begins his new service.

Also during this blessed eventheld at St. Philopateer Coptic Orthodox Church, Fr. Boulos Mikhael was elevated to hegumen. We thank our Lord Jesus Christ for this blessed event and for continuously flourishing our diocese.

"The work of the priesthood is done on earth, but it is ranked among heavenly ordinances. And this is only right, for no man, no angel, no archangel, no other created power, but the Paraclete Himself ordained this succession, and persuaded men, while still remaining in the flesh to represent the ministry of angels."
- St. John Chrysostom, On the Priesthood