3,358
edits
Changes
m
no edit summary
[[Image:FrBishoyKamel.jpg|right|thumb|Fr Bishoy Kamel (1931-1979)]] The [[Coptic]] Orthodox [[archpriest]] 'Abouna' '''Bishoy Kamel''' (1931-1979) was born Samy Kamel in Sirrs-Alliaan, Menoufia, Egypt, in 1931. Raised in Damenhour, Egypt where he received his early education. He attended the school of Sciences, Alexandria University, and graduated with B.Sc. degree in 1951. While working as a Science teacher in public schools, he continued his postgraduate at Alexandria University and received a degree in literature in 1954 and was appointed an instructor at the Education College, Alexandria University. He was ordained [[priest]] in December 1959.
During his early life as a teacher and Sunday School Servant, he was a very active [[Church]] servant, and also offered free tutoring to kids who needed help. When he became priest, he kept that promise of full time service to the last breath. He so despised material things, that material things were thrown under his feet. An eye witness saw him one night at the Church puzzled because a young woman came asking for financial help. She was followed by a student asking for money to pay college registration fees. This little worry did not last long. Our late Fr. Bishoy asked them both to wait. While waiting, a little girl walked in and handed him an envelope stuffed with money. When he asked her name, She just answered saying: "My mother Mary sends this to you." All the needs were met that night. In Egypt, feasts ([[Christmas]], [[Theophany|Epiphany]], [[Easter]]) are celebrated at night. The late Fr. Bishoy Kamel always went to distribute food and gifts to some of the needy in his congregation after the feast mass service. Because he always felt the importance of sharing the meaning of the Lord's feasts. His wife got used to it.
He started [http://www.stgeorge-sporting.org/ St. George Coptic Orthodox Church in Sporting, Alexandria] (where he is buried). Some advised him not to accept having associate priests, but he was not the one to fear competition. The number of priests at the Church reached five and all had more work than they could do. By the standards of his time, he was but a young man running a big Cathedral and very good at it!
