Metropolitan Bishoy of Damiette, Kafr El-Sheikh, Barary, and the Monastery of Saint Demiana of the Coptic Orthodox Chruch died at the age of 76 on 3 October 2018. He was one of the senior and most influential Coptic Orthodox bishops who made extensive contributions in the areas of inter-Orthodox and inter-Christian dialogue as well as in the Ecumenical Movement in general. Long time member of the Central Committee of the WCC, he was also the Co-president of the official bilateral dialogue between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Oriental (Pre-Chalcedonian) Orthodox Churches.

Born on 19 July 1942 as Makram Eskander Nicola, Metropolitan Bishoy completed his senior school in 1958 and entered the Faculty of Engineering (Mechanics) in 1959 in Alexandria (Egypt). In 1963, he graduated with a Bachelor Degree at the age of 21 years and took honors in becoming an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Engineering. He completed his Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1968. In 1969, he became Monk Thoma El-Souriani in the Monastery of Deir El-Souriani. He was ordained a priest in 1970. In 1972, he was ordained Bishop of Damiette, Kafr El-Shiek and the Monastery of Saint Demiana, Barrari, Belkas. In 1990, he was elevated to the rank of Metropolitan. He has served as Secretary of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church since 1985 until his death.

May his memory be eternal!