- H.G Bishop Suriel
His Grace Bishop Dr Suriel is the Dean of St. Athanasius Coptic Orthodox Theological College (SACOTC) and lecturer in Religious Education, teaching units in religious education, youth ministry, comparative religions and pastoral ministry.
Bishop Suriel was born in Port Said, Egypt and migrated with his parents to Australia in May, 1967 at the age of four. He completed his Bachelor degree in Science and his Diploma of Education in 1985. Serving as a Sunday School Teacher and Youth Leader for ten years in Sydney led His Grace to devote his life to Christ. In 1991 he was tonsured a monk in the 4th century monastic desert of Scetis at St. Bishoy Monastery, and served there as secretary to His Holiness Pope Shenouda III.
Ordained a priest in 1993 and served as parish priest at St. Mark parish in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1996-7. Was ordained general bishop in June 1997 and appointed to oversee the Coptic Archdiocese in New Jersey and to serve the youth of the tri-state. On December 4, 1999 Bishop Suriel was enthroned as Bishop of Melbourne and its Affiliated Regions.
Whilst in the USA Bishop Suriel commenced theological studies at both Chaminade University, HI and later at St. Vladimir’s Seminary, NY. After being appointed to Melbourne he completed his Masters in Religious Education at ACU and is currently completing a PhD in Religious Education at Fordham University, NY.