Our Clergy

St. Mary & St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church is under the spiritual guidance and care of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, the 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark. His Holiness has dedicated his life to serving the Coptic Orthodox Church with humility, wisdom, and unwavering faith. Born as Wagih Sobhy Baky Soliman on November 4, 1952, he pursued a career in pharmacy before answering God’s call to monasticism. He was ordained as a monk under the name Fr. Tawadros El-Souriani at the Monastery of St. Pishoy in Wadi El Natrun, Egypt, in 1988. His Holiness was consecrated as a bishop on June 15, 1997, and served as the Bishop-General for the Diocese of Beheira. On November 18, 2012, he was enthroned as Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, succeeding the beloved Pope Shenouda III. Since his enthronement, Pope Tawadros II has been a beacon of spiritual leadership, guiding the Coptic Orthodox Church through times of growth, challenges, and renewal. His teachings, pastoral care, and commitment to unity continue to inspire millions of faithful around the world.

St. Mary & St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church is under the spiritual guidance of His Grace Bishop Mina, the Diocesan Bishop of Mississauga, Vancouver, and Western Canada. Bishop Mina has a rich history of service and dedication to the Coptic Orthodox Church. Before his monastic life, he resided in Edmonton for many years. His journey of faith deepened when he was ordained as a monk under the name Fr. Paphnotius Avva Mina at the Monastery of Saint Mina in Mariout, Egypt, in March 1984. ​ Continuing his spiritual path, Bishop Mina was ordained as a priest in 2003. A significant milestone in his service came on June 6, 2009, when he was consecrated as a bishop by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, marking him as the last bishop ordained by the late Pope. ​On March 10, 2013, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II entrusted Bishop Mina with the leadership of the Diocese of Mississauga, Vancouver, and all surrounding regions. His Grace was formally enthroned in Mississauga, Ontario, on April 7, 2013, and in Vancouver, British Columbia, on April 13, 2013. Since then, Bishop Mina has faithfully shepherded the Coptic Orthodox community across Western Canada, embodying a legacy of spiritual devotion and pastoral care.

The church is lovingly shepherded by the devoted fatherhood of Fr. Rewis, whose journey of service to the Coptic Orthodox Church is marked by dedication and humility. On March 19, 1999, the Feast of the Cross, Fr. Rewis was ordained as a priest at St. George Church in Zagazig by His Grace Bishop Yacoubos, the late bishop of Zagazig, Egypt. His commitment to the priesthood was further recognized when he was elevated to the rank of hegumen on October 15, 2017, by His Grace Bishop Mina. Since November 2000, Fr. Rewis has faithfully served the congregation of St. Mary & St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Edmonton, offering spiritual guidance, pastoral care, and unwavering support to the community. His ministry has been a source of blessing and inspiration to all who have had the privilege of knowing him. May the Lord preserve and strengthen him for many more years of fruitful service, and may his life continue to be a testament to God’s grace and love.

Fr. Youhanna holds a special place in the history of St. Mary & St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Edmonton, as he was ordained to its altar on August 9, 2015. This ordination was particularly significant, as he was the first priest to be ordained by the laying of hands of His Grace Bishop Mina within the Diocese of Mississauga, Vancouver, and Western Canada. Since his ordination, Fr. Youhanna has been a dedicated servant of the church, offering his gifts and talents to the spiritual growth and well-being of the congregation. May the Lord abundantly bless his ministry, grant him wisdom and strength, and bestow upon him many more years of fruitful and faithful priesthood.

Fr. Mark was ordained to the altar of St. Mary & St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Edmonton on January 13, 2024, in a blessed moment for the congregation. His ordination was performed through the laying of hands by His Grace Bishop Mina, the Diocesan Bishop of Mississauga, Vancouver, and Western Canada. As a newly ordained priest, Fr. Mark embarks on a sacred journey of service, dedicating his life to the spiritual care and guidance of the faithful. May the Lord abundantly bless his ministry, grant him wisdom, strength, and grace, and may He bestow upon Fr. Mark many years of fruitful and faithful priesthood, enriching the lives of all those he serves.

Deacon Youhanna was ordained to the sacred order of deacons at St. Mary & St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Edmonton on March 25, 2015, by the laying of hands of His Grace Bishop Mina. This blessed occasion marked the beginning of his dedicated service to the church, where he has faithfully supported the liturgical and spiritual life of the congregation. ​May the Lord strengthen and guide Deacon Youhanna in his ministry, granting him many years of fruitful service as he continues to glorify God and support the spiritual growth of the faithful.

Deacon Stavros was ordained to the sacred order of deacons at St. Mary & St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Edmonton on October 15, 2017, by the laying of hands of His Grace Bishop Mina. This blessed occasion marked the beginning of his dedicated service to the church, where he has faithfully supported the liturgical and spiritual life of the congregation. May the Lord grant Deacon Stavros wisdom, strength, and grace as he continues his ministry, and may He bless him with many years of fruitful service, bringing glory to God and edification to the faithful.

Deacon Youssef was ordained to the sacred order of deacons at St. Mary & St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Edmonton on April 30, 2023, by the laying of hands of His Grace Bishop Mina. This blessed occasion marked the beginning of his dedicated service to the church, where he has since faithfully supported the liturgical and spiritual life of the congregation. May the Lord grant Deacon Youssef wisdom, strength, and grace as he continues his ministry, and may He bless him with many years of fruitful service, bringing glory to God and edification to the faithful.

Deacon Mina was ordained to the sacred order of deacons at St. Mary & St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Edmonton on April 30, 2023, by the laying of hands of His Grace Bishop Mina. This blessed occasion marked the beginning of his dedicated service to the church, where he has since devoted himself to assisting in the liturgical and spiritual life of the congregation. May the Lord bless Deacon Mina’s ministry, granting him wisdom, strength, and grace as he serves with humility and dedication. May he be granted many years of fruitful service, bringing glory to God and uplifting the faithful in their spiritual journey.

Tasony (Sister) Maria was appointed as a deaconess for St. Mary & St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Edmonton by His Grace Bishop Mina in December 2013. Since her appointment, she has faithfully served the church in various capacities, including her role as the manager of the Canadian Coptic Community Centre and her responsibilities in church communication. Her dedication and tireless efforts have been a blessing to the congregation, contributing to the spiritual and administrative life of the community. May the Lord continue to strengthen Tasony Maria in her service, granting her wisdom, grace, and many more years of fruitful ministry as she glorifies God and supports the church’s mission.