Fr Bishoy Kamel - His Life (1/2)

Born Sami Kamel in 1931 in Egypt.Graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1951 and pursued further studies, earning diplomas in Psychology, Education, and Philosophy, eventually becoming an associate professor at Alexandria University in 1957. He was prepared for an academic life.In 1959, he was unexpectedly chosen for the priesthood by Pope Kyrillos VI. The Pope handpicked him despite never having met him before.Given a week to find a wife, he married Angel Bassili with the Pope's blessing. They lived lives of acetic continence.He served as a priest at the Church of St George in Sporting, Alexandria.He represented the Coptic Orthodox Church at the World Council of Churches in 1960 and 1965.In 1969, Pope Kyrillos sent him to the United States of America, where he celebrated the first Divine Liturgy in Los Angeles on November 9, 1969, and helped establish the first church there.He developed and lived out a profound "Theology of the Cross" (theologia crucis), viewing Christ's suffering as central to understanding God and life.From 1976 until his death in 1979, he confronted cancer, living his Theology of the Cross intensely through this suffering, offering his severe pain as a prayer.He was a prolific writer on Scripture, liturgy, and Orthodox spirituality, writing on topics like the Jesus Prayer and translating patristic texts.He passed away on March 21, 1979, at the age of 47.His life of faith and service led to the conclusion that he was a saint.These milestones highlight the significant turning points and key aspects of his life and ministry.