His Grace Bishop Makarios is the oldest living monk in the Coptic Orthodox Church. His Grace has recently celebrated 95 years of life, 75 years of monasticism, and 35 years of service in the episcopacy. At the command of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III of Thrice-Blessed Memory, His Grace has overseen the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church Diocese of North America and Its Affiliated Regions for more than fifteen years. In 2023 – after five years of dialogue mediated by SCOOCh – His Grace reestablished peace and full communion between his flock and those churches overseen by His Grace Bishop Sinoda, inviting His Grace to join us on the Standing Conference. Their Graces now jointly oversee a united church in the Diaspora, encompassing more than 300 parishes and thousands of faithful in North America, Europe, Australia, and parts of the Middle East and Africa. Because of his tireless work in the pursuit of peace, His Grace has been recognized by various international organizations with “Man of the Year” and “Man of Peace” awards, as well as honorary PhDs. The Standing Conference enthusiastically joins its voice to that chorus.
Please join us for a reception in His Grace’s honor, scheduled to follow the Annual Concelebration of the Divine Liturgy. The prayers of the Liturgy are dedicated to full peace and reconciliation in the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church, which is His Grace’s most fervent wish and prayer. See flyer below for details