Cedar Grove, NJ – On Sunday, June 21, 2026 the Coptic Orthodox Archdiocese of North America, the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of New York & New England, and the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church Diocese of North America combined their efforts to honor Our Beloved Father His Grace Bishop Makarios as he celebrated 95 years of life, 75 years of monasticism, and 35 years of service in the episcopacy. Bishop Makarios, the oldest living monk in the Coptic Orthodox Church and a member of the Coptic Orthodox Holy Synod, has faithfully served both the Coptic and Eritrean Churches for most of his life, and, at the command of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III of Thrice-Blessed Memory, has overseen the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church Diocese of North America and Its Affiliated Regions for more than fifteen years.
The celebration of His Grace’s life and service was organized at the initiative and under the leadership of His Grace Bishop David of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of New York & New England and His Grace Bishop Gabriel of the Coptic Orthodox Archdiocese of North America, with the participation of Coptic and Eritrean clergy. The day began with a celebration of the Divine Liturgy, at which His Grace Bishop Makarios ordained a priest and several deacons and altar servers for the Eritrean Diocese. After a respite and agape meal, His Grace Bishop David and His Grace Bishop Gabriel led the celebratory program. The proceedings were emceed by the V. Rev. Fr. Moises Bogdadhy of St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church at the Coptic Orthodox Archdiocese of North America. In addition to His Grace Bishop David and His Grace Bishop Gabriel, speakers included His Grace Bishop Ermia of the Coptic Orthodox Church, V. Rev. Fr. Jacob Ghaly of Virgin Mary & St. Pachomius Coptic Orthodox Church, V. Rev. Fr. Kesete Berhane of Holy Trinity Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church, Rev. Fr. Tedros Tesfay of St. Mary Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church, and Rev. Deacon George Isshak of St. George Coptic Orthodox Church. Also in attendance were His Grace Bishop Suriel of the Coptic Orthodox Archdiocese of North America and His Eminence Archbishop Mor Titus Yeldho of the Malankara Archdiocese of the Syriac Orthodox Church, representing the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church en toto. His Eminence Archbishop Petros of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Archdiocese of New York & Its Surrounding Regions was represented by V. Rev. Fr. Dr. Mihrete-Ab, and His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan of the Armenian Diocese (Eastern) was represented by V. Rev. Fr. Simeon Obadabashian. Both bishops conveyed their official greetings and congratulations via their appointed representatives. His Eminence Archbishop Mor Silvanos Ayub of the Knanaya Archdiocese of the Syriac Orthodox Church also sent along his official greetings and prayers, as did His Grace Bishop Makarios’ partner in the administration of the Eritrean Diocese, His Grace Bishop Sinoda. Bishop Sinoda is presently on an Apostolic mission in Europe consecrating churches and ordaining clergy for the ever-expanding Eritrean Orthodox Diocese, which encompasses more than 300 churches and thousands of faithful, serving the Eritrean Orthodox Diaspora in North America, Australia, Western Europe, parts of Africa, and the Middle East.
The highlight of the proceedings was when His Grace Bishop Makarios addressed the assembled clergy and faithful, regaling them with stories of his life and service and encouraging them to continue steadfastly in their walk with Christ.
His Holiness Pope Tawadros II once remarked that His Grace Bishop Makarios was “a contemporary saint”. His Grace Bishop David echoed that sentiment.
“How many of you would like to see a saint?” His Grace queried of the assembled faithful, “You have seen one.”
All in the assembly enthusiastically agreed.
The Standing Conference of Oriental Orthodox Churches in America also agrees. We heartily congratulate His Grace Bishop Makarios on the occasion of his Platinum Jubilee: 95 years of life, 75 years of monasticism, and 35 years in episcopal service. May God strengthen His Grace and grant him many more years of life and good health in peaceful times for the sake of his flock and the entire Orthodox Christian Church.