Bishoy Kamel

Bishoy Kamel also spelled Bishoi Kamel (; 1931–1979), was a priest of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria.

Life

He was born Samy Kamel in 1931 in Sers el-Lyan, Monufia Governorate, Egypt, later moving to Damenhour where he received his early education. He went on to attend Alexandria University, and received his Bachelor of Science degree there in 1951. He started as a teacher in a local school, at the same time continuing his own studies. In 1954, he received an advanced degree in literature and was appointed as an instructor at the Alexandria University college of education.

After a chance encounter in 1959, Pope Cyril VI unexpectedly handpicked Samy to become the priest of a new church being built in Sporting, Alexandria. Despite never having met him before, the Pope made the sign of the cross on the young man's head and said, “God has given us a sign that you are to be a priest. I shall ordain you next Sunday.” After a swiftly arranged marriage, he was ordained the next week.

In 1969, Kamel was sent to minister to the needs of the Coptic faithful in Los Angeles. Initially, the church placed him in a building used by the Syriac Orthodox Church. Later, he was given the chance to buy a building which the Russian Orthodox Church congregation had earlier used on Robertson Boulevard which would cost $100,000. His church at the time had about $500 available. Father Bishoy Kamel managed to raise $23,000,

Final years and legacy Fr. Bishoy would later help establish Coptic churches in Jersey City, NJ such as St. George and St. Shenouda. Also, Denver and Houston,