Bishop Karas

Bishop of the Coptic Diocese of Pennsylvania and Its Affiliated Regions

Our diocese, led by Bishop Karas, includes Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia and Delaware.

His Grace Bishop Karas was born on November 18, 1965. HG joined the Coptic Orthodox Seminary School in 1983 and graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor degree in Theological Sciences. Later on, in 1992, HG joined the Monastery of Saint Bishoy in Wady El Natroun in Egypt and he was ordained a monk on June 8, 1993, with the name of Father Karas of Jerusalem (El Orshalimy). He then served in Jerusalem from June 1993 until 1995 and later returned to the Monastery of St. Abba Bishoy. He was ordained a priest on June 7, 1999, and served the Diocese of Ireland, Scotland, and North East England with HG Bishop Anthony until 2014. During that time, he also served as the secretary of the diocese. He was elevated to the rank of Hegumen on September 10, 2011. HG was ordained a Bishop on June 1, 2014, then he was appointed as the Exarch of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II to North America effective August 2, 2014. HG was enthroned as the Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia on November 11, 2017.

May the Lord keep his life and service for many years and peaceful times.