On Sunday, March 10th, 2013, His Grace Bishop Mina became the first Coptic Orthodox Bishop in Canada.
His Holiness Pope Tawadros II assigned a delegation of bishops, namely Anba Reweis, Anba Kyrillos, Anba Antony, Anba Thomas, Anba Armia, Anba Yulius, and the bishops of the USA, to accompany HG Anba Mina to Canada and to perform the Enthronement ceremony in the church of the Virgin Mary and St. Athanasius, Mississauga that was held on Saturday April 6th, 2013 7:00PM, and the Liturgy on Sunday April 7th, 2013.
Following the enthronement of His Grace Bishop Mina, Primate Bagrat Galstanian sent the following letter of congratulation.
His Grace Bishop Mina, Primate
Diocese of the Coptic Orthodox Church
of Mississauga and Vancouver
“Now you are the body of Christ and each one of you is part in it”. I Cor. 12:27
Dear brother in Christ,
With profound joy we learned about your Grace’s appointment as the first ever Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church over the Diocese of Mississauga and Vancouver.
This occasion certainly is a cause for great beatitude to all the Coptic faithful in Canada, as the establishment of the new diocese of Mississauga and Vancouver is an unmistakable sign of the strengthening presence of our dear Coptic Orthodox sister church in Canada.
This occasion is also a source of similar feelings for the Armenian Orthodox Church members, as it witnesses the growth and determination of their fraternal Coptic Orthodox faithful in Canada.
The history between the Armenian and Coptic Churches extends into the roots of the Apostolic age and the birth of our holy Orthodox faith. Together, our peoples have witnessed the good days of freedom as well as dark periods of foreign reign of tyranny which produced endless numbers of confessors, saints and martyrs. We stand by in support of our dear Coptic sister Church and offer our prayers, dedication and support in keeping steps together in the paths of the Risen Lord.
I look forward to meeting you in the near future and to continue the warm fraternal relations that exist between our two churches.
Greetings, peace and joy, on this cheerful occasion to your Grace, with sincere wishes for fruitful years in the service of God.
