FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The semi-annual clergy gathering focused on spiritual leadership, pastoral care, administration, education, and evangelism. This year’s seminar also addressed domestic violence and responding to mental health situations.

West Park, NY — May 11–13, 2026 — The clergy of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of New York and New England gathered at Tivaki Ethouab Coptic Orthodox Retreat Center in West Park, New York, for the Semi-Annual Clergy Meeting and Seminar.

Held under the leadership and presence of Bishop David, the gathering brought together approximately 70 priests of the Diocese for prayer, spiritual renewal, pastoral formation, and discussions concerning parish life and ministry throughout New York and New England.

The gathering centered on the Church’s ongoing mission to equip priests to serve the faithful with wisdom, compassion, spiritual clarity, and pastoral responsibility.

Focus on Spiritual Leadership and Pastoral Care

His Grace Bishop David opened the gathering with a session titled “Be an Influencer,” encouraging the clergy to recognize the sacred responsibility of priestly influence and to use their ministry to guide, strengthen, and inspire the faithful in Christ.

Throughout the three-day meeting, the clergy participated in sessions focused on key areas of pastoral care, including conflict resolution, family challenges, marriage difficulties, spiritual renewal, and the pastoral wisdom needed to serve individuals and families with both truth and compassion.

These discussions emphasized attentive listening, wise discernment, emotional maturity, and the faithful application of the Church’s teachings in complex pastoral situations.

Special Seminar Led by Metropolitan Youssef

A major highlight of the gathering was a special seminar led by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef on:

Addressing Domestic Violence & Responding to Mental Health Cases

His Eminence guided the clergy through practical, compassionate, and theologically grounded approaches to some of the most urgent and sensitive challenges facing families and communities today. The seminar addressed how priests can recognize warning signs, respond with wisdom and care, support those who are suffering, and connect individuals and families with appropriate professional resources when needed.

This training reflects the Diocese’s ongoing commitment to equipping its clergy to walk with the faithful through every season of life, including times of crisis, suffering, and vulnerability.

Diocesan Committee and Regional Reports

In addition to the teaching sessions and seminar, the clergy received reports from diocesan committees and regional representatives. These reports reviewed current ministry efforts, strengthened communication across the Diocese, and helped coordinate future pastoral and administrative work.

The Formation Committee of the Lay Leaders Initiative presented to us their progress toward His Grace Bishop David’s long-term vision of establishing ten committees. The initiative is beginning now with the development of the legal and financial framework for the diocese.

Committee reports included updates from the areas of ecumenism and public relations, education, hymns and rituals, media, pastoral care, priests’ family ministry, secretariat and administration, youth mission and evangelism, and standing committee work.

Regional reports were also presented from across the Diocese, including Albany, Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo; Brooklyn and Staten Island; Hamden, New London, and Cheshire; Northern Massachusetts and New Hampshire; Central Massachusetts; Southern Massachusetts and Rhode Island; Queens, Astoria, Manhattan, Long Island, and the Bronx; and the Tappan Zee Region, including Stony Point, White Plains, Chestnut Ridge, and Stamford.

These reports reflected the breadth of ministry taking place throughout the Diocese of New York and New England and the shared commitment of the clergy to unity, accountability, and pastoral care.

Pastoral Guidelines and Parish Life

The clergy also discussed liturgical and pastoral guidelines, regional coordination, and practical matters related to parish life. Updates and decisions from the meeting will continue to be communicated through local parish priests and through the diocesan website: NYNECopts.org

The Diocese gives thanks to God for this blessed gathering and asks the faithful to continue praying for their priests, as the clergy continue to pray for and serve the people entrusted to their care.

With love in Christ,

The Secretariat Committee
Coptic Orthodox Diocese of New York & New England