LONG ISLAND, NY. November 7, 2016 – The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of New York & New England is pleased to announce the ordination of Amir Loka to the priesthood. Born in Souhag in 1976, Amir graduated from pharmacy school at the University of Alexandria in 1998 and moved to the United States in 1999. Amir was married in 2003 and is a father to two children. He served in Queens, NY and Melbourne, Florida before settling into service at St. Abraam Coptic Church in Long Island in 2006 where he has been serving high school youth since. Amir will be ordained as a full Deacon on November 9, 2016 at The Lady of Zeitoun Coptic Orthodox Church located at 500 Todt Hill Rd., Staten Island, NY 10304 and will be ordain to the priesthood on November 27, 2016 by the hand of His Grace Bishop David. The ordination ceremony will be hosted at Saint Abraam Coptic Orthodox Church located at 90 Woodbury Rd., Woodbury, NY 11797. Amir will be serving the congregation of Saint Abraam Coptic Orthodox Church. We pray that the Lord grant Amir wisdom, love, and peace as he begins his new service.