His Grace Bishop Paula

His Grace Bishop Paula is the Bishop of Tanta and the Head of the Coptic Orthodox Council for Marital Affairs.  His Grace was born in the city of Kafr Elsheikh, Egypt on Aug 23, 1951.  In 1974, he graduated from the Tanta University's School of Science with a Bachelor’s degree in Geological sciences.  As is customary in Egypt, His Grace served his country in the army until January of 1976.

Immediately following this, he consecrated his life to Christ when he entered El Baramous Monastery on March 17, 1976.  As a testament of His Grace's commitment and perfection of his monastic vows he quickly advanced through the monastic ranks.  Just a few days after he completed his first month in the monastery, he was ordained as a monk, by the name of Toma (Thomas) El Baramousy on April 24, 1976.  Fr. Toma El Baramousy completed just 40 days as a monk before he was selected to serve on the altar before the Divine Sacrifice; he was ordained a priest on June 4, 1976.  After just one year as a monk-priest, his wisdom and perseverance led to him being promoted to the rank of Hegomen on May 28, 1977 and one day later he was elevated to the rank of Khoury Episcopos (assistant Bishop).

His Grace continued in the pastoral ministry until 1980, when H.H. Pope Shenouda III ordained him a General Bishop.  On June 18, 1989 he was enthroned as the Bishop of Tanta.

Throughout His Grace's pastoral journey, he has served as Dean of the Theological Seminary in Tanta.  He also teaches courses entitled, Bible and Science, The Christian Family, and Social Affairs in the Theological Seminaries in Tanta, Cairo, Alexandria, Mahalla Alkoubra, and abroad.

His Grace also serves on several of the Holy Synod's committees, including:  The Committee on Perish Affairs, The Committee on Pastoral Care & Ministry, The Committee on Monastic Affairs, and The Committee on Ecclesiastic Relations.

His Grace has also authored several books and articles.  He frequently appears as a guest speaker in the TV program called “House on the Rock,” to discuss the life of the Christian Family.
 
Overall, His Grace's specialty is family and marital relations.  We thank our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ for enabling His Grace Bishop Paula to continue his commitment to the couples and families in the United States of America and the Midwest.  May the Lord preserve his life for many years and peaceful times.