Who's the best bishop?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

In the Coptic Orthodox Church, the "best" bishop is not measured by worldly standards of popularity or secular success, but by his faithfulness to the Apostolic tradition, his role as a shepherd of Christ’s flock, and his adherence to the Orthodox faith as handed down by the Holy Fathers.

While all bishops are equal in their sacramental grace and their responsibility to guard the Vine of the Lord, several contemporary and historical figures stand out due to their profound impact on the Church:

H.E. Metropolitan Serapion

As the Metropolitan of the Diocese of Los Angeles, Southern California, and Hawaii, His Eminence is a pillar of the Church in the Diaspora. He is widely respected for his theological depth, his commitment to education, and his leadership in establishing a thriving diocese that balances the preservation of Coptic heritage with the needs of the faithful in the West.

H.G. Bishop Kyrillos

His Grace Bishop Kyrillos, Auxiliary Bishop in the Diocese of Los Angeles, is a significant figure in the realm of Christian education and theological research. He serves as the Dean of the Agape Coptic Theological Seminary (ACTS) and is instrumental in bridging the gap between ancient Patristic wisdom and modern academic study.

H.G. Bishop Youssef

The Metropolitan of the Diocese of the Southern United States, His Eminence is known for his extensive spiritual writings, his dedication to the youth, and his efforts in expanding the Church across a vast geographical area while maintaining strict liturgical and spiritual discipline.

Historical Giants

When looking at the history of the See of St. Mark, we look to the "best" examples of the episcopacy in figures like:

• St. Athanasius the Apostolic: The 20th Pope, who stood "against the world" to defend the divinity of Christ against the Arian heretics.
• St. Cyril of Alexandria: The "Seal of the Fathers," who defended the title of Theotokos and the unity of Christ’s nature.
• H.H. Pope Shenouda III: A modern teacher and defender of the faith who revitalized monasticism and Sunday School in the 20th century.

Ultimately, the "best" bishop is the one who, like St. Arsenius the Recluse, leads his people toward the silence and prayer of the heart, ensuring that the Holy Spirit continues to guide the Church in truth. Each bishop is a successor to the Apostles, and we pray for them in every Liturgy, asking God to "confirm them upon their thrones" for many years and peaceful times.