The Coptic Orthodox community in the Solomon Islands is preparing to welcome His Grace Bishop Rewis, General Bishop of the Diocese of Melbourne and Affiliated Regions, including the Solomon Islands, who will arrive in Honiara on Wednesday, 8 October.
His Grace will be accompanied by several Fathers and deacons and will be received by Father Moses Mikhael and members of the local Orthodox congregation in Honiara.
The visit marks an important milestone for the faithful in the Solomons, who have long awaited the opportunity to host their bishop and celebrate the strengthening of their spiritual connection with the wider Coptic Orthodox Church.
Bishop Rewis entered monastic life on 7 March 2001 at the historic Holy Virgin St. Mary Monastery in Egypt, embracing a life of prayer, humility, and service.
Following his monastic consecration, he served in several countries, including the United States, the Scandinavian nations, and the Philippines, where he undertook pastoral and missionary work marked by compassion, dedication, and spiritual wisdom.
In 2021, His Grace was ordained as General Bishop for East Asia by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II. After a pastoral visit to Melbourne in January this year, he was appointed by His Holiness as the General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne and its affiliated regions—an appointment that officially took effect on 1 July 2025. This also extended his pastoral care to the growing Orthodox community in the Solomon Islands.
During his time in the country, Bishop Rewis will lead a series of liturgical services, spiritual talks, and community gatherings with local members of the faith.
The visit will also provide opportunities for pastoral counseling, fellowship, and discussions on the future development of the Coptic Orthodox mission in the Solomon Islands.
According to the official program, His Grace will arrive in Honiara on Wednesday, 8 October at 3:40 p.m.
On Thursday, 9 October, he is scheduled to pay courtesy visits to Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele, the Vicar General of the Catholic Church Fr. Peter Chele, and the Archbishop of the Anglican Church, The Most Reverend Leonard Dawea.
On Friday, 10 October, he will meet with Bishop Michael, the Diocesan Bishop of Malaita. A welcome ceremony will be held on Saturday, 11 October at St. Mary & Archangel Gabriel Church in Malaita, followed by a courtesy visit to the Premier of Malaita Province, Hon. Elijah Asilawa.
On Sunday, 12 October, Bishop Rewis will lead a church service and preside over deacon ordinations before concluding his visit on Wednesday, 15 October with his departure from the Solomon Islands.
Father Moses Mikhael said the visit is a tremendous blessing for the local Orthodox community, as it strengthens faith, unity, and a shared sense of belonging within the global Coptic Orthodox family.
“This is a historic, exciting and a long awaited visit for the Solomon Islands Orthodox community as His Grace Bishop Rewis is the first Orthodox Bishop to visit this blessed country.
Our church is one of the earliest churches in the world and our community is nearly within every country but we are all united in one body and one spirit. We ask the community to pray for a blessed and a fruitful visit,” he said.
The visit of Bishop Rewis is seen as a significant step in the continued growth of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the Solomon Islands, fostering interfaith dialogue, cultural exchange, and spiritual renewal across the nation.
By George Maelagi
Solomon Star Online
