Statement

Regarding Priest Domadious Habib Ibrahim, who recently caused a stir due to some of his actions. We would like to note the following:

1-All controversial actions taken by Priest Domadius represent only his person, and the Church is not responsible for these actions.

2-This father caused many issues and problems over the years in every church he served in. Due to these problems, he moved between several churches. Additionally, at times, his actions also caused controversy in the street, media and social media. For years, the Church, through its fathers, tried to solve his problems and address his mistakes in a fatherly spirit, out of concern for his peace and salvation. He was advised a lot and given many opportunities. This was done with all patience and calmness.

3-He was investigated in August of last year, and a decision was issued to suspend him from priestly work. He did not abide by this decision, but rather, recently went further in his controversial behavior.

Based on the above, H.H. Pope Tawadros II issued a decision to form a committee consisting of three of the Church’s Bishops and some priests to investigate him. He was summoned yesterday (Wednesday 19th of June 2024), to stand before the committee, where he was heard, and a discussion was had about his actions and reasons for his non-compliance with the decision issued by His Holiness the Pope on the 12th of August 2023, suspending him from priestly service. The committee concluded the following:

1-The continued suspension of Priest Domadious Habib Ibrahim from priestly service.

2- His complete ban from dealing with the media or social media in all their forms.

3-He is to spend a period of spiritual retreat in one of the Coptic monasteries to give him an opportunity to review himself and his actions, out of concern for his salvation.

He is to implement the above for a year, and the extent of his commitment to these during this period will be monitored. In the event of his violation of any of the above mentioned conditions, he risks being stripped of his priestly rank.

Thursday 20th of June 2024 A.D… 13th of Baouna 1740 A.M.

This page is also available in: العربية