Celebrating 13 Years of the Diocese of Holland and Bishop Arsani’s Journey

Bishop Arsani and the Egyptian Church in Holland.

The Orthodox Diocese of Holland is celebrating its 13th anniversary since its official establishment, coinciding with the anniversary of the consecration and enthronement of Bishop Arsani, who has dedicated himself to building the church in the diaspora since arriving in the Netherlands in 1985.

On this occasion, the diocese congratulated Bishop Arsani on his episcopal ordination on June 16, 2013, noting that his journey represents a continuation of a long ecclesiastical service characterized by continuous giving and spiritual commitment.

Reflecting on Bishop Arsani’s Journey After 13 Years

Bishop Arsani was born on October 10, 1951, and grew up in Shubra, Cairo. He began his professional career as a doctor while also serving at the Church of the Virgin Mary and Archangel Michael in Khalafawi for eleven years, gaining extensive experience in pastoral work and community engagement.

With the revival of Coptic monasteries during the papacy of Pope Shenouda III, Bishop Arsani was drawn to monastic life. He began visiting monasteries until he settled at St. Balamoon Monastery in 1978 after completing his studies and military service, choosing to fully dedicate himself to spiritual life.

From Egypt to Holland: The History of Bishop Arsani’s Service

Bishop Arsani’s service journey was not confined to one place; his early years involved several relocations. He served alongside Bishop Yakobos in the Diocese of Zagazig before returning to St. Balamoon Monastery to serve as its secretary for four years. Following this phase, Pope Shenouda III sent him to Holland to continue his ministry abroad beginning in 1985.

In a previous interview with “Mubtada,” Bishop Arsani expressed the difficulty of leaving Egypt, stating, “I love Egypt and cherish its soil; it is my embrace, my soul, my heart, and my mind.” He noted that he initially preferred a short stay but ended up serving for over four decades in Holland.

The Coptic Orthodox Church in Holland

Serving in foreign lands poses significant challenges for clergy as Coptic families rely on their priest as a father figure, guide, and supporter across various aspects of life. Since arriving in Holland, Bishop Arsani has been dedicated to regularly visiting church members across different cities during a time when the Coptic community gathered sporadically at rented worship spaces.

Upon starting his ministry, he aimed to establish an organized ecclesiastical entity that provides spiritual, social, and cultural services throughout the week—not just on Sundays—ensuring the preservation of Coptic identity and church heritage.

Within four months of his arrival, he established the first Coptic church in Amsterdam in 1985. This was followed by numerous construction projects and expansions, particularly after inaugurating the Church of Virgin Mary in Amsterdam by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III in 1992.

The Egyptian church in Holland strives to present itself in a modern way that resonates with youth culture while keeping close ties with younger generations through trips to Egypt that explore its Pharaonic, Islamic, and Coptic history.

Significant Ecclesiastical Expansion in Holland

In subsequent years under Bishop Arsani’s leadership, there has been notable growth among Coptic churches across Holland. Some cities where he established churches include:.

• Amsterdam (1985)
• Den Haag (1994)
• Koptisch Cultureel Centrum Amsterdam (1997)
• Eindhoven (1998)
• Utrecht (1998)
• Leeuwarden (2000)
• Assen (2002)
• Zeeland (2013)
• Klooster Lievelde (2016)
• Bussum (2018)
• Leidschendam (2018)
• Beverwijk (2024)

Over time, the Coptic church in Holland has evolved into a comprehensive institution encompassing properties along with social activities that serve thousands within various Dutch cities.

The journey of Bishop Arsani remains one of exemplary models for ecclesiastical service abroad. His contributions over more than four decades have solidified Coptic presence into a robust entity that continues to serve thousands today.