ORTHODOX BISHOP PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO PRIME MINISTER MANELE
HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS – The Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele MP, today warmly received His Grace Bishop Rewis, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne and Affiliated Regions, during a courtesy visit at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
His Grace Bishop Rewis, whose ecclesiastical jurisdiction also includes the Solomon Islands, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister Manele. During their dialogue, His Grace conveyed the Coptic Orthodox Church’s keen interest in forging strategic partnerships particularly in the vital areas of education, health, and community development.
PM Manele receiving a gift from His Grace Bishop Rewis
Bishop Rewis shared the Church’s efforts to secure land for the construction of an educational institution and a healthcare facility, aimed at contributing to the social and human capital development of the nation.
Prime Minister Manele warmly welcomed Bishop Rewis and his delegation to Solomon Islands, expressing his gratitude for the visit and especially for the interest in supporting community development. He noted that the Government and religious institutions have historically shared a productive partnership in Solomon Islands, especially in complementing efforts in education, health and other sectors.
“The Government values the role of the Church in nation-building,” Prime Minister Manele stated. “Under the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), Human Capacity Development is a central policy priority, and we welcome all partners including the Coptic Orthodox Church who share this vision.”
His Grace Bishop Rewis, who was appointed by Papal Decree No. 2 of 2025 by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, assumed his new role on 1 July 2025. A deeply committed servant of the Church, Bishop Rewis began his monastic life in 2001 at the historic Muharraq Monastery in Egypt, served extensively in the United States, Scandinavia, and the Philippines, and was ordained as a General Bishop for East Asia in 2021. With both pastoral depth and formal training in Church Management, His Grace now leads the Diocese with full spiritual and administrative authority, overseeing its mission in Melbourne and its affiliated regions, including the Solomon Islands.
[END]– OPMC PRESS SECRETARIAT