He was born Samy Kamel in Sers el-Lyan, Monufia Governorate, Egypt, in 1931. later moving to Damenhour where he received his early education.

In 1954, he received an advanced degree in literature and was appointed as an instructor at the Alexandria University college of education.

After a chance encounter in 1959, Pope Cyril VI unexpectedly handpicked Samy to become the priest of a new church being built in Sporting, Alexandria.

[2] While a priest, he also taught Sunday school and offered free tutoring for children who needed it.

Bishoy founded the St. George Coptic Orthodox Church in Sporting, Alexandria, Egypt.

Although he was initially advised against doing so, he persisted, and in time the church had five priests working there, all of whom remained overworked as well.

Later, he was given the chance to buy a building which the Russian Orthodox Church congregation had earlier used on Robertson Boulevard which would cost $100,000.

As a preacher, he regularly cited examples from the Bible, Church history, tradition, and the life of the Saints.

Many people found comfort in their sickness or by troubles merely seeing [him] in pain or hearing about his patience and joy!”[4]