Protodeacon Tony Shehata

As the longest serving member of our community, Protodeacon Tony is truly one of the pillars of our congregation.

After getting married in 1969, Deacon Tony and his wife Denise traveled from Egypt to Chicago, where they came upon our church. He first served as a member of the choir in the church, helping lead mass each week with his powerful voice and his deep knowledge of hymns.

Since he was young, Protodeacon Shehata thought of becoming a priest, but it only remained a thought. That is until 1997, when Bishop Nicholas Samra invited him to join the Deaconate Program. In 2001, he was officially ordained as a deacon.

Since then, he has remained a member of our church’s clergy, blessing us each week with his powerful voice and deep knowledge of hymns.