In loving memory of
Deacon Dr. Elia Ibrahim Azer
08/27/1951 – 01/20/2024
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Elia Ibrahim Azer was born on August 27th, 1951 (Mesore 21, 1667), in Sohag, Egypt, on the Feast of Saint Mary. He was the third child among seven siblings, born to loving parents Ibrahim Azer Abdelmessih and Enayat Halim Andrawis. The Azer family lived in a spacious seven-bedroom home with both grandmothers, parents, seven children, and a few live-in housekeepers.On their rooftop, they raised various species of birds, providing young Elia with a simple yet enjoyable pastime as he spent his days watching and exploring with his brothers.
His parents, devout Christians, instilled in him and his siblings a deep love for faith from an early age. Ibrahim, an English professor, was particularly committed to both education and religious devotion. Each morning, before their studies, he would wake the children at 4 a.m. to pray the Agpeya together, intoning an Arabic phrase (الصبح الصبح الصبيح ... شق النور المليح ... اتكالي واعتمادي عليك يا سيدي يسوع المسيح) loosely translated as “The morning, the bright morning... the beautiful light has dawned. … My reliance and dependence are upon You, O my Lord Jesus Christ.” This daily ritual laid the cornerstone for Elia’s affection for the Agpeya prayers. Subsequently, Ibrahim would sit with them and tutor them, taking great pride in Elia's academic achievements, as he consistently ranked at the top of his class in school.
As he grew, Elia encountered several role models who profoundly influenced his life. The first among them was a peer known for his exceptional work ethic and active involvement in the church. From a young age, Elia was driven by a strong desire to dedicate his life to serving the church. He was determined to find a balance between his life of service and the hard work he was already growing into.
Although his father had hopes for Elia to follow in his older brother's footsteps and pursue a career in medicine, Elia was resolute in his desire to forge his own path in life. Inspired by the local pharmacist, another of his role models, he set his sights on a career in pharmacy, determined to chart his own course. Turning to prayer, he beseeched St. Mary to intercede on his behalf, imploring God to grant him the opportunity to study pharmacy. In time, his prayers were answered.
During his years in pharmacy school, Elia visited London for a few months on his own in his early 20s, and worked there. Impressed by his dedication and admirable character, his employer offered to sponsor his further education in London. However, Elia declined this generous offer and returned home to complete his studies. Following graduation, he was drafted into the army. Upon his discharge, he wasted no time in establishing his own pharmacy, El Se7a (Health), in El Nekhela.
During this time, he became engaged to Soheir Labib Kaldas. Later, he briefly rejoined the army for about a year. Upon his return, at around the age of 27 on August 1st, 1978, Elia married Soheir.
He moved to Abutig, Assiut, to start his family. It was there that he nurtured a close friendship with the late Fr. Theophilos El Moharaqi, whom he had known since childhood. Over the years, they shared countless experiences, and Elia witnessed many miracles performed by the blessed hands of Fr. Theophilos. Inspired by Fr. Theophilos's remarkable life of service, Elia's faith deepened. Shortly thereafter, His Grace Bishop Andrawis (now His Eminence Metropolitan Andrawis) was ordained bishop for the area in 1980. As they served together, a deep bond formed between them, marking the beginning of a close friendship.
For almost two years, Elia and Soheir longed to have children but were unable to conceive. Elia frequently sought Fr. Theophilos El Moharaqi's prayers, to which he would often respond with "ربنا يدبر" (May God plan). After several repetitions of this response, Elia asked him, “Why do you always say “ربنا يدبر” (May God plan) and not “ربنا يعطيك” (God will give you). Fr. Theophilos replied, "What if God gave you a deformed child, would you be happy?" At that moment, Elia ceased asking Abouna to pray for their situation.
After some time, without any prompting, Fr. Theophilos informed him, "God has given you Mina." Around this time, they had already made plans to travel to Cairo for medical tests and to visit the monastery of St. Pishoy with H.G. Bishop Andrawis. They proceeded with their plans, traveling to the monastery as scheduled. While there, His Grace recounted the story of St. Pishoy in front of his relics. Upon finishing the story, he assured them “Whoever asks anything in the name St Pishoy, it will be granted to them and I will baptize your child for you here in St Pishoy Monastery by the grace of God.”
The following day, while still in Cairo and before their doctor's appointment, they received the joyful news that they were expecting a child. In June of 1981, His Grace baptized Mina, the firstborn of Elia and Soheir, in St. Pishoy Monastery. Two years later, in 1983, they welcomed their second son, Andrew, into the world.
Elia, following in his father's footsteps, instilled in his children a deep love for God and the church. He made it a daily practice to pray the Agpeya with them both in the morning and at night. Additionally, he ensured they attended liturgy every week, teaching them the importance of confessing and partaking of the mysteries regularly. Elia actively engaged his children in Sunday school, hymn classes, and family meetings, fostering their spiritual growth. He made it a habit to read to them stories of the saints, inspiring them with accounts of unwavering faith and profound devotion.
Moreover, Elia emphasized the importance of diligence in their studies, encouraging them to take their education seriously. He frequently reinforced this message by reciting certain biblical verses, such as "And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man," and "Those who seek me early will find me," ingraining these words as guiding principles in their lives.
Elia had a very close relationship with the saints that was cemented through the years by many miracles and interactions. His first memorable event was when he prayed through St. Mary’s intercessions to be placed in Pharmacy school in Assiut. He also developed a very close relationship with St. Mina the wonderworker.
While working in the pharmacy in El Nekhela, he heard a commotion and was on his way out to see it but quickly took cover under the desk and cried out for the intercessions of St. Mina. Two rival gangs were exchanging gunfire in front of the pharmacy and a hailstorm of bullets flew everywhere. After the gunfire ceased, he was relieved to find he was safe and unharmed. Through St. Mina’s intercessions, all the bullets stopped short of reaching him and were instead lodged in boxes containing talc powder that were stored in the front of his desk.
During those years, the church in the village of El Nekhela was very small. Moved by his zeal and love for the church, Elia purchased the building next to the church which had previously been a simple hall and hoped to convert it into a church. Due to government pressures, this work had to be done in secret. He faced many obstacles throughout the building of this church from both the outside and within. As a result of his involvement, his life was threatened many times. Among these threats to his life, a knife was put to his throat. His attackers demanded that he take down the picture of St. Mina that was hanging in the pharmacy and renounce his faith but he vehemently refused saying “St. Mina will not come down from here (مار مينا مش هينزل من هنا)”. In all of it, God would protect him and keep him safe.
Such was his faith in the intercession of the saints that, once while he was traveling back to Abutig and a child ran out into the street in front of his car, his instant reaction was to cry out loudly to St. Mary and St. Mina. He was terrified and feared for the child’s life. He quickly called H.G. Bishop Andrawis and told him what happened.
Upon hearing this, His Grace offered to send him a few lawyers that he knew, but Elia immediately responded, “No, send me St. Mary and St. Pishoy.” When he arrived home, he called the hospital to inquire about the girl and was told that she was discharged within 15 minutes without so much as a scratch.
St. Mina's intercession for Elia continued to be invaluable. While working in the pharmacy, he inadvertently dispensed iodine as eye drops to a young boy. Shortly after, the boy left with his blind father.
Elia, realizing the error, searched frantically but couldn't locate them. Desperately, he called upon St. Mina for help. Miraculously, the father returned, expressing discomfort from trying the drops himself, sparing his son from harm. The next day, the newspaper featured a headline about a pharmacist imprisoned for a similar error, highlighting the profound impact of St. Mina's presence in Elia's life.
After a few years, Elia opened his second pharmacy, Mari Mina Pharmacy, in Abutig. At the age of 40, he found out his wife was pregnant once again with their third child. He moved one final time in Egypt to a town called Assuit, and his daughter Mary was born there in 1992. Shortly afterward, he and his family began to close a blessed chapter of their lives in Egypt where they enjoyed a blessed friendship with many saintly people who helped guide their lives, such as H.E. Metropolitan Bakhomious (Papal Exarch), H.E. Metropolitan Andrawis, the late Fr. Theophilos Elmoharaqi, and the late Fr. Timotheos Sharmokh (his father of confession and spiritual guide). In late 1993, Elia and his family relocated to New Jersey, ready to embark on their journey in the United States.
In November of 1993, Elia and his family immigrated to the United States, settling in East Brunswick, NJ. Arriving in a new country, he embarked on a journey to establish himself from the ground up. Initially, he took on the role of a delivery driver at a pharmacy to provide for his family while preparing for the pharmacy equivalency exam. Like many significant events in his life, he received news of passing the pharmacy licensure exam on the feast of St. Mary. Securing employment post-licensure proved challenging, leading him to work in Rochester, NY, a 7-hour drive from where his family lived.
After enduring a harsh winter alone in Rochester, he was able to return home and find a local job in New York City.
God blessed and prospered the pharmacy that he worked in, and he found favor with the pharmacy owner. Elia's profound love and unwavering faith radiated through his interactions, cultivating enduring friendships and loyalty. When he finally had the opportunity to open his first pharmacy on his own, Elia insisted on partnering equally with his previous employer so as not to harm him in any way by diverting patients from his nearby pharmacy. They were able to open their first pharmacy together under the name of St. Mary, and she continued blessing them as they opened several more throughout the years. Elia’s great love and strong faith had such an impact on the people around him, that even his non-Christian partner insisted on naming subsequent pharmacies after the Holy Virgin St. Mary and donating the firstfruits of each establishment to the church. Such was the true Christian example that his partner saw in him, that caused him to always seek to go into business with other Christians and hire and trust them. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Despite encountering numerous challenges while establishing his life in the United States, Elia never wavered from his ultimate goal; his gaze remained fixed on the Lord. He kept his family always near the church, diligent in attending the liturgies and participating in the service. Elia continued to pray the Agpeya with his children, often joined by their cousins who either lived with or visited them. Elia and his family soon found a new home in St. Mary Church in East Brunswick, with Fr. Bishoy Demetrious becoming a beloved father figure to them. There, he resumed his life of service and discipleship to the clergy, which he began in Egypt, and instilled the same in his family. He grew in the service and was ordained a subdeacon. Among his many services, Elia helped establish a foundation called the 'House of Abraham.' This foundation aimed to serve the brethren of the Lord and newly immigrated families, echoing the hospitality of its namesake, Abraham, the father of fathers, who was known for his hospitality to strangers. Elia was also called to serve on the church Board of Deacons (Lagna).
As the church continued to grow and overflow with new families, Elia’s zeal and love for Christ and the service moved his heart to establish a new church and Papal residence. Much like his experience in building a church in Egypt, many obstacles arose yet Elia remained steadfast in his determination to establish a second home for St Mary in the area. After the purchase of the land and the celebration of the first liturgy in 2011, he sought a shepherd to build a church inside the heart of every congregant as they built their physical home. With the blessing of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, Elia called upon Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty, whom he came to know during Abouna’s time serving in St Mark Church in Jersey City in 1994. Together, they began a deeply rooted friendship centered around the service of God and His church. In 2018, the fruit of their labor was crowned when His Holiness Pope Tawadros II laid the foundation for Queen St Mary & Prince Tadros Church. While Elia tirelessly worked to build the church through the years, during his last days, he was especially focused on putting together the pieces necessary to complete this project.
The depth of Elia’s love for serving the house of the Lord can only be rivaled by his love to the brethren of the Lord and everyone in need. He truly followed Christ’s command when He said to His disciples "You shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Elia's service extended far beyond the confines of his family and church, reaching across borders and oceans to touch lives in New Jersey, throughout the United States, Egypt, and beyond.
Elia's pharmacy served as a vital hub, enabling countless individuals to establish themselves in the United States.Within its walls, they found not just medication, but a warm home, a surrogate family, and a compassionate father figure ever ready to assist them in every facet of life, no matter how small or significant. Such was the reputation of his service that immigrants frequently sought out this man they did not know named Elia Azer and his pharmacy in Brooklyn upon arriving at the airport, knowing he could facilitate their transition to a new life.
Whenever newcomers were referred to him, he extended his care to all aspects of their lives. With genuine concern, he would inquire:
"Do you have a place to stay? What do you do? Do you have a car? Are you married, and do you have children? If so, how old are they? And then, what church do you go to? Do you have a father of confession?"
Armed with the answers to these questions, Elia diligently set about finding housing, employment, transportation, and schooling for their children. He navigated the complexities of applying for assistance and health insurance, ensuring not only their material well-being but also nurturing their growth and prosperity in both life and faith. He accomplished this by connecting them with a supportive church community, facilitating introductions to clergy, and assisting in the establishment of meaningful relationships within their church.
Elia's assistance knew no bounds. For some, his support came in the form of unwavering love and care, a comforting presence in times of need. Yet, for others, his aid extended to the most challenging of circumstances. From accompanying individuals struggling with addiction on their journey to recovery, to offering solace and support to those battling illness, and even extending a guiding hand to those entangled in the complexities of the justice system, including visits to jails and police stations. Regardless of the circumstance, Elia was a steadfast source of hope and compassion, highlighting the meaningful impact of small acts of kindness and unity with those in distress. As Corinthians 12:26 reminds us, "And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it."
He never overlooked the plight of widows and orphans, always extending care to them, both financially and in various other ways, emulating the teachings of our Lord. For the youth who were on their own, he made sure to find them housing and jobs, but his service would not end there.
Regularly, he visited them, providing food, supplies, and other necessities, ensuring their connection to the church and consistent attendance of liturgies. On many occasions and even during feasts, he personally brought food from his home, sitting with them to share an Agape meal. On numerous occasions, he invited some to join him at his home during feasts and gatherings, fostering a fellowship rooted in love.
Elia's dedication to serving others extended beyond his own efforts; he actively involved those around him in the blessings of service, thereby fulfilling the words of the Lord in Luke 10:1: "And sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go." He endeavored to instill this spirit of service in all whom he aided, urging them to extend kindness and assistance to others in whatever capacity they could, thereby creating a ripple effect that touched countless lives.
Elia’s service, however, was not limited to those whom he met; rather, it extended far beyond to hundreds and thousands of people whom he had never met. He possessed an overwhelming passion to provide for those in need wherever they might be, especially those in Egypt, the home he never forgot. Regularly, Elia would send money, food, clothing, school supplies, and many other necessities to those in need. Every feast, he would gather and distribute to thousands of families what they needed for the celebration. The numbers grew year after year as he was moved with great zeal to push others to help provide for the brethren of the Lord, often even commanding with love others to partake in the blessing of this service.
He would approach those whom he knew had the fear and love of God and assign them specific responsibilities, saying, “This year you will cover the cheese, this year you will cover the blankets, this year you will cover the book bags... etc.” He was never concerned if others saw him as pushy, but rather with how everyone could best partake in the blessings of the service.
Once a year, during the feast of Pope Kyrillos and the Lenten season, Elia would journey to Egypt to take the blessings of the saints, churches, and monasteries. During this trip, his focus was not on which beach to visit or what food to eat, but rather on how he could do good. As was his custom, he would inquire about the lives and needs of everyone he encountered, ensuring that he provided for one or many of these needs. This could involve repairing a roof for a family that lost theirs, renovating their homes, or supplying various basic needs. Like a caring father, he never simply handed out money, but instead followed up by requesting progress pictures, always striving for improvements in what was provided. When traveling to Egypt, Elia carried multiple suitcases filled with gifts, his clothes, and personal belongings.
Remarkably, he never returned home with these belongings; instead, he left all his clothes for the people there and returned with only the basic necessities. His suitcases were filled instead with gifts and supplies for the churches and people back home.
On one occasion, a priest whose service was to the brethren of the Lord shared with Elia his experience at St. Paul Retreat center, where he found solace in the beauty of God’s creation and the tranquility of the waves. Reflecting on this, he wondered aloud, "Why do I have the privilege to enjoy God’s creation while the brethren of the Lord do not have this opportunity?" Moved by his words, Elia promptly instructed him to book the resort for all 50 families under his care. Overwhelmed with joy, the priest agreed to book a single night for them. However, Elia insisted, "No, how can they truly enjoy it with just one night? Please book them for two nights and ensure they visit St. Paul and St. Anthony monasteries on their way there." From that moment on, this became a yearly tradition that he would reserve for them and others, thus providing not only sustenance but joy.
The priest also recounts more than one occasion where Elia would contact him before a feast and ask him to purchase various necessities for the brethren of the Lord. Elia would tell him, "Let's provide them with chicken this year," to which the priest would suggest, "But they would value meat more." Undeterred, Elia would respond, "Then let's include both, but don't forget to buy flour and eggs so they can bake a cake and enjoy something sweet." He would also insist, "Don't forget to include 'Lavache quirit' cheese," to which the priest would express concern over the cost, suggesting a more economical option saying, "Dr. Elia, ‘Lavache quirit’ is expensive, we can just get them any cheese and they would enjoy it all the same.” Elia refused stating, “I like ‘Lavache quirit’, so they should have ‘Lavache quirit’.”.
Elia lived a true life of the ministry of deacons, serving the tables as described in the book of Acts and having a “... good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.”
On January 27, 2022, unbeknownst to him, HG Bishop Karas would bestow upon him the grace of the rank of Deacon to crown his life of service. He continued his service following the footsteps of St. Stephen.
At the age of 56, Elia experienced two significant events in his life. He welcomed the arrival of his first grandchild, a moment filled with immense joy and anticipation for the new generation. However, months later, he underwent open-heart surgery, bringing him face to face with his own mortality. Reflecting on this pivotal year, he was filled with joy at the coming of the new generation but was also reminded of his vulnerability. Despite the challenges, he remained steadfast in his faith. When asked about facing death, he responded, “I am not afraid.” Having endured the loss of several family members, he found solace in his unwavering belief, which strengthened him during challenging times.
In September of 2023, following his return from Egypt, Elia embarked on a deliberate process of arranging the various aspects of his life. With meticulous care, he ensured that his loved ones, those who depended on him, and the continuation of his service would thrive through the efforts of those whom he entrusted.
On January 20th, 2024, on the feast of Theophany and on the eve of the 12th of Tuba, 1740, the commemoration of his beloved Archangel Michael, Elia departed this fleeting world to be with His Lord in the company of the saints whom he loved.
Your devoted wife and loving children.
Elia Ibrahim Azer was born on August 27th, 1951 (Mesore 21, 1667), in Sohag, Egypt, on the Feast of Saint Mary. He was the third child among seven siblings, born to loving parents Ibrahim Azer Abdelmessih and Enayat Halim Andrawis. The Azer family lived in a spacious seven-bedroom home with both grandmothers, parents, seven children, and a few live-in housekeepers.On their rooftop, they raised various species of birds, providing young Elia with a simple yet enjoyable pastime as he spent his days watching and exploring with his brothers.
His parents, devout Christians, instilled in him and his siblings a deep love for faith from an early age. Ibrahim, an English professor, was particularly committed to both education and religious devotion.
Each morning, before their studies, he would wake the children at 4 a.m. to pray the Agpeya together, intoning an Arabic phrase (الصبح الصبح الصبيح ... شق النور المليح ... اتكالي واعتمادي عليك يا سيدي يسوع المسيح) loosely translated as “The morning, the bright morning... the beautiful light has dawned. … My reliance and dependence are upon You, O my Lord Jesus Christ.” This daily ritual laid the cornerstone for Elia’s affection for the Agpeya prayers. Subsequently, Ibrahim would sit with them and tutor them, taking great pride in Elia's academic achievements, as he consistently ranked at the top of his class in school.
As he grew, Elia encountered several role models who profoundly influenced his life. The first among them was a peer known for his exceptional work ethic and active involvement in the church. From a young age, Elia was driven by a strong desire to dedicate his life to serving the church. He was determined to find a balance between his life of service and the hard work he was already growing into.
Although his father had hopes for Elia to follow in his older brother's footsteps and pursue a career in medicine, Elia was resolute in his desire to forge his own path in life. Inspired by the local pharmacist, another of his role models, he set his sights on a career in pharmacy, determined to chart his own course.
Turning to prayer, he beseeched St. Mary to intercede on his behalf, imploring God to grant him the opportunity to study pharmacy. In time, his prayers were answered.
During his years in pharmacy school, Elia visited London for a few months on his own in his early 20s, and worked there. Impressed by his dedication and admirable character, his employer offered to sponsor his further education in London. However, Elia declined this generous offer and returned home to complete his studies. Following graduation, he was drafted into the army. Upon his discharge, he wasted no time in establishing his own pharmacy, El Se7a (Health), in El Nekhela.
During this time, he became engaged to Soheir Labib Kaldas. Later, he briefly rejoined the army for about a year. Upon his return, at around the age of 27 on August 1st, 1978, Elia married Soheir.
He moved to Abutig, Assiut, to start his family. It was there that he nurtured a close friendship with the late Fr. Theophilos El Moharaqi, whom he had known since childhood. Over the years, they shared countless experiences, and Elia witnessed many miracles performed by the blessed hands of Fr. Theophilos. Inspired by Fr. Theophilos's remarkable life of service, Elia's faith deepened. Shortly thereafter, His Grace Bishop Andrawis (now His Eminence Metropolitan Andrawis) was ordained bishop for the area in 1980. As they served together, a deep bond formed between them, marking the beginning of a close friendship.
For almost two years, Elia and Soheir longed to have children but were unable to conceive. Elia frequently sought Fr. Theophilos El Moharaqi's prayers, to which he would often respond with "ربنا يدبر" (May God plan). After several repetitions of this response, Elia asked him, “Why do you always say “ربنا يدبر” (May God plan) and not “ربنا يعطيك” (God will give you). Fr. Theophilos replied, "What if God gave you a deformed child, would you be happy?" At that moment, Elia ceased asking Abouna to pray for their situation.
After some time, without any prompting, Fr. Theophilos informed him, "God has given you Mina." Around this time, they had already made plans to travel to Cairo for medical tests and to visit the monastery of St. Pishoy with H.G. Bishop Andrawis. They proceeded with their plans, traveling to the monastery as scheduled. While there, His Grace recounted the story of St. Pishoy in front of his relics. Upon finishing the story, he assured them “Whoever asks anything in the name St Pishoy, it will be granted to them and I will baptize your child for you here in St Pishoy Monastery by the grace of God.”
The following day, while still in Cairo and before their doctor's appointment, they received the joyful news that they were expecting a child. In June of 1981, His Grace baptized Mina, the firstborn of Elia and Soheir, in St. Pishoy Monastery. Two years later, in 1983, they welcomed their second son, Andrew, into the world.
Elia, following in his father's footsteps, instilled in his children a deep love for God and the church. He made it a daily practice to pray the Agpeya with them both in the morning and at night. Additionally, he ensured they attended liturgy every week, teaching them the importance of confessing and partaking of the mysteries regularly. Elia actively engaged his children in Sunday school, hymn classes, and family meetings, fostering their spiritual growth. He made it a habit to read to them stories of the saints, inspiring them with accounts of unwavering faith and profound devotion.
Moreover, Elia emphasized the importance of diligence in their studies, encouraging them to take their education seriously. He frequently reinforced this message by reciting certain biblical verses, such as "And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man," and "Those who seek me early will find me," ingraining these words as guiding principles in their lives.
Elia had a very close relationship with the saints that was cemented through the years by many miracles and interactions.
His first memorable event was when he prayed through St. Mary’s intercessions to be placed in Pharmacy school in Assiut. He also developed a very close relationship with St. Mina the wonderworker. While working in the pharmacy in El Nekhela, he heard a commotion and was on his way out to see it but quickly took cover under the desk and cried out for the intercessions of St. Mina. Two rival gangs were exchanging gunfire in front of the pharmacy and a hailstorm of bullets flew everywhere. After the gunfire ceased, he was relieved to find he was safe and unharmed. Through St. Mina’s intercessions, all the bullets stopped short of reaching him and were instead lodged in boxes containing talc powder that were stored in the front of his desk.
During those years, the church in the village of El Nekhela was very small. Moved by his zeal and love for the church, Elia purchased the building next to the church which had previously been a simple hall and hoped to convert it into a church. Due to government pressures, this work had to be done in secret. He faced many obstacles throughout the building of this church from both the outside and within. As a result of his involvement, his life was threatened many times. Among these threats to his life, a knife was put to his throat.
His attackers demanded that he take down the picture of St. Mina that was hanging in the pharmacy and renounce his faith but he vehemently refused saying “St. Mina will not come down from here (مار مينا مش هينزل من هنا)”. In all of it, God would protect him and keep him safe.
Such was his faith in the intercession of the saints that, once while he was traveling back to Abutig and a child ran out into the street in front of his car, his instant reaction was to cry out loudly to St. Mary and St. Mina. He was terrified and feared for the child’s life. He quickly called H.G. Bishop Andrawis and told him what happened. Upon hearing this, His Grace offered to send him a few lawyers that he knew, but Elia immediately responded, “No, send me St. Mary and St. Pishoy.” When he arrived home, he called the hospital to inquire about the girl and was told that she was discharged within 15 minutes without so much as a scratch.
St. Mina's intercession for Elia continued to be invaluable. While working in the pharmacy, he inadvertently dispensed iodine as eye drops to a young boy. Shortly after, the boy left with his blind father. Elia, realizing the error, searched frantically but couldn't locate them. Desperately, he called upon St. Mina for help. Miraculously, the father returned, expressing discomfort from trying the drops himself, sparing his son from harm.
The next day, the newspaper featured a headline about a pharmacist imprisoned for a similar error, highlighting the profound impact of St. Mina's presence in Elia's life.
After a few years, Elia opened his second pharmacy, Mari Mina Pharmacy, in Abutig. At the age of 40, he found out his wife was pregnant once again with their third child. He moved one final time in Egypt to a town called Assuit, and his daughter Mary was born there in 1992. Shortly afterward, he and his family began to close a blessed chapter of their lives in Egypt where they enjoyed a blessed friendship with many saintly people who helped guide their lives, such as H.E. Metropolitan Bakhomious (Papal Exarch), H.E. Metropolitan Andrawis, the late Fr. Theophilos Elmoharaqi, and the late Fr. Timotheos Sharmokh (his father of confession and spiritual guide). In late 1993, Elia and his family relocated to New Jersey, ready to embark on their journey in the United States.
In November of 1993, Elia and his family immigrated to the United States, settling in East Brunswick, NJ. Arriving in a new country, he embarked on a journey to establish himself from the ground up. Initially, he took on the role of a delivery driver at a pharmacy to provide for his family while preparing for the pharmacy equivalency exam. Like many significant events in his life, he received news of passing the pharmacy licensure exam on the feast of St. Mary. Securing employment post-licensure proved challenging, leading him to work in Rochester, NY, a 7-hour drive from where his family lived. After enduring a harsh winter alone in Rochester, he was able to return home and find a local job in New York City.
God blessed and prospered the pharmacy that he worked in, and he found favor with the pharmacy owner. Elia's profound love and unwavering faith radiated through his interactions, cultivating enduring friendships and loyalty. When he finally had the opportunity to open his first pharmacy on his own, Elia insisted on partnering equally with his previous employer so as not to harm him in any way by diverting patients from his nearby pharmacy. They were able to open their first pharmacy together under the name of St. Mary, and she continued blessing them as they opened several more throughout the years. Elia’s great love and strong faith had such an impact on the people around him, that even his non-Christian partner insisted on naming subsequent pharmacies after the Holy Virgin St. Mary and donating the firstfruits of each establishment to the church. Such was the true Christian example that his partner saw in him, that caused him to always seek to go into business with other Christians and hire and trust them. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Despite encountering numerous challenges while establishing his life in the United States, Elia never wavered from his ultimate goal; his gaze remained fixed on the Lord.
Despite encountering numerous challenges while establishing his life in the United States, Elia never wavered from his ultimate goal; his gaze remained fixed on the Lord. He kept his family always near the church, diligent in attending the liturgies and participating in the service. Elia continued to pray the Agpeya with his children, often joined by their cousins who either lived with or visited them. Elia and his family soon found a new home in St. Mary Church in East Brunswick, with Fr. Bishoy Demetrious becoming a beloved father figure to them. There, he resumed his life of service and discipleship to the clergy, which he began in Egypt, and instilled the same in his family. He grew in the service and was ordained a subdeacon. Among his many services, Elia helped establish a foundation called the 'House of Abraham.' This foundation aimed to serve the brethren of the Lord and newly immigrated families, echoing the hospitality of its namesake, Abraham, the father of fathers, who was known for his hospitality to strangers. Elia was also called to serve on the church Board of Deacons (Lagna).
As the church continued to grow and overflow with new families, Elia’s zeal and love for Christ and the service moved his heart to establish a new church and Papal residence. Much like his experience in building a church in Egypt, many obstacles arose yet Elia remained steadfast in his determination to establish a second home for St Mary in the area.
After the purchase of the land and the celebration of the first liturgy in 2011, he sought a shepherd to build a church inside the heart of every congregant as they built their physical home. With the blessing of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, Elia called upon Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty, whom he came to know during Abouna’s time serving in St Mark Church in Jersey City in 1994. Together, they began a deeply rooted friendship centered around the service of God and His church. In 2018, the fruit of their labor was crowned when His Holiness Pope Tawadros II laid the foundation for Queen St Mary & Prince Tadros Church. While Elia tirelessly worked to build the church through the years, during his last days, he was especially focused on putting together the pieces necessary to complete this project.
The depth of Elia’s love for serving the house of the Lord can only be rivaled by his love to the brethren of the Lord and everyone in need. He truly followed Christ’s command when He said to His disciples "You shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
Elia's service extended far beyond the confines of his family and church, reaching across borders and oceans to touch lives in New Jersey, throughout the United States, Egypt, and beyond. Elia's pharmacy served as a vital hub, enabling countless individuals to establish themselves in the United States.Within its walls, they found not just medication, but a warm home, a surrogate family, and a compassionate father figure ever ready to assist them in every facet of life, no matter how small or significant. Such was the reputation of his service that immigrants frequently sought out this man they did not know named Elia Azer and his pharmacy in Brooklyn upon arriving at the airport, knowing he could facilitate their transition to a new life.
Whenever newcomers were referred to him, he extended his care to all aspects of their lives. With genuine concern, he would inquire:
"Do you have a place to stay? What do you do? Do you have a car? Are you married, and do you have children? If so, how old are they? And then, what church do you go to? Do you have a father of confession?"
Armed with the answers to these questions, Elia diligently set about finding housing, employment, transportation, and schooling for their children.
He navigated the complexities of applying for assistance and health insurance, ensuring not only their material well-being but also nurturing their growth and prosperity in both life and faith. He accomplished this by connecting them with a supportive church community, facilitating introductions to clergy, and assisting in the establishment of meaningful relationships within their church.
Elia's assistance knew no bounds. For some, his support came in the form of unwavering love and care, a comforting presence in times of need. Yet, for others, his aid extended to the most challenging of circumstances. From accompanying individuals struggling with addiction on their journey to recovery, to offering solace and support to those battling illness, and even extending a guiding hand to those entangled in the complexities of the justice system, including visits to jails and police stations. Regardless of the circumstance, Elia was a steadfast source of hope and compassion, highlighting the meaningful impact of small acts of kindness and unity with those in distress. As Corinthians 12:26 reminds us, "And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it."
He never overlooked the plight of widows and orphans, always extending care to them, both financially and in various other ways, emulating the teachings of our Lord. For the youth who were on their own, he made sure to find them housing and jobs, but his service would not end there. Regularly, he visited them, providing food, supplies, and other necessities, ensuring their connection to the church and consistent attendance of liturgies. On many occasions and even during feasts, he personally brought food from his home, sitting with them to share an Agape meal. On numerous occasions, he invited some to join him at his home during feasts and gatherings, fostering a fellowship rooted in love.
Elia's dedication to serving others extended beyond his own efforts; he actively involved those around him in the blessings of service, thereby fulfilling the words of the Lord in Luke 10:1: "And sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go."
He endeavored to instill this spirit of service in all whom he aided, urging them to extend kindness and assistance to others in whatever capacity they could, thereby creating a ripple effect that touched countless lives.
Elia’s service, however, was not limited to those whom he met; rather, it extended far beyond to hundreds and thousands of people whom he had never met. He possessed an overwhelming passion to provide for those in need wherever they might be, especially those in Egypt, the home he never forgot. Regularly, Elia would send money, food, clothing, school supplies, and many other necessities to those in need. Every feast, he would gather and distribute to thousands of families what they needed for the celebration. The numbers grew year after year as he was moved with great zeal to push others to help provide for the brethren of the Lord, often even commanding with love others to partake in the blessing of this service.
He would approach those whom he knew had the fear and love of God and assign them specific responsibilities, saying, “This year you will cover the cheese, this year you will cover the blankets, this year you will cover the book bags... etc.”
He was never concerned if others saw him as pushy, but rather with how everyone could best partake in the blessings of the service.
Once a year, during the feast of Pope Kyrillos and the Lenten season, Elia would journey to Egypt to take the blessings of the saints, churches, and monasteries. During this trip, his focus was not on which beach to visit or what food to eat, but rather on how he could do good. As was his custom, he would inquire about the lives and needs of everyone he encountered, ensuring that he provided for one or many of these needs. This could involve repairing a roof for a family that lost theirs, renovating their homes, or supplying various basic needs. Like a caring father, he never simply handed out money, but instead followed up by requesting progress pictures, always striving for improvements in what was provided. When traveling to Egypt, Elia carried multiple suitcases filled with gifts, his clothes, and personal belongings. Remarkably, he never returned home with these belongings; instead, he left all his clothes for the people there and returned with only the basic necessities. His suitcases were filled instead with gifts and supplies for the churches and people back home.
On one occasion, a priest whose service was to the brethren of the Lord shared with Elia his experience at St. Paul Retreat center, where he found solace in the beauty of God’s creation and the tranquility of the waves. Reflecting on this, he wondered aloud, "Why do I have the privilege to enjoy God’s creation while the brethren of the Lord do not have this opportunity?" Moved by his words, Elia promptly instructed him to book the resort for all 50 families under his care. Overwhelmed with joy, the priest agreed to book a single night for them. However, Elia insisted, "No, how can they truly enjoy it with just one night? Please book them for two nights and ensure they visit St. Paul and St. Anthony monasteries on their way there." From that moment on, this became a yearly tradition that he would reserve for them and others, thus providing not only sustenance but joy.
The priest also recounts more than one occasion where Elia would contact him before a feast and ask him to purchase various necessities for the brethren of the Lord. Elia would tell him, "Let's provide them with chicken this year," to which the priest would suggest, "But they would value meat more." Undeterred, Elia would respond, "Then let's include both, but don't forget to buy flour and eggs so they can bake a cake and enjoy something sweet."
He would also insist, "Don't forget to include 'Lavache quirit' cheese," to which the priest would express concern over the cost, suggesting a more economical option saying, "Dr. Elia, ‘Lavache quirit’ is expensive, we can just get them any cheese and they would enjoy it all the same.” Elia refused stating, “I like ‘Lavache quirit’, so they should have ‘Lavache quirit’.”.
Elia lived a true life of the ministry of deacons, serving the tables as described in the book of Acts and having a “... good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.” On January 27, 2022, unbeknownst to him, HG Bishop Karas would bestow upon him the grace of the rank of Deacon to crown his life of service. He continued his service following the footsteps of St. Stephen.
At the age of 56, Elia experienced two significant events in his life. He welcomed the arrival of his first grandchild, a moment filled with immense joy and anticipation for the new generation. However, months later, he underwent open-heart surgery, bringing him face to face with his own mortality. Reflecting on this pivotal year, he was filled with joy at the coming of the new generation but was also reminded of his vulnerability. Despite the challenges, he remained steadfast in his faith. When asked about facing death, he responded, “I am not afraid.” Having endured the loss of several family members, he found solace in his unwavering belief, which strengthened him during challenging times.
In September of 2023, following his return from Egypt, Elia embarked on a deliberate process of arranging the various aspects of his life. With meticulous care, he ensured that his loved ones, those who depended on him, and the continuation of his service would thrive through the efforts of those whom he entrusted.
On January 20th, 2024, on the feast of Theophany and on the eve of the 12th of Tuba, 1740, the commemoration of his beloved Archangel Michael, Elia departed this fleeting world to be with His Lord in the company of the saints whom he loved.
Elia's life journey was a testament to unwavering faith, enduring hope, and boundless love. His example continues to resonate, inspiring others to embrace life's challenges with courage and grace. May his spirit of compassion and dedication to service be a guide to us all.
Your devoted wife and loving children.
