His Eminence Metropolitan Athanasios, Metropolitan of Marseille and Toulon, rested in the Lord at a good old age a short while ago, after a struggle with illness, at the age of more than 90 years, more than half of which he spent serving the church.
H.E. was born in the France in May 1933. He became a monk in the Monastery of Saint Bishoy in Wadi El-Natroun on May 5, 1974.
He was then ordained with the rank of Khori Episcopos (Assistant Bishop) on June 2, 1974. He was ordained general bishop on June 19, 1994, then he was ordained as bishop of the French Copts. On July 13, 2013, he was ordained as Metropolitan of Marseille and Toulon on February 28, 2016.
His Holiness Pope Tawadros II and the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church bid farewell, in the hope of resurrection, to His Eminence Metropolitan Athanasius, Metropolitan of the Diocese of Marseille and Toulon for French Copts. He has fallen asleep in the Lord today at the age of 90 years, of which he lived for nearly half a century as a father and shepherd in the Coptic Orthodox Church. He was an example of piety and purity of heart.
His Eminence Metropolitan Athanasius loved the Lord with all his heart and ability. He devoted himself to the Lord, and sought the path to perfection, placing before him the words of the Holy Bible: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev 2:10).
We trust that he has rested from the toils of the flesh and is now rejoicing in peace and comfort in the Paradise of Joy.
Sincere condolences to the priests and congregations of his diocese, to all his children and to all those who loved him.
Sunday 22nd October 2023 A.D… 11th of Baba 1740 A.M.
