At 12 noon today (Wednesday), H.H. Pope Tawadros II led the funeral prayers for H.E. Metropolitan Aghapios, Metropolitan of the Diocese of Deir Mawas and Delga, who passed away in the Lord in blessed old age yesterday.
A large number of metropolitans and bishops participated in the prayers, in addition to priests from the Diocese of Deir Mawas, priests and monks from various dioceses and monasteries of the Coptic Orthodox Church, the choir of deacons from the Anba Reweis Theological Seminary, and a large congregation from the Diocese of Deir Mawas and Delga who filled the cathedral.
H.E. Metropolitan Danial (Metropolitan of Maadi and Secretary of the Holy Synod), delivered a speech during the funeral prayers, expressing gratitude on behalf of the clergy and congregation of the Diocese of Deir Mawas to H.H. Pope Tawadros for honoring the late Metropolitan with his prayers. He also thanked members of the Holy Synod, the heads of Coptic monasteries and convents, officials from various state bodies, executive leaders, Islamic religious figures, Christian denominations, and members of the Egyptian Parliament and Senate from Minya, led by Governor Major General Emad Kedwani, for offering their condolences on the passing of H.E. Metropolitan Aghapios.
In his condolence address, H.H. Pope Tawadros II said: “In the hope of the resurrection, we bid farewell to this blessed father, His Eminence Metropolitan Aghapios, Metropolitan of the Diocese of Deir Mawas and Delga.”
His Holiness reflected on the verse:
“So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house” (Luke 1:23), noting that the passing of loved ones is a unique moment for us. It serves as a wake-up call, reminding us that life will come to an end and each of us will return to their own home. This moment urges us to pause, reflect, and examine our souls, asking ourselves: “Have I prepared for this day?”
He added: “A faithful person never forgets this day. When someone departs, we ask: What did they leave behind? Did they leave a good reputation? Good relationships? Beneficial work? A service that built and nurtured generations? We find all of this clearly in the life of H.E. Metropolitan Aghapios, whose name means ‘love.’ He truly lived up to his name. He served his community and country through his career, then embraced monastic life at the Monastery of Saint Bishoy in Wadi El-Natroun. He served as the deputy of the monastery from 1981 to 1985—a critical period during which the Church and the nation faced the well-known crisis of 1981. He managed this time with wisdom, love, and firmness. The late Pope Shenouda III entrusted him with several responsibilities before ordaining him as a bishop in 1988. In his ministry, he lived with love for the needy and the poor in the Diocese of Deir Mawas and Delga—a blessed diocese that has produced saints. He transformed his diocese into a vibrant one. Despite facing many challenges, he never complained, for he was always looking unto Jesus “the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).”
His Holiness continued: “Recently, he faced some health challenges until he departed from this world. We remember his good life and ask for his prayers.”
Pope Tawadros concluded: “On behalf of the Holy Synod, the esteemed bishops present with us, the priests, deacons, and Coptic institutions, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the clergy of the Diocese of Deir Mawas and its people who love Christ, and his blessed family.”
His Holiness also revealed that he has appointed H.E. Metropolitan Demetrius, Metropolitan of Mallawi, Ansena, and Ashmounin, as the Papal Deputy for the Diocese of Deir Mawas and Delga until God’s will is revealed regarding its future leadership.
H.E. Metropolitan Aghapios departed yesterday at nearly 81 years of age, having spent over 47 years in monastic life, 36 of which were as a bishop. In recent years, he suffered from health complications until his righteous soul departed to the paradise of joy yesterday morning.
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