A short while ago, the metropolitan elder of the Coptic Orthodox Church and Acting Patriarch; His Eminence Metropolitan Pakhomious (metropolitan of Beheira, Matrouh, and the Five Western Cities, and Abbot of St. Macarius of Alexandria Monastery in Mount Al-Qalali) reposed in the Lord at an old age, having lived a life full of days. He passed away after a lifetime of service to the Church and nation. He was nearly 90 years old and served the Church for more than 70 years—as a servant, consecrated deacon, monk, bishop, and metropolitan—of which approximately 54 years were in the episcopal service.
The late revered father was born on December 17, 1935. He became a monk at El-Sourian Monastery in Wadi El-Natroun under the name Father Antonios El-Souriany on November 11, 1962. He was ordained as a bishop on December 12, 1971, alongside the late Metropolitan Yoannis, the former Metropolitan of Gharbia. They were the first bishops ordained by the late H.H. Pope Shenouda III, less than a month after his enthronement on the See of St. Mark. He was later elevated to the rank of Metropolitan on September 2, 1990.
For eight months (from March 22 to November 18, 2012), he was entrusted with leading the Coptic Orthodox Church as Acting Patriarch after being chosen to oversee the Church during the transition period. His leadership during this time was marked by wisdom and competence, earning the admiration of many both in Egypt and abroad.
Under his guidance, generations of servants were raised, many of whom became priests, monks, and bishops—most notably, H.H. Pope Tawadros II, may God grant him long life.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
H.H. Pope Tawadros II and the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church bid farewell to the paradise of the righteous to the thrice-blessed metropolitan elder of the Church, one of its shining pillars, His Eminence Metropolitan Pakhomious (Metropolitan of the Diocese of Beheira, Matrouh, and the Five Western Cities, and Abbot of St. Macarius of Alexandria Monastery in Mount Al-Qalali). He reposed in the Lord today at nearly 90 years old, after serving God and His Church with piety and faithfulness, offering a unique model of ministry, becoming a guiding light for generations of clergy and laity alike.
His Eminence dedicated his life from his youth to God and His Church, planting himself like a tree by the waters, bearing abundant fruits in all his responsibilities throughout his long journey of service. He was a pioneer in Sunday School ministry and served in various regions within the See of St. Mark, including Egypt, Sudan, Kuwait, London, and beyond.
When the divine providence called him to the episcopacy, he became the shepherd of a vast diocese, leading it with wisdom and prudence as a faithful steward, laboring, teaching, overseeing, and caring for everyone.
When he was later entrusted with leading the Church as Acting Patriarch during a critical period in the history of both the nation and the Church, he navigated the Church with wisdom and strength, like a skilled captain, relying on prayer and fasting, entrusting everything to God.
Once his mission was completed, he humbly returned to his diocese to continue his service with utmost dedication. Neither old age nor physical weakness could hinder him from fulfilling his pastoral duties …until he completed his race today and departed in peace to the places of rest in the eternal dwellings.
We trust that he will hear the blessed words from the Divine lips: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:21).
May his pure soul rest in peace, and may God comfort the clergy and congregation of his diocese, and all who loved him.
Sunday, March 30, 2025 – 21 Baramhat 1741 AM.
Funeral Arrangements for the Thrice-Blessed His Eminence Metropolitan Pakhomious
H.H. Pope Tawadros II, along with the metropolitans and bishops, will lead the funeral prayers for the Thrice-Blessed His Eminence Metropolitan Pakhomious (Metropolitan of Beheira, Matrouh, and the Five Western Cities), today (Sunday), at 3:00 pm in St. Mark’s Cathedral, Abbassia.
After the prayers, the car carrying his body will depart for Damanhour.
The body will be placed in St. Mark the Apostle’s Church (Diocesan Headquarters in Damanhour), allowing his congregation to pay their last respects from 8:00 pm today until midnight.
The Divine Liturgy will be prayed tomorrow (Monday), from 6:00 am to 9:00 am, followed by the funeral service at 10:00 am.
After the service, the body will be transported to St. Macarius of Alexandria’s Monastery in Mount Al-Qalali, where the burial rites will be completed at 2:00 pm.
Sunday, March 30, 2025 – 21 Baramhat 1741 A.M.
