The funeral prayers for the thrice-blessed His Eminence Metropolitan Pakhomious, Metropolitan of Beheira, Matrouh, and the Five Western Cities, and Abbot of St. Macarius of Alexandria’s Monastery in Mount El-Qualali, as well as the Metropolitan Elder of the Coptic Orthodox Church, were held today at 3 PM.

H.H. Pope Tawadros II led the prayers, accompanied by metropolitans, bishops, the priests of the Diocese of Beheira, monks from St. Macarius of Alexandria’s Monastery, priests of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and monks and nuns from various monasteries. The cathedral was filled with worshippers.

The funeral was attended by Dr. Jacqueline Azer, Governor of Beheira, local officials, and many public figures from various sectors of society. Representatives from other Christian denominations were also present, including His Beatitude Patriarch Ibrahim Ishak, Patriarch of the Coptic Catholics, Bishop Samy Fawzy, Archbishop of Alexandria for the Anglican Episcopal Church, and Metropolitan George Shehane, Maronite Metropolitan of Egypt and Sudan and Apostolic Visitor for North Africa, representing His Beatitude Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi of the Maronite Church. Other representatives from various Christian communities also attended.

A solemn and noble sense of grief was evident on the faces of the attendees as they mourned the passing of this father and shepherd, who was a rare example of devotion to God, practical holiness, effective leadership, and selfless service.

On behalf of the Diocese of Beheira, H.E. Metropolitan Danial (Metropolitan of Maadi and Secretary of the Holy Synod), expressed gratitude to all who offered condolences, including President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the Speakers and members of the House of Representatives and Senate, Prime Minister Dr Mostafa Madbouly, government ministers and governors, Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, various political parties, Christian denominations, and the staff of Salam Hospital in Mohandessin, where Metropolitan Pakhomious received medical care in his final days.

With deep emotion, H.H. Pope Tawadros II delivered a speech, beginning with the words of the Lord Christ about Lazarus: “Our friend has fallen asleep” (John 11:11). He continued: “Today, we bid farewell, in the hope of resurrection, to the Metropolitan Elder of the Church, the wise voice in the Holy Synod, the thrice-blessed Metropolitan Pakhomious, who served the Church for 75 years, from the second half of the 20th century to the first quarter of the 21st century. He served the Church with all faithfulness and loyalty.”

The Pope emphasized that the late metropolitan’s service was radiant, marked by tranquility and silence—not merely of appearance or routine but filled with the Holy Spirit.

His Holiness explained the Metropolitan Pakhomious’ long journey, from serving in Sunday school in Zagazig, to being a consecrated deacon in Kuwait, a missionary in Sudan, and later a monk and bishop. He also reflected on the late H.H. Pope Shenouda III’s close relationship with Metropolitan Pakhomious, recalling how he ordained him a monk when he was Bishop of Education and even gave him his own monastic name: “Antonious El-Souriany.”

Pope Tawadros recalled that when Metropolitan Pakhomious was ordained as a bishop, Pope Shenouda had remarked that he should have been the Patriarch if only his years as a monk had met the requirements of the papal election regulations.

His Holiness highlighted that the late metropolitan’s approach to service and relationships was based on love, peace, balance, and quiet diligence. He noted that Metropolitan Pakhomious was a true, clear and loving servant, whose legacy deserves to be recorded not just in books but in the history of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

The Pope also spoke about Metropolitan Pakhomious’ love for education, founding the Theological Clerical College in Damanhour and its branches, as well as many educational institutes. Additionally, he played a key role in social and developmental projects, establishing schools, hospitals, and community centers.

His Holiness recounted Metropolitan Pakhomious’ wisdom in handling difficult situations and problems, such as resolving a major crisis the church in Australia faced in 1974, which Pope Shenouda delegated to him. Also his prominent role in the famous crisis that the Church and the nation faced in 1981, where, along with other fathers, he was able to guide the Church through that crisis peacefully with wisdom and precision in every word and action.

Pope Tawadros emotionally recounted that Metropolitan Pakhomious had been complaining to His Holiness in the past period that he could no longer serve due to his declining health. His Holiness would comfort him by saying that his spiritual children were serving, but he would respond that he loved to serve himself!

Regarding the beginning of his relationship with the late metropolitan, His Holiness said that he was in university when Metropolitan Pakhomious was ordained as the Bishop of Beheira. At that time, Metropolitan Pakhomious made Archangel Michael’s Church in Damanhour—where His Holiness had been a member before monasticism—his headquarters for ten years.

Pope Tawadros added that Metropolitan Pakhomious cared for the youth of the church, both young men and women, focusing on their education and discipleship. He was the one who instilled in them a love for service, consecration, and monasticism.

His Holiness emphasized that Metropolitan Pakhomious was faithful and balanced in everything, never favoring any individual or group. In summary, he was a bishop and metropolitan according to God’s heart.

He added: “In his passing, we witness a metropolitan who left a profound impact on the Church in our era. Blessed are those who learned from him, knew his biography, and understood his personality.”

Pope Tawadros emphasized that Metropolitan Pakhomious’ lectures were a blend of the wilderness, history, the Holy Bible, and the experiences of the Church Fathers. He added: “History will testify that Metropolitan Pakhomious was a pillar of the Church and a beacon to all.”

His Holiness concluded: “I bid him farewell as a beloved father. I bid farewell to an example and role model —meekness and love, courage and experience, intellect and wisdom. We ask for comfort for all our souls and seek his prayers for us.”

At the end of the prayers, Pope Tawadros announced that H.E. Metropolitan Paula, Metropolitan of Tanta, will serve as the Papal Vicar for the Diocese of Beheira until further arrangements are made.

Metropolitan Pakhomious passed away after a life full of giving to the Church and the nation, at nearly 90 years of age—63 of which he spent as a monk and bishop. He nurtured generations of servants, many of whom became priests, monks, and bishops, most notably H.H. Pope Tawadros II, may God grant him a long life.

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