This morning, H.H. Pope Tawadros II prayed the Monday Liturgy of the sixth week of the Great Lent at St. Mark the Apostle’s Church in Damanhour, in the presence of the body of the late His Eminence Metropolitan Pakhomious, Metropolitan of the Diocese of Beheira, Matrouh, and the Five Western Cities, and Abbot of St. Macarius of Alexandria’s Monastery at Mount Al-Qalali. He was the metropolitan elder of the Coptic Church, who reposed in the Lord yesterday.

His Holiness was joined in the Liturgy by His Eminence Metropolitan Paula, Metropolitan of Tanta and Papal Vicar for the Diocese of Beheira, along with several metropolitans, bishops, diocesan priests, and monks of the monastery.

During the Liturgy, H.E. Metropolitan Paula delivered a speech offering condolences to His Holiness, the clergy, deacons, servants, and congregation of the diocese on the passing of Metropolitan Pakhomious. He described the late metropolitan as a “school of service” from which many had learned. He recounted Metropolitan Pakhomious’ extensive journey in ministry, highlighting the places he served as a deacon, monk, and bishop. He also revealed significant details about Metropolitan Pakhomious’ management of the papal election process in 2012 of which Metropolitan Paula was an eye witness, affirming his wisdom, meticulous attention to detail, complete transparency, and faithfulness throughout the election, which culminated in the altar lot.

Addressing His Holiness, he said: “Yesterday, you bid him farewell humbly as a son. And in the recent past, you recall how, during your enthronement, he bowed before you as an obedient son! Your Holiness and His Eminence have presented a remarkable image of the greatness of the Coptic Church through this noble relationship. We share in your noble feelings as we bid farewell to this great hierarch.”

Following the Liturgy, the funeral prayers commenced, joined by additional metropolitans, bishops, priests, and monks from various dioceses and monasteries.

The funeral was attended by Dr. Jacqueline Azer (Governor of Beheira), the Director of Security, provincial executive leaders, members of Parliament, representatives from Al-Azhar and the Ministry of Endowments, and members of various Christian denominations. H.E. Metropolitan Paula expressed gratitude for their participation and condolences despite their engagement in the Eid al-Fitr celebrations of today.

H.H. Pope Tawadros II delivered the sermon, beginning with: “Today, we gather to bid farewell not just to a person but to a spiritual, ecclesiastical, and national figure whose deeds are inscribed in the history of the Church and the nation.” He emphasized that for over half a century, Metropolitan Pakhomious worked to establish the Diocese of Beheira, which had not previously existed. He served with strength, faith, diligence, and faithfulness, treating the diocese as an integral part of the nation.

His Holiness highlighted that Anba Pakhomious loved his congregation, and they, in turn, loved him. Love was the defining characteristic of his episcopal service, which spanned urban, rural, desert, coastal, and labor-intensive regions. Despite the diverse environments, he served them all with dedication and sincerity.

His Holiness outlined three key principles through which Anba Pakhomious expressed his love for all in Beheira, whether Muslim or Christian:

1- Fatherhood: He was characterized by love from the early days of his youth, a trait that remained with him throughout his life and in every place he served. Fatherhood was the key—it was what drew us to his blessed personality. He was a father to both the young and the old. We saw this in his love for children, as he turned Palm Sunday into a Feast of Children. He extended his fatherly care to the youth, male and female servants, families, deacons, and monks. Likewise, in his relationship with the metropolitans and bishops.

2- Education: Metropolitan Pakhomious worked tirelessly in teaching, making education a cornerstone of his ministry. He founded the theological seminary and its branches, as well as institutes for biblical studies, church hymns, and music. His Holiness recounted an incident from forty years ago when he was a servant at Archangel Michael Church’s in Damanhour. He suggested holding a Christian book exhibition, and Metropolitan Pakhomious not only encouraged the idea but also personally attended, inaugurated the event, purchased a book, and donated to support the exhibition.

His Holiness also recalled another incident early in Metropolitan Pakhomious’ ministry when he visited a village and noticed children without shoes. Distressed, he immediately purchased a large number of shoes and emphasized the importance of teaching villagers proper conduct. He firmly believed that education transforms behavior, aligning with the Church’s role in shaping society and preparing responsible citizens. His speeches on national occasions reflected his deep love for his country and commitment to societal peace.

3- Service: Metropolitan Pakhomious formulated ten principles for developmental service, which became the foundation of the service in this field. He engaged in numerous acts of hidden service both in Egypt and abroad. He served the nation with complete faithfulness, to the extent that some officials referred to him as a “statesman” due to his unwavering efforts to society and the country’s peace.

Concluding his sermon, Pope Tawadros said: “His Eminence Metropolitan Pakhomious has written a luminous page in the history of the Coptic Orthodox Church with his life. Though we bid him farewell, we are confident that he will not leave us, for those we love never truly die—they live on in us through the lessons they taught us.”

His Holiness extended his greetings for the blessed occassion of Eid al-Fitr to the Muslim attendees, wishing them peace and prosperity.

Following the service, the body of the late metropolitan was transported to St. Macarius of Alexandria’s Monastery at Mount Al-Qalali, where he was laid to rest in the tomb he had prepared for himself, adjacent to the grave of the Thrice-Blessed H.G. Bishop Ishak (General Bishop). His Holiness led the procession to the monastery, until the completion of placing the body of the father and teacher in the tomb.

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