Today, H.H. Pope Tawadros II prayed the Saturday Liturgy of the third week of the Holy Fifties, marking 40 days since the departure of the Thrice-Blessed H.E. Metropolitan Pakhomious, Metropolitan of the Diocese of Beheira, Matrouh, and the Five Western Cities, and Head of St. Makarious of Alexandria’s Monastery in Mount Qalali. The liturgy was held at Saint Mark’s Vineyard in Damanhour (the diocese headquarters).

Joining His Holiness were H.E. Metropolitan Paula (Metropolitan of Tanta and Papal Deputy for the Diocese of Beheira and its affiliated regions), along with several metropolitans, bishops, the clergy of the Diocese of Beheira, and monks from St. Makarious’ Monastery. Priests and monks from dioceses and monasteries of the See of St Mark, as well as nuns, consecrated women, prominent laity from Beheira, and a large congregation also participated in the prayers.

In his sermon, Pope Tawadros said:
“Today we gather in memory of the Thrice-Blessed H.E. Metropolitan Pakhomious, Metropolitan of Beheira, Matrouh, and the Five Western Cities, in the headquarters of the diocese. He began his service in this vast diocese more than 54 years ago. He served as bishop and metropolitan—faithful, loving, and devoted to his ministry. He gave us a wonderful model of church service and what it means to be faithful in that calling.”

He added: “Those we love never die; they live in our hearts. We will always remember their lives and what they did for us.”

His Holiness highlighted three key aspects that distinguished Metropolitan Pakhomious:

1- A Spiritual Figure:
He embodied the balance between spirituality and administrative excellence. He was truly spiritual and, at the same time, a successful administrator—devoted to prayer, saints, spiritual vigils, and church hymns. His spirituality was evident in his sermons and teachings, as he blended the Word of God with his deep spiritual experiences.
Pope Tawadros added: “I speak as one of the sons of this diocese, where I grew up. The Divine providence allowed me to serve here for 22 years as a monk, priest, and assistant bishop to His Eminence. I testify before God that I learned from him daily—his thinking, methods, faithfulness, and spirituality. Much of what I learned from him can’t be found in books; it is a life passed from generation to generation.”

He continued:
“He began his ministry in the newly established diocese with virtually no resources, but he had God’s grace, which bore much fruit in many areas.
He mixed everything with prayer and worship, believing that prayer brings miracles. He would pray for years over certain matters until they were fulfilled.
He placed himself in God’s hands, and God worked through him mightily both within and beyond his diocese.”

Pope Tawadros described him as:
“A spiritual figure in Biblical teaching, a transmitter of the holy desert experience, and a guide and father of confession to many.”

On Metropolitan Pakhomious’ vast experience, His Holiness said:
“His great experience in serving in this diocese, and the grace given to him by God allowed many to learn at his hands and absorb the essence of genuine spiritual life.”

2- A Church Figure:
The Pope described him as:
“A model church servant—almost like a walking church! He deeply loved the Church, the saints, their feasts and commemorations, the poor and their service, and cared about building churches to provide everyone with a place to pray.”

He added:
“He labored greatly and shed many tears in this diocese. Every church bears witness to his work, prayers, and tears.
He exemplified a servant who cherished the Church, valued its fathers, its rites, history, and heritage.”

Regarding the diocese’s growth and his passion, the Pope said: “The Five Western Cities was merely a title associated with the jurisdiction of the patriarch. He brought it to life by establishing an active ministry in that region from nothing.”

He concluded: “History will record that at the end of the 20th and beginning of the 21st centuries, the Coptic Church had a strong pillar in him—serving with strength and authenticity, blending tradition with modernity.
He was neither rigid nor extreme; he combined the living tradition of the Church with the spirit of the modern age.”

3- A National Figure:
Pope Tawadros emphasized:
“He deeply loved Egypt and actively participated in national events. During crises, he handled matters calmly and wisely, always inclined toward peace-making.
He had excellent relations with officials at all levels, speaking truthfully and clearly behind closed doors, while in public, he prioritized the well-being of society and the nation above all else.”

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