H.H. Pope Tawadros II offered condolences on the departure of the Thrice-Blessed Metropolitan Antonius Marcos, Metropolitan of South Africa, who reposed in the Lord a few days ago.

This took place before His Holiness began his Wednesday weekly sermon this evening at the Church of Saint Mina in Fom El-Khalig, which belongs to the Old Cairo churches sector.

His Holiness said: “We bid farewell to the Thrice-Blessed Metropolitan Antonius Marcos, Metropolitan of South Africa, who reposed in the Lord. He served for about fifty years as a bishop and deeply loved Africa, serving in many of its countries. He also served in Ethiopia and was fluent in the Amharic language, the native tongue of its people. He accompanied Pope Shenouda on many visits and represented the Coptic Orthodox Church in the All Africa Conference of Churches. In recent years, he focused his ministry in South Africa and became its metropolitan six years ago. During that time, he established many churches and a monastery there. He was originally a medical doctor and used his profession in the service of God, practicing medicine, teaching, and pastoral care.
We have formed a delegation of metropolitans and bishops to attend and pray at his funeral. We ask him to intercede for us in heaven.”

This page is also available in: العربية