H.H. Pope Tawadros II offered his condolences on the departure of H.G. Bishop Youhanna, General Bishop, who reposed in the Lord two days ago in the United States.

This came prior to the beginning of His Holiness’ weekly Wednesday sermon, which he delivered this evening at St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Alexandria.

In the course of offering his condolences, His Holiness said:

“We bid farewell, in the hope of the resurrection, to the Thrice-Blessed H.G. Bishop Youhanna, General Bishop, who was a monk at the Monastery of St. Macarius the Great before joining the Monastery of St. Bishoy. H.H. Pope Shenouda III chose him to serve as one of the members of the Papal Secretariat, and ordained him a bishop, after which he served with Pope Shenouda for a long period in the work of the Secretariat.

“He graduated from the Faculty of Agriculture and was ordained a general priest in 1988 and a General Bishop in 1991. He began serving in the Secretariat with H.H. Pope Shenouda and also served in the churches of Old Cairo. He suffered from many health difficulties, which required him to reside in the United States in order to receive medical treatment there. The Church of the Virgin Mary in the State of Minnesota undertook his service and care.

“His funeral will be held in America on Monday. We ask for his prayers for us and for the Church.”

Regarding the incidents that occurred over the past few days, His Holiness said: “We offer our condolences to all the families affected by the Ismailia accident, including the families of the victims and those who were injured. The state has stood by them, beginning with His Excellency the President, following this painful accident, which occurred as a result of negligence.”

He added: “We also offer our condolences to the family affected by the Fifth Settlement accident, to all the family members and loved ones. We firmly believe that our lives are in the hands of God.”

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