Coptic History
The Apostolic Age
The Apostolic Age spans over a period of about 70 years, beginning with the birth of the Church on the Day of Pentecost with the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, and ends with the departure of St. John the Apostle around 100 AD. The Apostolic Age witnessed the spread of Christianity throughout the world and the book of the Acts of the Apostles mentions many events of evangelism.
The Events of the Apostolic Age include: The Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, and Peter’s sermon with the first fruits of believers of 3,000 souls; the preaching of the Apostles in Jerusalem and the persecution of the Jews against Christians; the opposition of the Jewish Chief Priests and Sadducees to the Apostles Peter and John… and the word of the Lord grew and prevailed and the number of those who believed came to be about 5,000; the Election of the Seven Deacons, with Stephen the First Deacon and First Martyr; the waves of persecution and the scattering of Christians who went everywhere preaching the word and brought Christianity to the surrounding countries; the preaching of Philip in Samaria; the Appearance of the Lord to Saul of Tarsus, and his subsequent conversion to Christianity and given the name Paul the Apostle; Peter’s Sermon in the house of Cornelius; the Council of Jerusalem; the first of the Twelve to be martyred with the martyrdom of James the Just, Bishop of Jerusalem; the imprisonment of Peter; the preaching in Phoenicia, Antioch and Cyprus, and in the coastal cities on the Mediterranean Coast; the preaching throughout Palestine in Judea, Galilee and Samaria; the Missionary Journeys of St. Paul the Apostle and the work of his fellow companions the Apostles, and others.
The Events of the Apostolic Age include: The Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, and Peter’s sermon with the first fruits of believers of 3,000 souls; the preaching of the Apostles in Jerusalem and the persecution of the Jews against Christians; the opposition of the Jewish Chief Priests and Sadducees to the Apostles Peter and John… and the word of the Lord grew and prevailed and the number of those who believed came to be about 5,000; the Election of the Seven Deacons, with Stephen the First Deacon and First Martyr; the waves of persecution and the scattering of Christians who went everywhere preaching the word and brought Christianity to the surrounding countries; the preaching of Philip in Samaria; the Appearance of the Lord to Saul of Tarsus, and his subsequent conversion to Christianity and given the name Paul the Apostle; Peter’s Sermon in the house of Cornelius; the Council of Jerusalem; the first of the Twelve to be martyred with the martyrdom of James the Just, Bishop of Jerusalem; the imprisonment of Peter; the preaching in Phoenicia, Antioch and Cyprus, and in the coastal cities on the Mediterranean Coast; the preaching throughout Palestine in Judea, Galilee and Samaria; the Missionary Journeys of St. Paul the Apostle and the work of his fellow companions the Apostles, and others.
34
St. Mark Establishes the See of Alexandria:
Christianity entered Alexandria, then the capital of Egypt, through St. Mark the Apostle, Egypt’s missionary and founder of its Church, and one of the Seventy Apostles and Four Evangelists. In the tradition of the Coptic Church, St. Mark is called the “Beholder of God” [COPTIC: ⲑⲉⲱⲣⲓⲙⲟⲥ], evangelist, missionary and first founder, a light unto Egypt, the disperser of idols, great evangelist and blessed disciple of Christ, by whom all the tribes of the earth were blessed and whose account had reached the ends of the world.
The Church of Alexandria was established by the mid-first century, and according to Church History as recorded by Eusebius of Caesarea, the arrival of St. Mark to Egypt is dated in the third year of the reign of Claudius Caesar (41-54 AD) approximately 43 AD, with the History of the Patriarchs of Alexandria dating the arrival 15 years following the Ascension of our Lord (43/44 AD). Both the Church History and History of the Coptic Patriarchs have placed St. Mark’s founding of the Church of Alexandria in the year 43 AD while other sources have asserted the year 61 AD to have been the date, followed by his martyrdom in 68 AD, with the duration of his service in Alexandria to have lasted seven years.
For over six centuries, the city of Alexandria was the second largest city in the ancient world, beginning as a small city called Rhakotis and in the year 332 AD was chosen as capital of the country by Alexander the Great who later developed and expanded the city, and named the city after him. It remained the capital for over 970 years until the city of Fustat was founded in 641 AD. Initially Alexandria was a free port city attracting many Greeks, Jews, and other races to it. Originating within it a remarkable intellectual, philosophical and cultural movement and contained the most famous libraries of the Empire. East met West in the city which had seen Greek philosophy thrive as well as the spread of Hellenic culture and the Eastern culture from its neighbouring Jewish communities. In it, the books of the Old Testament were translated into Greek in the third century BC under the well-known translation known as the Septuagint during the time of Ptolemy II Philadelphus (246-283 BC), which had made possible the reading and understanding of the books of the Old Testament to Greek speakers.
St. Mark’s service in Egypt lasted for seven years (61-68 AD) alongside his evangelical work in other countries. He established an integrated pastoral ministry in Alexandria with the three orders of bishops, priests and deacons: consecrating Anianus (Hananiah), one of the first believers of the Christian faith under St. Mark, as bishop [of Alexandria], alongside the ordination of three priests and seven deacons. Recent studies and research have shown the Gospel of Mark to have been in circulation 12 years after the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The scholar Clement of Alexandria (150-215 AD) and St. John Chrysostom (347-407 AD) claim that the Gospel was likely written in Alexandria during the time St. Mark was formulating his liturgy, which is considered one of the world’s oldest liturgies and later written down by Pope Cyril I the 24th Patriarch (412-444 AD), now known as the Liturgy of St. Cyril (Cyrillian liturgy). Jerome (340-420 AD) states that it was St. Mark himself who established the School of Theology in Alexandria, the latter recognized as the first Theological Academy in the Christian world with the appointment of Justus as Dean of the School by St. Mark.
The missionary work of St. Mark the Apostle had reached the ancient world throughout the continents of Africa, Asia and Europe. Having implanted the seed of Christianity in the fertile land of Egypt and watering it with his pure blood when during the celebration of the Feast of the Resurrection, at the time would coincide with the Feast of the pagan god Serapis, St. Mark was seized by pagans who seized and tied him with ropes and attached him to a horse and was dragged through the roads and streets of the city of Alexandria, tearing his body and flesh and was later placed him in prison. At midnight, while he was praying, an angel of the Lord appeared to him sand said, “Mark, servant of God and first Saint of Egypt, your name is written in the Book of Life, you are counted among the Apostles and the Saints, and your memory will never be forgotten.” Then the Lord Jesus Christ Himself appeared and called him “My Disciple and Evangelist!” The following morning, the pagans gathered once more and dragged him through the streets of the city until he departed and obtained the Crown of Martyrdom on Parmouti 30/68 AD, during the fourteenth year of the reign of Nero.
Synaxarium: Parmouti 30 (and Paopi 30 – commemorating the Appearance of his Holy Head).
The Church of Alexandria was established by the mid-first century, and according to Church History as recorded by Eusebius of Caesarea, the arrival of St. Mark to Egypt is dated in the third year of the reign of Claudius Caesar (41-54 AD) approximately 43 AD, with the History of the Patriarchs of Alexandria dating the arrival 15 years following the Ascension of our Lord (43/44 AD). Both the Church History and History of the Coptic Patriarchs have placed St. Mark’s founding of the Church of Alexandria in the year 43 AD while other sources have asserted the year 61 AD to have been the date, followed by his martyrdom in 68 AD, with the duration of his service in Alexandria to have lasted seven years.
For over six centuries, the city of Alexandria was the second largest city in the ancient world, beginning as a small city called Rhakotis and in the year 332 AD was chosen as capital of the country by Alexander the Great who later developed and expanded the city, and named the city after him. It remained the capital for over 970 years until the city of Fustat was founded in 641 AD. Initially Alexandria was a free port city attracting many Greeks, Jews, and other races to it. Originating within it a remarkable intellectual, philosophical and cultural movement and contained the most famous libraries of the Empire. East met West in the city which had seen Greek philosophy thrive as well as the spread of Hellenic culture and the Eastern culture from its neighbouring Jewish communities. In it, the books of the Old Testament were translated into Greek in the third century BC under the well-known translation known as the Septuagint during the time of Ptolemy II Philadelphus (246-283 BC), which had made possible the reading and understanding of the books of the Old Testament to Greek speakers.
St. Mark’s service in Egypt lasted for seven years (61-68 AD) alongside his evangelical work in other countries. He established an integrated pastoral ministry in Alexandria with the three orders of bishops, priests and deacons: consecrating Anianus (Hananiah), one of the first believers of the Christian faith under St. Mark, as bishop [of Alexandria], alongside the ordination of three priests and seven deacons. Recent studies and research have shown the Gospel of Mark to have been in circulation 12 years after the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The scholar Clement of Alexandria (150-215 AD) and St. John Chrysostom (347-407 AD) claim that the Gospel was likely written in Alexandria during the time St. Mark was formulating his liturgy, which is considered one of the world’s oldest liturgies and later written down by Pope Cyril I the 24th Patriarch (412-444 AD), now known as the Liturgy of St. Cyril (Cyrillian liturgy). Jerome (340-420 AD) states that it was St. Mark himself who established the School of Theology in Alexandria, the latter recognized as the first Theological Academy in the Christian world with the appointment of Justus as Dean of the School by St. Mark.
The missionary work of St. Mark the Apostle had reached the ancient world throughout the continents of Africa, Asia and Europe. Having implanted the seed of Christianity in the fertile land of Egypt and watering it with his pure blood when during the celebration of the Feast of the Resurrection, at the time would coincide with the Feast of the pagan god Serapis, St. Mark was seized by pagans who seized and tied him with ropes and attached him to a horse and was dragged through the roads and streets of the city of Alexandria, tearing his body and flesh and was later placed him in prison. At midnight, while he was praying, an angel of the Lord appeared to him sand said, “Mark, servant of God and first Saint of Egypt, your name is written in the Book of Life, you are counted among the Apostles and the Saints, and your memory will never be forgotten.” Then the Lord Jesus Christ Himself appeared and called him “My Disciple and Evangelist!” The following morning, the pagans gathered once more and dragged him through the streets of the city until he departed and obtained the Crown of Martyrdom on Parmouti 30/68 AD, during the fourteenth year of the reign of Nero.
Synaxarium: Parmouti 30 (and Paopi 30 – commemorating the Appearance of his Holy Head).
60
The Patriarchs of Alexandria after St. Mark:
After the martyrdom of St. Mark in 68 AD, Anianus (68-85 AD) succeeded St. Mark and was the second patriarch to be seated on the See of St. Mark (Synaxarium commemoration of his departure – 20 Hathor). His home became a Christian church, and it was St. Mark himself who consecrated Anianus a bishop.
After Anianus, the following patriarchs were seated on the See of St. Mark: Milieos the 3rd Patriarch (85-98 AD) [Synaxarium commemoration of his departure – 1 Thout], and Kedron the 4th Patriarch (98-109 AD) [Synaxarium commemoration of his departure – 21 Paoni].
In approximately 106 AD, the spiritual and ascetic Primus the 5th Patriarch (106-118 AD), assumed the pastoral responsibilities of the See of Alexandria for approximately 12 years, and his days were peaceful [Synaxarium commemoration of his departure – 3 Mesori]. He was succeeded by Justus the 6th Patriarch (118-129 AD), who was Dean of the Theological School of Alexandria and one of the four contemporaries of St. Mark to subsequently beome patriarchs. He was seated for 11 years and known for his wisdom and knowledge [Synaxarium commemoration of his departure – 12 Paoni]. Next in succession was Eumenius the 7th Patriarch (130-142 AD) and was seated as patriarch for approximately 13 years [Synaxarium commemoration of his departure – 10 Paopi]. The 8th patriarch Markianos (143-154 AD) was seated as patriarch for approximately 10 years [Synaxarium commemoration of his departure – 6 Tobi], followed by Celadion the 9th Patriarch (157-167 AD) who was seated for approximately 14 years [Synaxarium commemoration of his departure – 9 Epip]. Agrippinus the 10th Patriarch (167-180 AD) was seated for approximately 12 years [Synaxarium commemoration of his departure – 5 Meshir], and Julian the 11th Patriarch (180-189 AD), who was a celibate priest prior to becoming patriarch, was seated for approximately 10 years, and authored biographies and sayings of the Fathers and Saints [Synaxarium commemoration of his departure – 8 Paremhat]..
Towards the end of the second century, in approximately 189 AD, Pope Demetrius I the Vinedresser (189-231 AD) was chosen as 12th Patriarch to be seated on the See of St. Mark, and this would be related to a divine vision seen by his predecessor Pope Julian when an angel of the Lord visited him while asleep on the night prior to his departure and instructed him and said ‘Whomever comes to you tomorrow carrying a cluster of grapes will be the next patriarch after you.’ On the following day, Demetrius the Vinedresser entered his room carrying a cluster of all kinds of grapes, and he was taken and seized him with iron chains. When Pope Julian departed on that day, Demetrius became patriarch and the grace of the Lord had befallen him. He also established the “Apokty Calendar”, also known as the “Vine Calculation,” to determine the date of the Feast of the Resurrection, and the fast and feasts associated with it.
Pope Demetrius was the first to consecrate bishops during the persecution that occurred under the reign of Septimius Severus from 202 to 206 AD and the former would be exiled from the See of St. Mark. Pope Demetrius I the Vinedresser remained in exult until the death of the emperor in 211 AD, when he then returned to his throne. After he reached 105 years of age, he departed after he sat approximately 43 years as patriarch (189-232 AD). He was a contemporary of eight Roman emperors from the reign of Commodus (180-193 AD) to Severus Alexander (222-235 AD). [Synaxarium commemoration of the departure of Pope Demetrius – 12 Paopi; and 12 Paremhat – commemoration the miracle of the revealing of his virginity].
Pope Heracles the 13th Patriarch (231-347 AD) was the next patriarch seated on the See of St. Mark. He consecrated 20 bishops for the dioceses of Egypt and the first to be given the title “Pope” meaning “Father of Fathers” and since the first half of the third century and the bishop of the See of Alexandria would be called by the title of “Pope.” Pope Heracles was seated on the See of St. Mark for approximately 13 years [Synaxarium commemoration of his departure – 8 Koiak].
After Anianus, the following patriarchs were seated on the See of St. Mark: Milieos the 3rd Patriarch (85-98 AD) [Synaxarium commemoration of his departure – 1 Thout], and Kedron the 4th Patriarch (98-109 AD) [Synaxarium commemoration of his departure – 21 Paoni].
In approximately 106 AD, the spiritual and ascetic Primus the 5th Patriarch (106-118 AD), assumed the pastoral responsibilities of the See of Alexandria for approximately 12 years, and his days were peaceful [Synaxarium commemoration of his departure – 3 Mesori]. He was succeeded by Justus the 6th Patriarch (118-129 AD), who was Dean of the Theological School of Alexandria and one of the four contemporaries of St. Mark to subsequently beome patriarchs. He was seated for 11 years and known for his wisdom and knowledge [Synaxarium commemoration of his departure – 12 Paoni]. Next in succession was Eumenius the 7th Patriarch (130-142 AD) and was seated as patriarch for approximately 13 years [Synaxarium commemoration of his departure – 10 Paopi]. The 8th patriarch Markianos (143-154 AD) was seated as patriarch for approximately 10 years [Synaxarium commemoration of his departure – 6 Tobi], followed by Celadion the 9th Patriarch (157-167 AD) who was seated for approximately 14 years [Synaxarium commemoration of his departure – 9 Epip]. Agrippinus the 10th Patriarch (167-180 AD) was seated for approximately 12 years [Synaxarium commemoration of his departure – 5 Meshir], and Julian the 11th Patriarch (180-189 AD), who was a celibate priest prior to becoming patriarch, was seated for approximately 10 years, and authored biographies and sayings of the Fathers and Saints [Synaxarium commemoration of his departure – 8 Paremhat]..
Towards the end of the second century, in approximately 189 AD, Pope Demetrius I the Vinedresser (189-231 AD) was chosen as 12th Patriarch to be seated on the See of St. Mark, and this would be related to a divine vision seen by his predecessor Pope Julian when an angel of the Lord visited him while asleep on the night prior to his departure and instructed him and said ‘Whomever comes to you tomorrow carrying a cluster of grapes will be the next patriarch after you.’ On the following day, Demetrius the Vinedresser entered his room carrying a cluster of all kinds of grapes, and he was taken and seized him with iron chains. When Pope Julian departed on that day, Demetrius became patriarch and the grace of the Lord had befallen him. He also established the “Apokty Calendar”, also known as the “Vine Calculation,” to determine the date of the Feast of the Resurrection, and the fast and feasts associated with it.
Pope Demetrius was the first to consecrate bishops during the persecution that occurred under the reign of Septimius Severus from 202 to 206 AD and the former would be exiled from the See of St. Mark. Pope Demetrius I the Vinedresser remained in exult until the death of the emperor in 211 AD, when he then returned to his throne. After he reached 105 years of age, he departed after he sat approximately 43 years as patriarch (189-232 AD). He was a contemporary of eight Roman emperors from the reign of Commodus (180-193 AD) to Severus Alexander (222-235 AD). [Synaxarium commemoration of the departure of Pope Demetrius – 12 Paopi; and 12 Paremhat – commemoration the miracle of the revealing of his virginity].
Pope Heracles the 13th Patriarch (231-347 AD) was the next patriarch seated on the See of St. Mark. He consecrated 20 bishops for the dioceses of Egypt and the first to be given the title “Pope” meaning “Father of Fathers” and since the first half of the third century and the bishop of the See of Alexandria would be called by the title of “Pope.” Pope Heracles was seated on the See of St. Mark for approximately 13 years [Synaxarium commemoration of his departure – 8 Koiak].
68
The Fathers of the Theological School of Alexandria:
In the second century, the Fathers of the Catechetical School of Alexandria had a strong influence on the Christian world. One of the most well-known second century personalities and early Christian apologetics of the Catechetical School of Alexandria was Athenagoras, who became dean of the school in 176 AD. His two significant works were: the Legatio (Embassy for the Christians) and the Treatise on the Resurrection of the Dead. The scholar Pantaenus
succeeded him as dean of the school in 181 AD, and after he preached the Gospel and treasures of the divine teachings, both orally and in writing in many countries, he departed in 200 AD. He was followed by Clement of Alexandria who became dean of the school in 190 AD and departed in 215 AD. His notable works are Exhortation to the Greeks (Protrepticus), Pedagogue (Tutor) and Stromata (Miscellaneous). He was interested in developing doctrinal teachings on theological foundations and also concerned with preserving the tradition received directly from the Fathers the Apostles, which he referred to as the “Apostolic seed.”
One of the most famous scholars of the Catechetical School of Alexandria in the third century was Origen (185-254 AD) and one of the well-known philosophers in the history of Christianity. Eusebius of Ceasarea called him “Adamantios,” meaning diamond or unbreakable. He taught in Alexandria for approximately thirty years, from 203-232 AD, and produced large volumes of work. However, he fell into errors that caused intellectual confusions to continue for a long time.
The following deans after Origen were Heraclas (230-246 AD) who later became Patriarch, Dionysius the 14th patriarch (246-264 AD) who produced some ecclesiastical canons, Theognostus, Pierius, and Pope Peter of Alexandria the 17th patriarch (302-311 AD), the “Seal of the Martyrs,” who also produced ecclesiastical canons.
One of the most famous scholars of the Catechetical School of Alexandria in the third century was Origen (185-254 AD) and one of the well-known philosophers in the history of Christianity. Eusebius of Ceasarea called him “Adamantios,” meaning diamond or unbreakable. He taught in Alexandria for approximately thirty years, from 203-232 AD, and produced large volumes of work. However, he fell into errors that caused intellectual confusions to continue for a long time.
The following deans after Origen were Heraclas (230-246 AD) who later became Patriarch, Dionysius the 14th patriarch (246-264 AD) who produced some ecclesiastical canons, Theognostus, Pierius, and Pope Peter of Alexandria the 17th patriarch (302-311 AD), the “Seal of the Martyrs,” who also produced ecclesiastical canons.
176
The Calendar of Martyrs and Eras of Martyrdom:
From Nero (54-68 AD) to Diocletian (284-305 AD), a total of 43 Roman emperors played a role in the escalation of the persecution against Christianity. Many historians divide the periods of persecution of Christians by the reigning periods of the Pagan emperors into ten episodes or periods: Nero (54-68AD), Domitian (81-96 AD), Trajan (98-117 AD), Marcus Aurelius (161-180 AD), Septimius Severus (193-211 AD), Maximinus Thrax (235-260 AD), Decius (249-251 AD), Valerian (253-260), Aurelian (270-275 AD), Diocletian (284-305 AD) and his fellow associates: Maximian (285-305 AD), Galerius (305-311 AD), and Maximinus Daia (310-313 AD).
In the year 284 AD, Diocletian ascended to the throne of the empire, and this period marks the beginning of the Coptic calendar (Calendar of the Martyrs), however, his persecution of Christians did not begin until the 19th year of his reign as emperor at around 303 AD and would be the fiercest persecution until 313 AD when Constantine issued the edict of Milan for religious tolerance.
In addition to those martyrs of the Coptic Church, the men, women, boys, and girls of different ages and groups who were martyred, were entire cities and towns such as: the Martyrdom of the 8140 people of the city of Akhmim over a period of three days at around 304 AD on 29 Kioak-1 Tobi (commemoration on 29 Kioak/7 Jan), the city of Asna and their bishop St. Amonius on 19 Epip/26 July (commemoration on 15 Kioak/23 Dec), the 5800 martyrs of Ansena and their bishop St. Abadion (1 Meshir/8 Feb), the 30,000 of Alexandria (commemoration 23 Mesori/29 Aug), the 8000 of Samanoud (9 Paremhat/18 Mar), and many others who were martyred in Assiut, Thebes, etc.
Also, the martyrdom of the 6666 soldiers of the Theban Legion (Luxor) in Upper Egypt, led by St. Maurice, who were summoned to an area in Switzerland under the orders of Maximian (286-305 AD), a ruling partner of Diocletian. There they refused to worship idols and consequently received the crown of martyrdom at around 286 AD. Many large groups were also martyred such as the 5000 of the monastery by Ansena, with their bishop St. Julianus, the 1500 martyrs of Atrib, the 400 martyrs of Dandara (15 Pashans/13 May), the 540 of Banousa in Upper Egypt, the 920 Martyrs of Alexandria with St. Abu Qastur al-Bardanohi (17 Thout/27 Sep), the 709 Martyrs with St. Thomas al-Shindalaty (27 Paoni/4 July), and others. Due to the incredible number of martyrs produced by the Coptic Church, the saying came that if all the martyrs of the world were placed on one side of a scale and the martyrs of Egypt on the other, the balance of the Egyptian martyrs would prevail.
In the year 284 AD, Diocletian ascended to the throne of the empire, and this period marks the beginning of the Coptic calendar (Calendar of the Martyrs), however, his persecution of Christians did not begin until the 19th year of his reign as emperor at around 303 AD and would be the fiercest persecution until 313 AD when Constantine issued the edict of Milan for religious tolerance.
In addition to those martyrs of the Coptic Church, the men, women, boys, and girls of different ages and groups who were martyred, were entire cities and towns such as: the Martyrdom of the 8140 people of the city of Akhmim over a period of three days at around 304 AD on 29 Kioak-1 Tobi (commemoration on 29 Kioak/7 Jan), the city of Asna and their bishop St. Amonius on 19 Epip/26 July (commemoration on 15 Kioak/23 Dec), the 5800 martyrs of Ansena and their bishop St. Abadion (1 Meshir/8 Feb), the 30,000 of Alexandria (commemoration 23 Mesori/29 Aug), the 8000 of Samanoud (9 Paremhat/18 Mar), and many others who were martyred in Assiut, Thebes, etc.
Also, the martyrdom of the 6666 soldiers of the Theban Legion (Luxor) in Upper Egypt, led by St. Maurice, who were summoned to an area in Switzerland under the orders of Maximian (286-305 AD), a ruling partner of Diocletian. There they refused to worship idols and consequently received the crown of martyrdom at around 286 AD. Many large groups were also martyred such as the 5000 of the monastery by Ansena, with their bishop St. Julianus, the 1500 martyrs of Atrib, the 400 martyrs of Dandara (15 Pashans/13 May), the 540 of Banousa in Upper Egypt, the 920 Martyrs of Alexandria with St. Abu Qastur al-Bardanohi (17 Thout/27 Sep), the 709 Martyrs with St. Thomas al-Shindalaty (27 Paoni/4 July), and others. Due to the incredible number of martyrs produced by the Coptic Church, the saying came that if all the martyrs of the world were placed on one side of a scale and the martyrs of Egypt on the other, the balance of the Egyptian martyrs would prevail.
284
Coptic Monasticism:
The earliest historical indications of the presence of ascetics were found in the Natrun Valley (Wadi el-Natrun) during the second century under the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius (138-161 AD), when St. Frontonius and seventy ascetics left for Natrun Valley seeking asceticism and solitude. The birth of Coptic monasticism occurred in the early 4th century and is considered the mother of monasticism in the world.
In 250 AD, St. Paul (approx. 234-341 AD) at around the age of sixteen, went out seeking the life of solitude and for around 94 years he lived as a complete solitary. Before his departure, he met St. Antony in 341 AD, and departed at around the age of 110 years. He is generally considered as the first Hermit in Egypt (Synaxarium commemoration of his departure – 2 Meshir).
In the year 271 AD, St. Antony the Great (251-356 AD) the Father of Monasticism and Founder of the Monastic Life and Desert Star, renounced life in the world and crossed the Nile towards the Eastern Desert, and by 289 AD at the age of 35, he travelled deeper into desert and later went out of his complete solitude to lead the first monastic community [Koinonia] (Synaxarium commemoration of his departure – 22 Tobi).
In 310 AD, St. Pachomius (292-348 AD) entered the monastic life and founded the first cenobitic monastic community (first monastery) in 318 AD, at Tabennisi by Faw near Qena in Upper Egypt.
St. Ammonius (Amoun) the Great renounced the world, and in 325 AD he established monasticism in the Nitrian mountain and by 338 AD monasticism had extended south towards Kellia (the “cells”). Also, St. Macarius of Alexandria (296-394 AD) is among the most well-known fathers of the “cells” area.
Around the year 340 AD, St. Macarius the Great (300-390 AD) headed towards Scetes after he lived ten years as a solitary on the outskirts of one of the villages. He visited St. Antony the Great on two occasions, the first time in 343 AD, and the second 352 AD. The sons of the Roman governor Valentinian, Sts. Maximus and Dometius were discipled by St. Macarius the Great, and departed at a young age around the year 380 AD. They were the first monks to depart in Scetes; Maximus departed on 14 Tobi, and Dometius on 17 Tobi (Synaxarium commemoration – 17 Tobi). Many gathered and dwelt around their caves in the Wilderness of Sheheet, and the area was then the Monastery of the Romans [Paromeos]. St. Macarius the Great built a great church there and is the first church to be built in the wilderness of Sheheet. The monastic life flourished in the Wilderness of Sheheet and by the end of the fourth century, there were more than five thousand monks there alone.
In the last quarter of the fourth century, many fathers, travellers, and historians travelled to the Wilderness of Sheheet to learn about the monastic life. The Italian historian Rufinus (345-410 AD) with St. Melania the Elder of Spain visited Kellia and Scetes, Evagrius Ponticus (345-399 AD) visited Egypt in the year 383 AD, and St. Jerome and with him St. Paul of Italy in 385 AD. Palladius, the author of the “Lausiac History” and monk at Mount Olives in Jerusalem, also visited Kellia in 391 AD and remained there for nine years, as well as St. John Cassian (350/360-440/445 AD) who visited the Wilderness of Sheheet in 399 AD, and left with his friend Germanus in 400 AD. Monasticism spread at an incredible rate in Egypt – the cradle of Christian monasticism to the entire world.
Also, in the fourth century monastic communities began to appear such as: Pispir (the Monastery of al-Maimoun, near Beni Suef), Oxyrhynchos (near al-Bahnasa), Antinoë (near El-Shaikh Ebada, Melawi), Lykos (near Assiut), Schnobskion (Al Qasr wa as Sayyad, near Qena), and others.
One of the famous fathers of monasticism of the fifth century was St. Shenoute [Shenouda] the Archimandrite (333-451 AD), with the number of monks and nuns who joined his monasteries to have totalled four or five thousand. Moreover, his writings and sermons which are recorded in the Coptic language are the richest of Coptic literature.
St. Bishoy (320-417 AD), the Beloved of our Good Saviour, was one of the Saints of the fifth century, and lived as a solitary in the Wilderness of Sheheet for around 57 years. Likewise, St. Arsenius (354-445 AD), the Teacher of the Sons of Kings, who taught Arcadius and Honorius, the sons of Emperor Theodosius the Great (392-395 AD). Arcadius later became emperor and built an enormous basilica at the tomb of St. Mina the Wonderworker. Due to the large size of the basilica, it was described as the Acropolis of ancient Christianity.
In 250 AD, St. Paul (approx. 234-341 AD) at around the age of sixteen, went out seeking the life of solitude and for around 94 years he lived as a complete solitary. Before his departure, he met St. Antony in 341 AD, and departed at around the age of 110 years. He is generally considered as the first Hermit in Egypt (Synaxarium commemoration of his departure – 2 Meshir).
In the year 271 AD, St. Antony the Great (251-356 AD) the Father of Monasticism and Founder of the Monastic Life and Desert Star, renounced life in the world and crossed the Nile towards the Eastern Desert, and by 289 AD at the age of 35, he travelled deeper into desert and later went out of his complete solitude to lead the first monastic community [Koinonia] (Synaxarium commemoration of his departure – 22 Tobi).
In 310 AD, St. Pachomius (292-348 AD) entered the monastic life and founded the first cenobitic monastic community (first monastery) in 318 AD, at Tabennisi by Faw near Qena in Upper Egypt.
St. Ammonius (Amoun) the Great renounced the world, and in 325 AD he established monasticism in the Nitrian mountain and by 338 AD monasticism had extended south towards Kellia (the “cells”). Also, St. Macarius of Alexandria (296-394 AD) is among the most well-known fathers of the “cells” area.
Around the year 340 AD, St. Macarius the Great (300-390 AD) headed towards Scetes after he lived ten years as a solitary on the outskirts of one of the villages. He visited St. Antony the Great on two occasions, the first time in 343 AD, and the second 352 AD. The sons of the Roman governor Valentinian, Sts. Maximus and Dometius were discipled by St. Macarius the Great, and departed at a young age around the year 380 AD. They were the first monks to depart in Scetes; Maximus departed on 14 Tobi, and Dometius on 17 Tobi (Synaxarium commemoration – 17 Tobi). Many gathered and dwelt around their caves in the Wilderness of Sheheet, and the area was then the Monastery of the Romans [Paromeos]. St. Macarius the Great built a great church there and is the first church to be built in the wilderness of Sheheet. The monastic life flourished in the Wilderness of Sheheet and by the end of the fourth century, there were more than five thousand monks there alone.
In the last quarter of the fourth century, many fathers, travellers, and historians travelled to the Wilderness of Sheheet to learn about the monastic life. The Italian historian Rufinus (345-410 AD) with St. Melania the Elder of Spain visited Kellia and Scetes, Evagrius Ponticus (345-399 AD) visited Egypt in the year 383 AD, and St. Jerome and with him St. Paul of Italy in 385 AD. Palladius, the author of the “Lausiac History” and monk at Mount Olives in Jerusalem, also visited Kellia in 391 AD and remained there for nine years, as well as St. John Cassian (350/360-440/445 AD) who visited the Wilderness of Sheheet in 399 AD, and left with his friend Germanus in 400 AD. Monasticism spread at an incredible rate in Egypt – the cradle of Christian monasticism to the entire world.
Also, in the fourth century monastic communities began to appear such as: Pispir (the Monastery of al-Maimoun, near Beni Suef), Oxyrhynchos (near al-Bahnasa), Antinoë (near El-Shaikh Ebada, Melawi), Lykos (near Assiut), Schnobskion (Al Qasr wa as Sayyad, near Qena), and others.
One of the famous fathers of monasticism of the fifth century was St. Shenoute [Shenouda] the Archimandrite (333-451 AD), with the number of monks and nuns who joined his monasteries to have totalled four or five thousand. Moreover, his writings and sermons which are recorded in the Coptic language are the richest of Coptic literature.
St. Bishoy (320-417 AD), the Beloved of our Good Saviour, was one of the Saints of the fifth century, and lived as a solitary in the Wilderness of Sheheet for around 57 years. Likewise, St. Arsenius (354-445 AD), the Teacher of the Sons of Kings, who taught Arcadius and Honorius, the sons of Emperor Theodosius the Great (392-395 AD). Arcadius later became emperor and built an enormous basilica at the tomb of St. Mina the Wonderworker. Due to the large size of the basilica, it was described as the Acropolis of ancient Christianity.
271
The Ecumenical Councils:
The struggle to resist heresies and schisms initiated the period of the Ecumenical Councils.
The Ecumenical Council of Nicaea [Bithynian city of Nicaea] was held in the summer of 325 AD and convened by the Emperor Constantine the Great (306-337 AD), with the attendance of 318 bishops including Pope Alexander who took with him twenty delegate bishops along with his deacon, Athanasius.
The council began with its sessions in May 325 AD which lasted for two months and concluded in July 325 AD. The council dealt with the Arian heresy, Meletian Schism, and other issues of a liturgical-organizational nature. The role of St. Athanasius the Apostolic, then deacon of Pope Alexander the 19th Patriarch (312-328 AD) became apparent through this council. The Council issued its declaration of the Nicene Creed and seventy other canons dealing with pastoral, liturgical and organizational matters, and a Synodal Message addressed to the churches of Egypt. The Synaxarium commemoration of the Council of Nicaea is on 9 Hathor.
In the year 328 AD, St. Athanasius the Apostolic was seated [enthroned] on the See of St. Mark and became the 20th Pope (328-373 AD). He fought hard against Arianism until he became known as “Athanasius Against the World” [LATIN: Athanasius Contra Mundum] and was exiled four times and the fifth exile failed to be carried out against him. The periods of his exile totalled 17 and a half years of his papacy, the latter which lasted around 45 years until his departure in 373 AD after he lived during the reign of five emperors: from Constantine (306-337 AD) to Valens (364-378 AD), and authored many letters and literature in his explanation of the upright [Orthodox] faith. He resisted heterodoxy and heresies, more specifically Arianism and Apollinarism. The annual commemoration of his departure is on 7 Pashons.
The Ecumenical Council of Constantinople convened by Emperor Theodosius the Great (347-395 AD), was held in the year 381 AD in the attendance of 150 bishops to deal with the Macedonianism, Apollinarism, and Sabellianism heresies. The Council expanded the Apostles’ Creed to include the supplementary “We believe in the Holy Spirit…” and produced seventy canons. The annual commemoration of the Council of Constantinople is on 1 Meshir.
During the time of Pope Timothy I, the 22nd Patriarch (379-385 AD) he was asked a total of seventeen questions and each response was made into an ecclesiastical canon. His Synaxarium commemoration is on 26 Epip.
At the end of the fourth century, Pope Theophilus the 23rd who was seated on the See of St. Mark for a period of 28 years (385-412 AD) and produced ecclesiastical canons. He was succeeded by Pope Cyril I the 24th (412-444 AD) who became known as the “Pillar of Faith.” In the year 430 AD, Pope Cyril held a council in Alexandria, confirming half the text of the Third Epistle of Cyril to Nestorius, also known as the Synodal Message containing the “Twelve Anathemas,” as well as his request of Nestorius to recognize this [the text]. In the year 431 AD the third Ecumenical Council, the Council of Ephesus, was convened by Emperor Theodosius II the Younger (408-450 AD) and was attended by 200 bishops led by Pope Cyril I. The Council produced the Introduction to the Creed, eight canons, and the consequent excommunication of Nestorius. The annual Synaxarium commemoration of the Ecumenical Council of Ephesus is on 12 Thout. In 444 AD, Pope Dioscorus the 25th (444-454 AD) was seated on the See of St. Mark and in 449 AD the Council of Ephesus II was held in the attendance of 135 bishops led by Pope Dioscorus. The council issued the declaration of exile of all those who adhere to Nestorianism, as well as the confirmation of the decisions made by the three previous ecumenical councils.
The Ecumenical Council of Nicaea [Bithynian city of Nicaea] was held in the summer of 325 AD and convened by the Emperor Constantine the Great (306-337 AD), with the attendance of 318 bishops including Pope Alexander who took with him twenty delegate bishops along with his deacon, Athanasius.
The council began with its sessions in May 325 AD which lasted for two months and concluded in July 325 AD. The council dealt with the Arian heresy, Meletian Schism, and other issues of a liturgical-organizational nature. The role of St. Athanasius the Apostolic, then deacon of Pope Alexander the 19th Patriarch (312-328 AD) became apparent through this council. The Council issued its declaration of the Nicene Creed and seventy other canons dealing with pastoral, liturgical and organizational matters, and a Synodal Message addressed to the churches of Egypt. The Synaxarium commemoration of the Council of Nicaea is on 9 Hathor.
In the year 328 AD, St. Athanasius the Apostolic was seated [enthroned] on the See of St. Mark and became the 20th Pope (328-373 AD). He fought hard against Arianism until he became known as “Athanasius Against the World” [LATIN: Athanasius Contra Mundum] and was exiled four times and the fifth exile failed to be carried out against him. The periods of his exile totalled 17 and a half years of his papacy, the latter which lasted around 45 years until his departure in 373 AD after he lived during the reign of five emperors: from Constantine (306-337 AD) to Valens (364-378 AD), and authored many letters and literature in his explanation of the upright [Orthodox] faith. He resisted heterodoxy and heresies, more specifically Arianism and Apollinarism. The annual commemoration of his departure is on 7 Pashons.
The Ecumenical Council of Constantinople convened by Emperor Theodosius the Great (347-395 AD), was held in the year 381 AD in the attendance of 150 bishops to deal with the Macedonianism, Apollinarism, and Sabellianism heresies. The Council expanded the Apostles’ Creed to include the supplementary “We believe in the Holy Spirit…” and produced seventy canons. The annual commemoration of the Council of Constantinople is on 1 Meshir.
During the time of Pope Timothy I, the 22nd Patriarch (379-385 AD) he was asked a total of seventeen questions and each response was made into an ecclesiastical canon. His Synaxarium commemoration is on 26 Epip.
At the end of the fourth century, Pope Theophilus the 23rd who was seated on the See of St. Mark for a period of 28 years (385-412 AD) and produced ecclesiastical canons. He was succeeded by Pope Cyril I the 24th (412-444 AD) who became known as the “Pillar of Faith.” In the year 430 AD, Pope Cyril held a council in Alexandria, confirming half the text of the Third Epistle of Cyril to Nestorius, also known as the Synodal Message containing the “Twelve Anathemas,” as well as his request of Nestorius to recognize this [the text]. In the year 431 AD the third Ecumenical Council, the Council of Ephesus, was convened by Emperor Theodosius II the Younger (408-450 AD) and was attended by 200 bishops led by Pope Cyril I. The Council produced the Introduction to the Creed, eight canons, and the consequent excommunication of Nestorius. The annual Synaxarium commemoration of the Ecumenical Council of Ephesus is on 12 Thout. In 444 AD, Pope Dioscorus the 25th (444-454 AD) was seated on the See of St. Mark and in 449 AD the Council of Ephesus II was held in the attendance of 135 bishops led by Pope Dioscorus. The council issued the declaration of exile of all those who adhere to Nestorianism, as well as the confirmation of the decisions made by the three previous ecumenical councils.
325
The Beginning of the Era of Schism:
In the year 450 AD, Emperor Theodosius II died, and his sister Pulcheria inherited the throne with Marcian [Marcianus] whom she married and became emperor (450-457 AD). Under the convocation of the emperor, the Council of Chalcedon was held in 451 AD and one which had caused a major schism to occur within the Universal Church. The Coptic Church (along with the Syriac, Armenian, and the rest of the Oriental Orthodox Churches) refused to adopt the decisions and teachings of the Council of Chalcedon, and rejected the Tome of Leo on June 13 449 AD. The council ended with the deposition and exile of Pope Dioscorus to Gangra Island, of Paphlagonia, on the coast of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). Pope Dioscorus remained in exile for five years until his departure in 454 AD (Synaxarium commemoration of his departure – 7 Thout). The Chalcedonian persecution of the Coptic Church continued for approximately 190 years, from the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD until the entry of the Arabs into Egypt in 641 AD.
451
The Arab Entry into Egypt:
The Arabs entered Egypt through Rafa and al-Arish, and in July 640 AD they took control of the city of Pelusium [Al-Farama] and the rest of the country thereafter. The siege of the Fortress of Babylon began in Sept 640 AD and lasted for a period of seven months, and in Oct 640 AD the First Treaty of Babylon was signed. In Feb 641 AD, Emperor Heraclius (610-641 AD) died, and the Fortress of Babylon was surrendered in Apr 641 AD. At the end of Jun 641 AD, attempts were made to siege the city of Alexandria and in Nov 641 AD, the city of Alexandria was surrendered, and the Second Treaty of Babylon was signed following negotiations.
In Sep 642 AD, the Arabs entered Egypt through the city of Alexandria and Amr Ibn al-‘As issued a circular granting to Pope Benjamin the 38th Patriarch (623-662 AD), his secure return to the papal residence after he was kept away for a period of 13 years due of persecution; 10 years of persecution prior to the entry of the Arabs into Egypt, and the 3 subsequent years. His return to the papal residence occurred in the fall of 644 AD.
After the Arabs entered Egypt, the rulers and governors ruled Egypt during the first reigning periods (641-868 AD) including the Era of the Caliphate (641-662 AD), Ummayad caliphate (662-750 AD), first ruling period of the Abbasid caliphate (750-868 AD), followed by the ruling period of the Tulunid dynasty (868-905 AD), second rule of the Abbasid caliphate (905-935 AD), the Ikhsidid dynasty (935-969 AD), Fatimid dynasty (969-1171 AD), Ayyubid sultanate (1171-1250 AD), Mamluks sultanate (1250-1517 AD) including the Bahri Mamluks [the Turks] (1250-1372 AD) and the Burji Mamluks [Circassians] (1372-1517 AD), and finally the Ottoman sultanate (1517-1798 AD).
In Sep 642 AD, the Arabs entered Egypt through the city of Alexandria and Amr Ibn al-‘As issued a circular granting to Pope Benjamin the 38th Patriarch (623-662 AD), his secure return to the papal residence after he was kept away for a period of 13 years due of persecution; 10 years of persecution prior to the entry of the Arabs into Egypt, and the 3 subsequent years. His return to the papal residence occurred in the fall of 644 AD.
After the Arabs entered Egypt, the rulers and governors ruled Egypt during the first reigning periods (641-868 AD) including the Era of the Caliphate (641-662 AD), Ummayad caliphate (662-750 AD), first ruling period of the Abbasid caliphate (750-868 AD), followed by the ruling period of the Tulunid dynasty (868-905 AD), second rule of the Abbasid caliphate (905-935 AD), the Ikhsidid dynasty (935-969 AD), Fatimid dynasty (969-1171 AD), Ayyubid sultanate (1171-1250 AD), Mamluks sultanate (1250-1517 AD) including the Bahri Mamluks [the Turks] (1250-1372 AD) and the Burji Mamluks [Circassians] (1372-1517 AD), and finally the Ottoman sultanate (1517-1798 AD).
641
Pope Abraham Ebn-Zeraa the 62nd Patriarch:
It was during the time of Pope Abraham Ebn-Zeraa (975-978 AD) that the incident of the moving of the Mukattam mountain occurred. The Virgin Mary appeared to him and told him about a saintly tanner named Simon, through whom God will perform the ‘verse.’ Pope Abraham was seated on the See of St. Mark for a period of three years and six months.
975
Patriarchs of the Coptic Church during the Middle Ages:
The period of the Middle Ages saw the implementation of Church Canons undertaken by four patriarchs of the Coptic Church from the mid-eleventh century to the mid-thirteenth century. These patriarchs were Pope Christodolos the 66th patriarch (1046-1077 AD), Pope Cyril II the 67th patriarch (1078-1092 AD), Pope Gabriel II Ibn Turaik the 70th patriarch (1131-1145 AD) and Pope Cyril III Ibn Laqlaq, the 75th patriarch (1235-1243 AD).
1046
Famous Copts of the Eighteenth Century:
The eighteenth century became known for its Coptic Archdeacons and the great impact they had on the Church. Among them Cantor Youhanna Abu-Masry, Cantor Girgis Abu-Mansour, Cantor Lutfallah, Cantor Girgis Youssef, Cantor Nayrouz, Cantor Rizk, and Cantor Ibrahim el-Gohary, who is considered one of the greatest Archdeacons in the history of the Coptic Church and has been called by some Coptic sources, the “Sultan of the Copts.” He played a major role in his care for churches and the poor and needy as well. He was an example of charity for his acts of righteousness and mercy, and departed in 1795 AD. Also, one of the great Coptic Archdeacons of this time, was the Archdeacon Girgis el-Gohary, brother of Ibrahim el-Gohary.
1700
The French Campaign in Egypt:
The French Campaign in Egypt (Jul. 1798-Nov. 1801 AD) by the French army, was led by Napoleon Bonaparte for the purpose of transforming Egypt into a base for the French empire in the East. After they failed to achieve their goals, and their defeat before the British armies and destruction of their fleet at the naval Battle of AbuKir (Aug. 1798 AD), they exited Egypt in Nov. 1801 AD, and after the campaign had lasted a period of three years and four months. Pope Mark VIII, the 108th patriarch (1796-1809 AD) was a contemporary of this period. He lived during the two years of occupation by the Ottoman empire, the French campaign from 1798-1801 AD and the period of chaos and unrest that followed the French exit from Egypt, and this period of instability lasted for approximately four years (Nov. 1801 AD-May 1805 AD), as well as four years under the governance of Muhammad Ali who succeeded in his rule over Egypt on 13 May 1805 AD – a period which marks the beginning of an Egyptian renaissance and the building of modern Egypt. The Cathedral of St. Mark in Azbakeya was built and constructed during the era of Pope Mark VIII, who consecrated it in the name of St. Mark the Apostle in 1800 AD, and the Seat of the Patriarch was transferred to it from the Church of the Virgin Mary in Haret El-Roum. He was the first Pope to be buried in it having been seated on the See of St. Mark for approximately 13 years.
1798
The Rule of the Muhammad Ali Dynasty:
Muhammad Ali is the founder of modern Egypt and the Khedivate, he lived for approximately 80 years (1769-1849 AD) and his reign lasted around 44 years (1805-1848 AD). The period of his reign is considered the beginning of Egypt’s renaissance and the founding of modern Egypt and its history. Given the close link between the history of the Coptic Church and the nation’s history and its events; the Church’s history during the modern era begins in this period. Eleven rulers governed under the Khedivate of Egypt for 149 years, from 1805-1953 AD. During this period, eight patriarchs were seated on the See of St. Mark from Pope Mark VIII the 108th patriarch (1796-1809 AD) to Pope Joseph II [Yousab] the 115th patriarch (1946-1956 AD).
1803
Pope Peter VII (El-Gawli), the 109th Patriarch:
In the year 1808 AD, one year prior to the departure of Pope Mark VIII, he [Pope Peter] was consecrated Metropolitan of the See of St. Mark by the name of Bishop Theophilus to be a helper to him [Pope Mark VIII]. After the departure of Pope Mark VIII by three days, Bishop Theophilus was enthroned Patriarch under the name of Pope Peter VII the 109th Patriarch, otherwise known as Pope Peter el-Gawli (1852-1809 AD). The rite of the patriarchal enthronement was held in the Papal Cathedral of St. Mark in Azbakeya, and it would see [through his enthronement] the first patriarch enthroned in it. During the period of his pontificate, he consecrated 25 metropolitans and bishops, two of them metropolitans of Ethiopia, a Metropolitan of Jerusalem and two bishops of Nubia and Khartoum.
He established the Papal Library of the Patriarchal Residence of Azbakeya, gathering to it Coptic manuscripts to be arranged, catalogued and restored in it. He commissioned the copies of these relevant and unique manuscripts, and the collection of articles and books on the authenticity of Orthodox doctrine therein and authored different letters.
In the year 1819 AD, the miracle of the rising of the Nile waters was performed through him when the Nile water reached low levels, after he had celebrated the Divine Liturgy and poured in the Nile the water used for the washing of the holy altar vessels, and the water level subsequently rose. On Oct 1819 AD he consecrated the Papal Church of St. Mark in Alexandria and ordained priests and deacons for the church, rebuilt and restored the church, after its demolishment when the French took the city in July 1798 AD, and in 1820 AD he prepared the Holy Myron (Holy Chrism) Oil. In the year 1834 AD, the miracle of the Holy Light was performed through him at Christ’s Holy Sepulchre on Holy Saturday, in the presence of Ibrahim Pasha, when the light emanated from the burial place, passed through one of the columns and left a mark on it. He oversaw the churches of Jerusalem and appointed Heg. Fr. Youssef as Patriarchal Vicar in Cairo to determine the situation of the churches and monasteries there, which led to their actual restoration and maintenance. He revived the Metropolis of Nubia by consecrating Bishop Damianos for the Metropolis of Nubia and Khartoum.
During his time, St. Sidhom Bishay the Martyr was martyred in Damietta on 25 Mar 1845 AD and when the Russian state sent a delegate to offer the Copts of Egypt the protection of the Tsar, the Pope asked him, “Do your kings die?” to which he replied in the affirmative that they do die like the rest of humanity and the Pope said to him, “We are in the protection of a King that never dies, and He is God.” The incident had a positive impact on Muhammad Ali, being deeply touched by it he thanked the Pope and said “Today, you raised your status and that of your country’s and now you have a standing in Egypt like mine.” Under the permission of the Wali Muhammad Ali, hundreds of Copts were granted work in the arsenal of Alexandria.
Pope Peter el-Gawli was known for his asceticism and piety, and lived during the reign of Muhammad Ali, Ibrahim Pasha and Abbas Helmy I. He departed on the evening of Palm Sunday (Eve of Monday of Holy Pascha) on 5 Apr 1852 AD after being enthroned on the See of St. Mark for a period of 42 years, 3 months and 11 days. He was buried in the Cathedral of St. Mark in Azbakeya. He is commemorated in the Synaxarium on 28 Paremhat and his remains were discovered in July 2000 AD.
He established the Papal Library of the Patriarchal Residence of Azbakeya, gathering to it Coptic manuscripts to be arranged, catalogued and restored in it. He commissioned the copies of these relevant and unique manuscripts, and the collection of articles and books on the authenticity of Orthodox doctrine therein and authored different letters.
In the year 1819 AD, the miracle of the rising of the Nile waters was performed through him when the Nile water reached low levels, after he had celebrated the Divine Liturgy and poured in the Nile the water used for the washing of the holy altar vessels, and the water level subsequently rose. On Oct 1819 AD he consecrated the Papal Church of St. Mark in Alexandria and ordained priests and deacons for the church, rebuilt and restored the church, after its demolishment when the French took the city in July 1798 AD, and in 1820 AD he prepared the Holy Myron (Holy Chrism) Oil. In the year 1834 AD, the miracle of the Holy Light was performed through him at Christ’s Holy Sepulchre on Holy Saturday, in the presence of Ibrahim Pasha, when the light emanated from the burial place, passed through one of the columns and left a mark on it. He oversaw the churches of Jerusalem and appointed Heg. Fr. Youssef as Patriarchal Vicar in Cairo to determine the situation of the churches and monasteries there, which led to their actual restoration and maintenance. He revived the Metropolis of Nubia by consecrating Bishop Damianos for the Metropolis of Nubia and Khartoum.
During his time, St. Sidhom Bishay the Martyr was martyred in Damietta on 25 Mar 1845 AD and when the Russian state sent a delegate to offer the Copts of Egypt the protection of the Tsar, the Pope asked him, “Do your kings die?” to which he replied in the affirmative that they do die like the rest of humanity and the Pope said to him, “We are in the protection of a King that never dies, and He is God.” The incident had a positive impact on Muhammad Ali, being deeply touched by it he thanked the Pope and said “Today, you raised your status and that of your country’s and now you have a standing in Egypt like mine.” Under the permission of the Wali Muhammad Ali, hundreds of Copts were granted work in the arsenal of Alexandria.
Pope Peter el-Gawli was known for his asceticism and piety, and lived during the reign of Muhammad Ali, Ibrahim Pasha and Abbas Helmy I. He departed on the evening of Palm Sunday (Eve of Monday of Holy Pascha) on 5 Apr 1852 AD after being enthroned on the See of St. Mark for a period of 42 years, 3 months and 11 days. He was buried in the Cathedral of St. Mark in Azbakeya. He is commemorated in the Synaxarium on 28 Paremhat and his remains were discovered in July 2000 AD.
1809
Pope Cyril IV, The “Father of Reform”, the 110th Patriarch:
Pope Cyril IV the 110th Patriarch (1854- 1861 AD) is known as the “Father of Reform” for his great reform efforts of the third quarter of the 19th century such as his establishment of schools. In 1855 AD, he founded the first educational school in Azbakeya after one year of his enthronement as Patriarch. When he saw that there were students coming to attend at the Azbakeya school from remote regions, he sought to build schools closer to them. In Haret el-Saqaeen, he built a church and two schools: one for boys and the other for the education of girls, as well as a school for girls in Azbakeya. He is considered the first Egyptian to establish a private school for the education of girls in the history of modern Egypt, hence he is one of the pioneers who focused on women’s education given their great importance to the family and society. Moreover, in his concern for the advancement of women, he was concerned that marriages occur with the full consent of both parties and that women are married at an age proper for marriage. He also prohibited forced marriages and of parties who have not yet reached adulthood, and he had arranged for an engagement period prior to marriage to allow both parties the assess their compatibility before the finalization of their marriage.
The doors of his schools were open to all indiscriminately, both Christians and Muslims, and they had a significant role in the enlightenment and spread of knowledge and culture throughout the land of Egypt. He focused on the teaching of languages to his students including English and French (modern European languages), Italian (language of trade at the time), Coptic (language of the services), Arabic (language of the nation), Turkish (language of Sublime Porte), in addition to modern science and art. He also drew on the expertise of teachers of various nationalities: Egyptian, Syrian, Lebanese, Italian, British, and more. Also, four of Egypt’s outstanding former prime ministers graduated from Haret el-Saqaeen: Boutros Ghali, Youssef Wahba, Abdel Khaleq Sarwat and Hussein Roshdy.
Pope Cyril IV was interested in the Coptic language and Church hymns and formed a choir of deacons who wore special vestments during church prayer services. He also held a weekly meeting on Saturday for priests to discuss and educate them on religious matters as preparation for their pastoral spiritual and ecclesiastical responsibilities. He is recognized as having laid the first building block of the Theological Seminary which was later established in 1893 AD during the time of Pope Cyril V the 112th patriarch (1874-1927 AD). He encouraged the priests to pray the liturgy in the Coptic language and the monks to read, study and research. He created a registrar to keep a formal record of the endowments, property, and plantations to protect them from the hands of their abusers.
He established the Papal Court in his concern for the administrative affairs of the patriarchate and divided its administration into two parts: 1. Religious and 2. Official executive matters. He published books through the import of the printing press by the help of an individual named Rafla Obeid and chose four young Copts to learn printing at the Bulaq Press to be capable of running the printing press he had imported. When the printing press arrived, the Pope at the time was at the monastery of St. Antony in the Eastern Desert, so he sent for the patriarchal vicar to receive the printing press in a great celebratory manner, with the deacons in their church vestments who chanted church hymns. When the printing press arrived in approximately 1860 AD, it was near the end of his life and he did not see its use during his lifetime and indeed, the work of the printing press did not start until the year 1870 AD – around nine years after his departure. Regarding his ecumenical work, he was involved in cooperative work with many Christian Churches including the Greek Orthodox Church, Armenian Church, and others.
The doors of his schools were open to all indiscriminately, both Christians and Muslims, and they had a significant role in the enlightenment and spread of knowledge and culture throughout the land of Egypt. He focused on the teaching of languages to his students including English and French (modern European languages), Italian (language of trade at the time), Coptic (language of the services), Arabic (language of the nation), Turkish (language of Sublime Porte), in addition to modern science and art. He also drew on the expertise of teachers of various nationalities: Egyptian, Syrian, Lebanese, Italian, British, and more. Also, four of Egypt’s outstanding former prime ministers graduated from Haret el-Saqaeen: Boutros Ghali, Youssef Wahba, Abdel Khaleq Sarwat and Hussein Roshdy.
Pope Cyril IV was interested in the Coptic language and Church hymns and formed a choir of deacons who wore special vestments during church prayer services. He also held a weekly meeting on Saturday for priests to discuss and educate them on religious matters as preparation for their pastoral spiritual and ecclesiastical responsibilities. He is recognized as having laid the first building block of the Theological Seminary which was later established in 1893 AD during the time of Pope Cyril V the 112th patriarch (1874-1927 AD). He encouraged the priests to pray the liturgy in the Coptic language and the monks to read, study and research. He created a registrar to keep a formal record of the endowments, property, and plantations to protect them from the hands of their abusers.
He established the Papal Court in his concern for the administrative affairs of the patriarchate and divided its administration into two parts: 1. Religious and 2. Official executive matters. He published books through the import of the printing press by the help of an individual named Rafla Obeid and chose four young Copts to learn printing at the Bulaq Press to be capable of running the printing press he had imported. When the printing press arrived, the Pope at the time was at the monastery of St. Antony in the Eastern Desert, so he sent for the patriarchal vicar to receive the printing press in a great celebratory manner, with the deacons in their church vestments who chanted church hymns. When the printing press arrived in approximately 1860 AD, it was near the end of his life and he did not see its use during his lifetime and indeed, the work of the printing press did not start until the year 1870 AD – around nine years after his departure. Regarding his ecumenical work, he was involved in cooperative work with many Christian Churches including the Greek Orthodox Church, Armenian Church, and others.
1854
Pope Demetrius II, The 111th Patriarch:
In the beginning of the year 1861 AD, after the departure of Pope Cyril IV, The Father of Reform; Pope Demetrius II succeeded him (1862-1870 AD). He joined the celebrations of the official opening of the Suez Canal 16-18 Nov 1869 AD) and Khedive Ismail rejoiced in his attendance. He lived during the inauguration of the Shura Council of Representatives in 1866 AD and completed the reform work of his predecessor Pope Cyril IV; in his concern for schools and in his unpackaging of the printing press and putting it to use in the publishing of religious books. He also finished the construction of St. Mark Cathedral in Azbakeya, reconstructed monasteries, and travelled on a trip to outreach his children in Upper Egypt in 1867 AD accompanied by Heg. Fr. Philotheus Ibrahim, in this tour which lasted for three months. He departed on the eve of the feast of Theophany on 18 Jan 1870 AD after he was seated on the See of St. Mark for seven years, seven months, and seven days. The bishops who participated in his consecration were the very same bishops who performed his funeral service, without the loss of one bishop throughout the duration of his leadership of the Church.
1862
Pope Cyril V, The 112th Patriarch:
In the year 1870 AD, after the departure of Pope Demetrius II, Bishop Markos [Mark] Metropolitan of Beheira and Vicar of the See of St. Mark, was elected papal vicar until the time came for the next patriarch to be enthroned. He did this for a period of four years and nine months, and it was during this time that the General Congregation Council [El-Magles El-Melly] would be formed when Bishop Markos gathered several Coptic archdeacons to join in the participation of the management of the Church’s affairs in 1872 AD. The following year, they asked him [Bishop Markos] to form an official body, one recognized by the government for this very purpose. Their request was granted during a meeting held before the Qaim Maqam on 16 Jan 1874 AD, and consequently the first General Congregational Council was created in 1874 AD. The Council began its activities and after the Patriarchal Seat had remained vacant for four years, nine months, and 14 days; the Council felt it necessary to elect a new patriarch for the Church.
Indeed, on Sunday 1 Nov. 1874 AD, the monk John the Scribe was enthroned patriarch by the name of Pope Cyril V. Pope Cyril V the 112th Patriarch (1874-1927 AD) had the longest pontificate period of all the seated patriarchs of Alexandria. He departed on 7 Aug. 1927 AD, and this period lasted for 52 years, nine months, and six days. The period of his pontificate extended from the last quarter of the 19th century to the first quarter of the 20th century. Also, he is a contemporary of five Egyptian rules of the Muhammad Ali Dynasty: Khedive Ismail (1863-1879 AD), Khedive Tewfik (1879-1893 AD), Khedive Abbas II Hilmy (1892-1914 AD), Sultan Hussein Kamel (1914-1917 AD) and Sultan Ahmed Fuad I (1917-1922 AD) who declared himself King of Egypt by the name of King Fuad I (1922-1936 AD). Thus, Pope Cyril V witnessed Egypt transform from a Khedivate, Sultanate, and then to a Kingdom. Pope Cyril V directed his attention to the building of churches, renovation of monasteries, affairs of monastics, and the poor, the latter whom he treated with compassion.
Due to growing disputes with some of the archdeacons, he travelled to his monastery of Paromeos [el-Baramos] on 2 Sep. 1892 AD and remained there for about six months. On 4 Feb. 1893 AD, he returned to his papal seat at the request of the clergy and congregation, and based on the approval of the Khedive – dated 30 Jan. 1893 AD. Great celebrations took place at his return, however, the issues with some of the archdeacons remained throughout his life.
During his time, the first seminary was inaugurated on 29 Jan. 1875 AD, and later closed in July of the same year until its second opening on 29 Nov. 1893 AD. The seminary was first located in Faggala, and then transferred to the Patriarchal House in Azbakeya, and later to Mahamsha after it moved several times. The following individuals succeeded in their leadership of the school during his era: Youssef Mankarious who was succeeded by Habib Girgis. The Sunday Schools (Ecclesiastical educational schools) were also established in his time, a result of the efforts of Archdeacon Habib Girgis (1876-1951 AD) who founded the Sunday School Service around the year 1900 AD. The “Rays of the Heart of Jesus Society” was founded in 1901 AD and its name changed to “Mahaba [Love] Society” in 1905 AD, and it served the the purpose of educating the Coptic youth on the teachings and values of Christianity. In 1918 AD, the General Committee for Sunday Schools was formed, and Pope Cyril V appointed Archdeacon Habib Girgis deacon over it. He [Habib Girgis] consecrated [dedicated] his life to the theological seminary and promoted it. He helped the Pope in its expansion and development throughout the regions of Mahamsha. Moreover, he was a capable preacher who accompanied the pope on his pastoral visits to Upper Egypt and Sudan. Also, he translated religious books from foreign languages into Arabic and the “El-Karma” magazine periodicals by which he published the realities of the faith in a practical manner. He wrote many books, taught, and raised many generations of churchmen, who revived the Church and filled its pulpits with sermons besides the notable production of religious literature of this time. The Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church recognized and canonized him as a Saint on 20 Jun. 2013.
Dozens of Coptic schools were established during the era of Pope Cyril V, spanning over the period of 1904 to 1913 AD, and eleven schools opened in: Azbakeya, Bulaq, Haret el-Roum, Haret Zuweila, Old Cairo, and Giza. He also opened three schools for monastics in Alexandria, Bosch, and Al-Muharraq Monastery in the year 1899 AD and sent seven monks to study in Athens. He renewed the construction of St. Mark’s Cathedral in Azbakeya, and dozens of Coptic Churches were constructed in his time. He renovated the Monastery of St. Parsouma the Naked in el-Masara and would pray the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent there (Sunday of the Paralytic Man). He also renovated the Monastery of St. Mercurius [Philopateer] in Tamooh as well as the Convent of St. Mercurius in Old Cairo, and others. Finally, the Coptic Museum would also be inaugurated during his time by Markos [Mark] Pascha Samika in 1910 AD.
Pope Cyril V made several pastoral visits, including Upper Egypt (1888 AD), Upper Egypt and Sudan (1904 AD), another trip to Upper Egypt and Sudan (1909 AD), and two trips to Lower Egypt (the last one in 1894 AD). He ordained 44 metropolitans and bishops and is the first patriarch to consecrate bishops over monasteries – three of the metropolitans succeeded him as patriarchs: Pope John XIX [Yoannis] the 113th, Pope Macarius III the 114th, and Pope Joseph [Yousab] II the 115th patriarch. He participated in the National Assembly and the signing of the National Decree of 1879 AD and supported Ahmed ‘Urabi and his men in their position against the occupation. He was also a member of the Council of Laws in 1883 AD.
This period was blessed with scholars and Saints including: The Great Father and Man of Meekness, Righteousness and Charity, Bishop Abraam, Metropolitan of Fayoum and Giza (Synaxarium commemoration – 3 Misra). The virtues of His Eminence were many and widespread, in his generosity and charity to the poor and needy to the extent that did not save any money, but rather every good thing he received he distributed to the needy in return. He performed miracles in exorcizing demons, healing the sick, and more.
Other Church scholars were Heg. Fr. Filothaus Ibrahim, priest of St. Mark’s Cathedral in Azbakeya, and the monk Heg. Fr. Abdelmassih Salib Al-Baramosy [of Paromeous Monastery], the latter who possesses a great knowledge of a variety of languages including Coptic, Ethiopian, Greek, and Syriac, and familiarized himself with French and English as well. He possessed great patience as expressed in his research and excavational work in the field of religious and ecclesiastical books which left us with many precious books which utter his praise. In his era there was a great interest in the Coptic language and many books were published in the Coptic language due to the efforts of Claudius Labib (1868-1918 AD). He successfully encouraged him [Claudius] to publish a Coptic-Arabic dictionary and a monthly magazine focused on Coptic culture and antiquities by the name of “Ain Shams” (1901-1904 AD). Pope Cyril exerted his utmost efforts to advance his people to the highest level through the production of ecclesiastical books. He departed in peace at quarter past five on the dawn of Sunday 7 Aug. 1927 AD, after he had spent 52 years, nine months, and six days seated on the Seat of the Patriarchate. The great national leader Saad Zaghloul also passed away on the 27th of the same month and year. He [Pope Cyril V] lived for approximately 103 years (1824-1927 AD). The Synaxarium commemoration of his departure is on 1 Mesori.
Indeed, on Sunday 1 Nov. 1874 AD, the monk John the Scribe was enthroned patriarch by the name of Pope Cyril V. Pope Cyril V the 112th Patriarch (1874-1927 AD) had the longest pontificate period of all the seated patriarchs of Alexandria. He departed on 7 Aug. 1927 AD, and this period lasted for 52 years, nine months, and six days. The period of his pontificate extended from the last quarter of the 19th century to the first quarter of the 20th century. Also, he is a contemporary of five Egyptian rules of the Muhammad Ali Dynasty: Khedive Ismail (1863-1879 AD), Khedive Tewfik (1879-1893 AD), Khedive Abbas II Hilmy (1892-1914 AD), Sultan Hussein Kamel (1914-1917 AD) and Sultan Ahmed Fuad I (1917-1922 AD) who declared himself King of Egypt by the name of King Fuad I (1922-1936 AD). Thus, Pope Cyril V witnessed Egypt transform from a Khedivate, Sultanate, and then to a Kingdom. Pope Cyril V directed his attention to the building of churches, renovation of monasteries, affairs of monastics, and the poor, the latter whom he treated with compassion.
Due to growing disputes with some of the archdeacons, he travelled to his monastery of Paromeos [el-Baramos] on 2 Sep. 1892 AD and remained there for about six months. On 4 Feb. 1893 AD, he returned to his papal seat at the request of the clergy and congregation, and based on the approval of the Khedive – dated 30 Jan. 1893 AD. Great celebrations took place at his return, however, the issues with some of the archdeacons remained throughout his life.
During his time, the first seminary was inaugurated on 29 Jan. 1875 AD, and later closed in July of the same year until its second opening on 29 Nov. 1893 AD. The seminary was first located in Faggala, and then transferred to the Patriarchal House in Azbakeya, and later to Mahamsha after it moved several times. The following individuals succeeded in their leadership of the school during his era: Youssef Mankarious who was succeeded by Habib Girgis. The Sunday Schools (Ecclesiastical educational schools) were also established in his time, a result of the efforts of Archdeacon Habib Girgis (1876-1951 AD) who founded the Sunday School Service around the year 1900 AD. The “Rays of the Heart of Jesus Society” was founded in 1901 AD and its name changed to “Mahaba [Love] Society” in 1905 AD, and it served the the purpose of educating the Coptic youth on the teachings and values of Christianity. In 1918 AD, the General Committee for Sunday Schools was formed, and Pope Cyril V appointed Archdeacon Habib Girgis deacon over it. He [Habib Girgis] consecrated [dedicated] his life to the theological seminary and promoted it. He helped the Pope in its expansion and development throughout the regions of Mahamsha. Moreover, he was a capable preacher who accompanied the pope on his pastoral visits to Upper Egypt and Sudan. Also, he translated religious books from foreign languages into Arabic and the “El-Karma” magazine periodicals by which he published the realities of the faith in a practical manner. He wrote many books, taught, and raised many generations of churchmen, who revived the Church and filled its pulpits with sermons besides the notable production of religious literature of this time. The Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church recognized and canonized him as a Saint on 20 Jun. 2013.
Dozens of Coptic schools were established during the era of Pope Cyril V, spanning over the period of 1904 to 1913 AD, and eleven schools opened in: Azbakeya, Bulaq, Haret el-Roum, Haret Zuweila, Old Cairo, and Giza. He also opened three schools for monastics in Alexandria, Bosch, and Al-Muharraq Monastery in the year 1899 AD and sent seven monks to study in Athens. He renewed the construction of St. Mark’s Cathedral in Azbakeya, and dozens of Coptic Churches were constructed in his time. He renovated the Monastery of St. Parsouma the Naked in el-Masara and would pray the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent there (Sunday of the Paralytic Man). He also renovated the Monastery of St. Mercurius [Philopateer] in Tamooh as well as the Convent of St. Mercurius in Old Cairo, and others. Finally, the Coptic Museum would also be inaugurated during his time by Markos [Mark] Pascha Samika in 1910 AD.
Pope Cyril V made several pastoral visits, including Upper Egypt (1888 AD), Upper Egypt and Sudan (1904 AD), another trip to Upper Egypt and Sudan (1909 AD), and two trips to Lower Egypt (the last one in 1894 AD). He ordained 44 metropolitans and bishops and is the first patriarch to consecrate bishops over monasteries – three of the metropolitans succeeded him as patriarchs: Pope John XIX [Yoannis] the 113th, Pope Macarius III the 114th, and Pope Joseph [Yousab] II the 115th patriarch. He participated in the National Assembly and the signing of the National Decree of 1879 AD and supported Ahmed ‘Urabi and his men in their position against the occupation. He was also a member of the Council of Laws in 1883 AD.
This period was blessed with scholars and Saints including: The Great Father and Man of Meekness, Righteousness and Charity, Bishop Abraam, Metropolitan of Fayoum and Giza (Synaxarium commemoration – 3 Misra). The virtues of His Eminence were many and widespread, in his generosity and charity to the poor and needy to the extent that did not save any money, but rather every good thing he received he distributed to the needy in return. He performed miracles in exorcizing demons, healing the sick, and more.
Other Church scholars were Heg. Fr. Filothaus Ibrahim, priest of St. Mark’s Cathedral in Azbakeya, and the monk Heg. Fr. Abdelmassih Salib Al-Baramosy [of Paromeous Monastery], the latter who possesses a great knowledge of a variety of languages including Coptic, Ethiopian, Greek, and Syriac, and familiarized himself with French and English as well. He possessed great patience as expressed in his research and excavational work in the field of religious and ecclesiastical books which left us with many precious books which utter his praise. In his era there was a great interest in the Coptic language and many books were published in the Coptic language due to the efforts of Claudius Labib (1868-1918 AD). He successfully encouraged him [Claudius] to publish a Coptic-Arabic dictionary and a monthly magazine focused on Coptic culture and antiquities by the name of “Ain Shams” (1901-1904 AD). Pope Cyril exerted his utmost efforts to advance his people to the highest level through the production of ecclesiastical books. He departed in peace at quarter past five on the dawn of Sunday 7 Aug. 1927 AD, after he had spent 52 years, nine months, and six days seated on the Seat of the Patriarchate. The great national leader Saad Zaghloul also passed away on the 27th of the same month and year. He [Pope Cyril V] lived for approximately 103 years (1824-1927 AD). The Synaxarium commemoration of his departure is on 1 Mesori.
1874
The British Occupation of Egypt:
The British occupation of Egypt began on 28 Jun. 1882 AD after the British government announced on 28 Jun. 1882 AD its decision to occupy Egypt – an occupation that lasted for about 74 years.
The British occupation began with the British fleet attack on the city of Alexandria on 11 Jul. 1882 AD. Under the leadership of Colonel Ahmed Orabi (1841-1911 AD), the Egyptian army fought in battles against the British forces, and in Aug. 1882 AD, the latter occupied the cities of Port Said and Ismailia. This period of British occupation witnessed a great national, activist, and historical movement. Numerous revolutions were carried out by the Egyptian people, perhaps the most famous and influential revolutions were the Orabi Revolution (1879-1882 AD), and the Egyptian Revolution of 1919 AD led by Egyptian Colonel Saad Zaghloul (1859-1927 AD). The national unity among all groups and classes of the Egyptian people was evident in these revolutions. They ultimately led to independence with the arrival of the Free Officers Movement of the Revolution of 23 Jul. 1952 AD, which ended 74 years of British occupation of the country as well as the signing of the Evacuation Agreement in 1953 AD. In fact, the British forces remained in Egypt until the Treaty of 1922 AD and Anglo-Egyptian Treaty of 1936 AD were signed, which granted the King of Egypt gradual sovereignty over Egypt. The British took control of the Suez Canal until it was nationalized in 1956 AD by President Gamal Abdel Nasser after 74 years of occupation. This was followed by the British Tripartite Aggression of 1956 AD that ended with the removal of any British [forces] presence in Egypt in the wake of the July Revolution and specifically on 18 Jun. 1956 AD; with the Evacuation Agreement and the removal of the last British soldier from Egypt.
Four Pope of Alexandria were contemporaries of this period: Pope Cyril [Kyrillos] V, the 112th Patriarch (1874-1927 AD); Pope John XIX [Yoannis], the 113th Patriarch (1928-1942 AD), Pope Macarius III, the 114th Patriarch (1944-1945 AD); and Pope Joseph II [Yousab], the 115th Patriarch (1946-1956 AD).
The British occupation began with the British fleet attack on the city of Alexandria on 11 Jul. 1882 AD. Under the leadership of Colonel Ahmed Orabi (1841-1911 AD), the Egyptian army fought in battles against the British forces, and in Aug. 1882 AD, the latter occupied the cities of Port Said and Ismailia. This period of British occupation witnessed a great national, activist, and historical movement. Numerous revolutions were carried out by the Egyptian people, perhaps the most famous and influential revolutions were the Orabi Revolution (1879-1882 AD), and the Egyptian Revolution of 1919 AD led by Egyptian Colonel Saad Zaghloul (1859-1927 AD). The national unity among all groups and classes of the Egyptian people was evident in these revolutions. They ultimately led to independence with the arrival of the Free Officers Movement of the Revolution of 23 Jul. 1952 AD, which ended 74 years of British occupation of the country as well as the signing of the Evacuation Agreement in 1953 AD. In fact, the British forces remained in Egypt until the Treaty of 1922 AD and Anglo-Egyptian Treaty of 1936 AD were signed, which granted the King of Egypt gradual sovereignty over Egypt. The British took control of the Suez Canal until it was nationalized in 1956 AD by President Gamal Abdel Nasser after 74 years of occupation. This was followed by the British Tripartite Aggression of 1956 AD that ended with the removal of any British [forces] presence in Egypt in the wake of the July Revolution and specifically on 18 Jun. 1956 AD; with the Evacuation Agreement and the removal of the last British soldier from Egypt.
Four Pope of Alexandria were contemporaries of this period: Pope Cyril [Kyrillos] V, the 112th Patriarch (1874-1927 AD); Pope John XIX [Yoannis], the 113th Patriarch (1928-1942 AD), Pope Macarius III, the 114th Patriarch (1944-1945 AD); and Pope Joseph II [Yousab], the 115th Patriarch (1946-1956 AD).
1882
Pope St. Cyril VI, the 116th Patriarch:
He was born on 2 Aug. 1902 AD by the birth name of Azer Youssef Atta, and left for the Paromeos Monastery [el-Baramos], Wadi el-Natrun, in the year 1927 AD. After he spent nine months as a novice, he was tonsured a monk by the name of Monk Mina el-Baramosy on 25 Feb. 1928 AD, and remained in the Paromeos Monastery for approximately four years (1927-1930 AD). He spent one year in the theological seminary of Helwan where he was equipped with plenty of ecclesiastical and theological knowledge. He was later ordained priest on 18 Jul. 1931 AD followed by his elevation to the rank of hegumen in Mar. 1945 AD. He became a solitary and lived in solitude in a cave located three kilometers away from the Paromeos Monastery and remained there for approximately five years (1932-1936 AD), and became known as Fr. Mina the Solitary. He lived in one of the windmills located on the Mokattam Hills and stayed there for about five years (1936-1941 AD), after this he went to the churches of the Old Cairo region. In 1947 AD, he built a church in the name of St. Mina the Wonderworker and a residence for expatriate students beside it as well.
At the end of 1943 AD, he was appointed abbot of the Monastery of St. Samuel the Confessor in Mount Qalamun near Maghagha, and remained abbot there until Jul 1950 AD. After the departure of Pope Joseph II [Yousab] the 115th Patriarch on 13 Nov. 1956 AD, Heg. Fr. Mina el-Baramosy the Solitary was numbered among the patriarchal candidates. An election was held on 17 Apr 1959 AD for the purpose of electing three of the five candidates and Fr. Mina el-Baramosy the Solitary was one of three patriarchal candidates to be elected. The Sacred Election by Lot was held on 19 Apr 1959 AD, and he was consequently enthroned as Patriarch on 10 May 1959 AD under the name of Pope Cyril [Kyrillos] VI.
On 27 Nov 1959 AD, he laid the foundation stone for the Monastery of St. Mina near the archaeological site of the ancient city of Abu-Mina. Moreover, he elevated Abune Basilios to the rank of Patriarch-Catholicos of Ethiopia on 28 Jun 1959 AD, and visited Ethiopia twice. During his era, the Coptic Church became an active member in the ecumenical meetings.
He prepared the Holy Myron [Holy Chrism] Oil in Apr 1967 AD and in his era the Virgin appeared over the domes of her Church in Zeitoun on 2 Apr 1968 AD. He also built the new Cathedral of St. Mark by the Monastery of St. Reweis in Abbasiya, and President Gamal Abdel Nasser laid its foundation stone himself on 24 Jul 1965 AD. Pope Cyril VI returned the relics of St. Mark the Apostle on 24 Jun 1968 AD and buried the remains in a shrine prepared for him underneath the sanctuary of the new St. Mark Cathedral.
He founded the Bishopric for Public, Ecumenical, and Social Services (1962 AD), and Bishopric of Scientific Research (1967 AD). Also in his time, the Coptic Endowment Authority (1960 AD) was established along with the Patriarchal (Wakf) Administration Committee (1967 AD). He opened the new Theological College of Pope Cyril VI building on St. Reweis’s land in 1961 AD. During the early years of his pontificate, he visited the dioceses of Upper and Lower Egypt. Likewise, the ministry of the Coptic Church in Kuwait and Lebanon began during in his time, and Coptic Churches were built in: Toronto and Montreal Canada, Sydney and Melbourne Australia, London, New Jersey, and California.
He departed on 9 Mar 1971 AD/30 Meshir 1687 AM and was buried in a special burial place under the new cathedral of St. Mark on 23 Jul 1972 AD. In accordance with his will, his body was transferred to his burial place under the cathedral of the Monastery of St. Mina in Mariout. He lived 68 years, seven months, and seven days (7 Aug 1902 AD – 9 Mar 1971 AD) and the period of his pontificate lasted for 11 years, nine months, and 28 days (10 May 1959 – 9 Mar 1971 AD).
Periods of his life: 25 years prior to monasticism, five years in Paromeos Monastery, one year in the Theological College of Helwan, five years in a cave five kilometers away from Paromeos Monastery, five years in the windmill, six years as abbot of the Monastery of St. Samuel in Qalamun, 10 years in the Church of St. Mina in Old Cairo, and approximately 12 years as a patriarch.
The relationship between Pope Cyril VI and President Gamal Abdel Nasser was very strong, and the former lived eleven and a half years of the latter’s presidency (1959-1970 AD), as well as five months of the beginning of the presidency of Anwar Sadat (1970-1981 AD). He took up several patriotic positions such as his support for the Palestinian Cause, refusal of the Judaization of Jerusalem, and his support for the homeland following the war of 5 Jun 1967 AD.
Pope Cyril VI lived a life of solitude, asceticism, austerity, detachment, impartiality, humility, and endurance. He had possessed many spiritual virtues and gifts, and was known for his prayers, psalmodies [ARABIC: Tasbeha], and daily liturgies. The verse, “…men always ought to pray” (Luke 18:1) applied to him as he was well-known by the title, “The Man of Prayer.”
He was canonized as a Saint by the Holy Synod in June 2013 AD.
At the end of 1943 AD, he was appointed abbot of the Monastery of St. Samuel the Confessor in Mount Qalamun near Maghagha, and remained abbot there until Jul 1950 AD. After the departure of Pope Joseph II [Yousab] the 115th Patriarch on 13 Nov. 1956 AD, Heg. Fr. Mina el-Baramosy the Solitary was numbered among the patriarchal candidates. An election was held on 17 Apr 1959 AD for the purpose of electing three of the five candidates and Fr. Mina el-Baramosy the Solitary was one of three patriarchal candidates to be elected. The Sacred Election by Lot was held on 19 Apr 1959 AD, and he was consequently enthroned as Patriarch on 10 May 1959 AD under the name of Pope Cyril [Kyrillos] VI.
On 27 Nov 1959 AD, he laid the foundation stone for the Monastery of St. Mina near the archaeological site of the ancient city of Abu-Mina. Moreover, he elevated Abune Basilios to the rank of Patriarch-Catholicos of Ethiopia on 28 Jun 1959 AD, and visited Ethiopia twice. During his era, the Coptic Church became an active member in the ecumenical meetings.
He prepared the Holy Myron [Holy Chrism] Oil in Apr 1967 AD and in his era the Virgin appeared over the domes of her Church in Zeitoun on 2 Apr 1968 AD. He also built the new Cathedral of St. Mark by the Monastery of St. Reweis in Abbasiya, and President Gamal Abdel Nasser laid its foundation stone himself on 24 Jul 1965 AD. Pope Cyril VI returned the relics of St. Mark the Apostle on 24 Jun 1968 AD and buried the remains in a shrine prepared for him underneath the sanctuary of the new St. Mark Cathedral.
He founded the Bishopric for Public, Ecumenical, and Social Services (1962 AD), and Bishopric of Scientific Research (1967 AD). Also in his time, the Coptic Endowment Authority (1960 AD) was established along with the Patriarchal (Wakf) Administration Committee (1967 AD). He opened the new Theological College of Pope Cyril VI building on St. Reweis’s land in 1961 AD. During the early years of his pontificate, he visited the dioceses of Upper and Lower Egypt. Likewise, the ministry of the Coptic Church in Kuwait and Lebanon began during in his time, and Coptic Churches were built in: Toronto and Montreal Canada, Sydney and Melbourne Australia, London, New Jersey, and California.
He departed on 9 Mar 1971 AD/30 Meshir 1687 AM and was buried in a special burial place under the new cathedral of St. Mark on 23 Jul 1972 AD. In accordance with his will, his body was transferred to his burial place under the cathedral of the Monastery of St. Mina in Mariout. He lived 68 years, seven months, and seven days (7 Aug 1902 AD – 9 Mar 1971 AD) and the period of his pontificate lasted for 11 years, nine months, and 28 days (10 May 1959 – 9 Mar 1971 AD).
Periods of his life: 25 years prior to monasticism, five years in Paromeos Monastery, one year in the Theological College of Helwan, five years in a cave five kilometers away from Paromeos Monastery, five years in the windmill, six years as abbot of the Monastery of St. Samuel in Qalamun, 10 years in the Church of St. Mina in Old Cairo, and approximately 12 years as a patriarch.
The relationship between Pope Cyril VI and President Gamal Abdel Nasser was very strong, and the former lived eleven and a half years of the latter’s presidency (1959-1970 AD), as well as five months of the beginning of the presidency of Anwar Sadat (1970-1981 AD). He took up several patriotic positions such as his support for the Palestinian Cause, refusal of the Judaization of Jerusalem, and his support for the homeland following the war of 5 Jun 1967 AD.
Pope Cyril VI lived a life of solitude, asceticism, austerity, detachment, impartiality, humility, and endurance. He had possessed many spiritual virtues and gifts, and was known for his prayers, psalmodies [ARABIC: Tasbeha], and daily liturgies. The verse, “…men always ought to pray” (Luke 18:1) applied to him as he was well-known by the title, “The Man of Prayer.”
He was canonized as a Saint by the Holy Synod in June 2013 AD.
1959
Pope Shenouda III, the 117th Patriarch:
On 3 Aug 1923 AD, Nazir Gayed Roufail (his name at birth) was born in the village of Salaam of the Governorate of Asyut, and received his primary education in Damanhur, Alexandria, Asyut, and Bahna. He attended Faith [Iman] Secondary School of Gazirat Badran in Shubra Cairo, where he then completed his secondary studies.
In 1939 AD, he began to teach at the ecclesiastical schools of the Church of the Virgin in Mahmasha, Cairo, and St. Antony Church in Shikolany Shubra in 1946 AD as well. Within the same year of 1947 AD, he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from King Fuad I University (Cairo University) and graduated from the Egyptian Military Reserve Corps. He enrolled in the theological seminary in 1946 AD, and graduated in 1949 AD. That same year, he entered the field of education and dedicated himself to the service of teaching at the seminary.
He assumed the role of editor-in-chief of the Sunday School month magazine in Oct 1949 AD up until his monasticism in July 1954 AD. He was elected President of the Board of Directors of the Sunday School in 1952 AD and resigned after to devote himself to service at the seminary and taught at the monastic school in Helwan in 1953 AD. On 18 Jul 1954 AD, he was tonsured a monk at the Monastery of the Ever-Virgin Mary [Souryan Monastery] in Wadi el-Natrun by the name of Monk Antonios el-Souryani and was later appointed librarian of the Souryan Monastery.
In Feb 1956 AD, he took up the life of solitude, and on Sunday 31 Aug 1958 AD was ordained priest by Bishop Theophilus, the bishop of the monastery at the time. In June 1959 AD, Pope Cyril VI appointed him as his secretary, and on 30 Sept 1962 AD he was consecrated as General Bishop for Christian Education by the name of Bishop Shenouda. There in the region of the Monastery of St. Reweis in Abbasiya, he organized spiritual and educational meetings for preaching purposes. Additionally, his first issue of “Al-Keraza” magazine was published in Jan 1965 AD, and he became a member of the Journal Syndicate in 1966 AD.
After the departure of Pope Cyril [Kyrillos] VI on 9 Mar 1971 AD, he was nominated candidate for the papal throne and was among the three elected to be on 26 Oct 1971 AD. He was chosen through the Sacred Election by Lot on 31 Oct 1971 AD, and subsequently crowned and seated on the papal throne on Sunday 14 Nov 1971 AD.
He was elected president of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Feb 1991, and on 8 Nov 1994 AD as President of the Middle East Council of Churches, and his term was renewed twice: in 1998 AD and 2003 AD.
He made 104 pastoral and ecumenical visits outside of Egypt to many countries throughout the continents of Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and Australia. In 1998 AD, he consecrated Abune Phillipos as the first patriarch of Eritrea, and Abune Antonios as patriarch of Eritrea in 2004 AD. He also consecrated 117 metropolitans and bishops, and ordained 1001 priests for Cairo, Alexandria, and the lands of immigration. He prepared the Holy Myron [Holy Chrism] Oil seven times, and returned to Egypt the relics of St. Athanasius the Apostolic in 1973 AD.
During his era the following regulations were issued: The Holy Synod Regulation of 1985 AD and the Consecration (Women) Regulation of 1991 AD. On 25 May 1980 AD, he also founded the Youth Bishopric, and in 1976 AD the General Bishopric for African Affairs as well as the Bishopric for Evangelism in 1995 AD. He inaugurated the Institute of Pastoral Care in 1974 AD, as well as the Institute of Biblical Studies in 1974 AD. Moreover, the papal residence was established during his time near the Monastery of St. Reweis in Abbasiya. Likewise in his time, scientific and cultural centers and institutions were founded including: the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center (2008 AD), Pope Shenouda III Information Technology Centre (15 Nov 2000 AD), Saint Mark Foundation for Coptic Studies and Logos TV (2007 AD), and the Institute of Coptic Studies (2007 AD). Furthermore, the following satellite channels were launched during his pontificate: Aghapy TV 2005 AD), CTV (2010 AD), and St. Mark’s MeSat (2011 AD).
His Holiness established new dioceses throughout Egypt and the lands of immigration and visited the churches and monasteries of Egypt and abroad on several occasions. He was engaged in numerous ecumenical conventions, conferences, meetings, and ecumenical theological dialogue. Several patriotic positions were taken up by him such as his support for the Palestinian Cause, the Jerusalem Cause, and the homeland during the war of 6 Oct 1973 AD. Following the decisions made by President Anwar el-Sadat in Sept 1981 AD, he was still capable of bringing the Church to safety after the state’s withdrawal of its recognition of him as the Pope of Alexandria. He was placed under house arrest at the papal residence of the Monastery of St. Bishoy in Wadi el-Natrun, for a period of 40 months, until his return to the Papal See in January 1985 AD.
In 2011 AD, the Permanent Committee of the Holy Synod headed by H.H. issued a statement on 15 Feb 2011 confirming its support of the 25 Jan 2011 Revolution, and praised the role of the Egyptian army and Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, and for their issued statements.
He wrote about 150 books on numerous subjects such as spirituality, theology, doctrine, and other topics Many of them have been translated into multiple languages, besides his articles published in El-Keraza, Watani, Al-Ahram, Al-Gomhuria, Akhbar El-Yom, and Al-Hilal newspapers. Furthermore, he wrote approximately 20 poems in addition to other poetic verses and literature.
He departed on the evening of 8 Paremhat 1827 AM (17 Mar 2017 AD), and on 20 Mar 2012 AD, his body was buried at a designated burial place within the Monastery of St. Bishoy as he had requested in accordance with his will. He was seated on the Seat of St. Mark for 40 years, 4 month and 4 days. He is the seventh longest serving Pope of the See of St. Mark, and lived for 88 years, 7 months, and 14 days. His Holiness is also known for the patriotic positions he held. For instance, he is known by his famous phrase “Egypt is not a nation we live in, but a nation that lives in us.”
During the period of the pontificate of the departed Pope Shenouda III, the Church witnessed the martyrdom of mass groups and communities of Copts due to acts of terrorism, and the consecration of this ancient and modern pure land by the blood of the Martyrs of Egypt, which that embraced the blood of its First Missionary and Martyr, St. Mark the Apostle. Examples of Contemporary Martyrs: Alexandria – 23 Martyrs (New Year’s Eve 2011 AD), Maspero, Nag Hammadi – 6 Martyrs (Eve of the Feast of Nativity), El-Kosheh – 21 Martyrs (31 Dec 1999 AD & 1 Jan 2000 AD), Al-Fekreyah church in Abu Qurqas – 9 Martyrs (Feb 1997 AD), Al-Muharraq Monastery – 5 Martyrs (Mar 1994 AD), Imbaba – 7 Martyrs (May 2011 AD), Mokattam – 10 Martyrs (Mar 2011 AD), Omrania (Nov 2010 AD), Manshiyat Naser, Asyut – 11 Martyrs (May 1992 AD), El-Badary, Asyut – 8 Martyrs (Feb 1996 AD), Daoud Village in Nag Hamadi – 8 Martyrs (Mar 1997 AD), Noubareya – 7 Martyrs (4 May 1990 AD), and El-Zawya El-Hamraa (June 1981 AD).
In 1939 AD, he began to teach at the ecclesiastical schools of the Church of the Virgin in Mahmasha, Cairo, and St. Antony Church in Shikolany Shubra in 1946 AD as well. Within the same year of 1947 AD, he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from King Fuad I University (Cairo University) and graduated from the Egyptian Military Reserve Corps. He enrolled in the theological seminary in 1946 AD, and graduated in 1949 AD. That same year, he entered the field of education and dedicated himself to the service of teaching at the seminary.
He assumed the role of editor-in-chief of the Sunday School month magazine in Oct 1949 AD up until his monasticism in July 1954 AD. He was elected President of the Board of Directors of the Sunday School in 1952 AD and resigned after to devote himself to service at the seminary and taught at the monastic school in Helwan in 1953 AD. On 18 Jul 1954 AD, he was tonsured a monk at the Monastery of the Ever-Virgin Mary [Souryan Monastery] in Wadi el-Natrun by the name of Monk Antonios el-Souryani and was later appointed librarian of the Souryan Monastery.
In Feb 1956 AD, he took up the life of solitude, and on Sunday 31 Aug 1958 AD was ordained priest by Bishop Theophilus, the bishop of the monastery at the time. In June 1959 AD, Pope Cyril VI appointed him as his secretary, and on 30 Sept 1962 AD he was consecrated as General Bishop for Christian Education by the name of Bishop Shenouda. There in the region of the Monastery of St. Reweis in Abbasiya, he organized spiritual and educational meetings for preaching purposes. Additionally, his first issue of “Al-Keraza” magazine was published in Jan 1965 AD, and he became a member of the Journal Syndicate in 1966 AD.
After the departure of Pope Cyril [Kyrillos] VI on 9 Mar 1971 AD, he was nominated candidate for the papal throne and was among the three elected to be on 26 Oct 1971 AD. He was chosen through the Sacred Election by Lot on 31 Oct 1971 AD, and subsequently crowned and seated on the papal throne on Sunday 14 Nov 1971 AD.
He was elected president of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Feb 1991, and on 8 Nov 1994 AD as President of the Middle East Council of Churches, and his term was renewed twice: in 1998 AD and 2003 AD.
He made 104 pastoral and ecumenical visits outside of Egypt to many countries throughout the continents of Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and Australia. In 1998 AD, he consecrated Abune Phillipos as the first patriarch of Eritrea, and Abune Antonios as patriarch of Eritrea in 2004 AD. He also consecrated 117 metropolitans and bishops, and ordained 1001 priests for Cairo, Alexandria, and the lands of immigration. He prepared the Holy Myron [Holy Chrism] Oil seven times, and returned to Egypt the relics of St. Athanasius the Apostolic in 1973 AD.
During his era the following regulations were issued: The Holy Synod Regulation of 1985 AD and the Consecration (Women) Regulation of 1991 AD. On 25 May 1980 AD, he also founded the Youth Bishopric, and in 1976 AD the General Bishopric for African Affairs as well as the Bishopric for Evangelism in 1995 AD. He inaugurated the Institute of Pastoral Care in 1974 AD, as well as the Institute of Biblical Studies in 1974 AD. Moreover, the papal residence was established during his time near the Monastery of St. Reweis in Abbasiya. Likewise in his time, scientific and cultural centers and institutions were founded including: the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center (2008 AD), Pope Shenouda III Information Technology Centre (15 Nov 2000 AD), Saint Mark Foundation for Coptic Studies and Logos TV (2007 AD), and the Institute of Coptic Studies (2007 AD). Furthermore, the following satellite channels were launched during his pontificate: Aghapy TV 2005 AD), CTV (2010 AD), and St. Mark’s MeSat (2011 AD).
His Holiness established new dioceses throughout Egypt and the lands of immigration and visited the churches and monasteries of Egypt and abroad on several occasions. He was engaged in numerous ecumenical conventions, conferences, meetings, and ecumenical theological dialogue. Several patriotic positions were taken up by him such as his support for the Palestinian Cause, the Jerusalem Cause, and the homeland during the war of 6 Oct 1973 AD. Following the decisions made by President Anwar el-Sadat in Sept 1981 AD, he was still capable of bringing the Church to safety after the state’s withdrawal of its recognition of him as the Pope of Alexandria. He was placed under house arrest at the papal residence of the Monastery of St. Bishoy in Wadi el-Natrun, for a period of 40 months, until his return to the Papal See in January 1985 AD.
In 2011 AD, the Permanent Committee of the Holy Synod headed by H.H. issued a statement on 15 Feb 2011 confirming its support of the 25 Jan 2011 Revolution, and praised the role of the Egyptian army and Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, and for their issued statements.
He wrote about 150 books on numerous subjects such as spirituality, theology, doctrine, and other topics Many of them have been translated into multiple languages, besides his articles published in El-Keraza, Watani, Al-Ahram, Al-Gomhuria, Akhbar El-Yom, and Al-Hilal newspapers. Furthermore, he wrote approximately 20 poems in addition to other poetic verses and literature.
He departed on the evening of 8 Paremhat 1827 AM (17 Mar 2017 AD), and on 20 Mar 2012 AD, his body was buried at a designated burial place within the Monastery of St. Bishoy as he had requested in accordance with his will. He was seated on the Seat of St. Mark for 40 years, 4 month and 4 days. He is the seventh longest serving Pope of the See of St. Mark, and lived for 88 years, 7 months, and 14 days. His Holiness is also known for the patriotic positions he held. For instance, he is known by his famous phrase “Egypt is not a nation we live in, but a nation that lives in us.”
During the period of the pontificate of the departed Pope Shenouda III, the Church witnessed the martyrdom of mass groups and communities of Copts due to acts of terrorism, and the consecration of this ancient and modern pure land by the blood of the Martyrs of Egypt, which that embraced the blood of its First Missionary and Martyr, St. Mark the Apostle. Examples of Contemporary Martyrs: Alexandria – 23 Martyrs (New Year’s Eve 2011 AD), Maspero, Nag Hammadi – 6 Martyrs (Eve of the Feast of Nativity), El-Kosheh – 21 Martyrs (31 Dec 1999 AD & 1 Jan 2000 AD), Al-Fekreyah church in Abu Qurqas – 9 Martyrs (Feb 1997 AD), Al-Muharraq Monastery – 5 Martyrs (Mar 1994 AD), Imbaba – 7 Martyrs (May 2011 AD), Mokattam – 10 Martyrs (Mar 2011 AD), Omrania (Nov 2010 AD), Manshiyat Naser, Asyut – 11 Martyrs (May 1992 AD), El-Badary, Asyut – 8 Martyrs (Feb 1996 AD), Daoud Village in Nag Hamadi – 8 Martyrs (Mar 1997 AD), Noubareya – 7 Martyrs (4 May 1990 AD), and El-Zawya El-Hamraa (June 1981 AD).
1971
Pope Tawadros II, the 118th Patriarch:
On 4 Nov 1952 AD, Pope Tawadros II was born in Mansoura by the birth name of Wagih Sobhy Baky. He lived in the city of Mansoura until the age of five when he then moved with his father to Sohag and there he completed his first three years of primary school. In 1961 AD he moved with his family to Damanhur where he completed his primary education and afterwards his secondary education in 1970 AD. He enrolled at the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Alexandria and earned his Bachelor of Pharmacy in June 1975 AD.
In Sept 1975 AD he was appointed as the Service Coordinator of the Church of Archangel Michael in Damanhour, and on 27 Sept 1975 AD ordained a deacon. During the period of 1978-1979 AD, he received an in-house scholarship from the University of Alexandria where he pursued a postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Pharmacy. He was awarded with the Dr. Mohammed Mutawa Award – annually given to the top student within the field. This was followed by his employment at a pharmaceutical factory located in Damanhur and an affiliate of the Ministry of Health in Alexandria. He remained there until his promotion as manager. In 1985 AD he earned a fellowship with the World Health Organization (WHO) from Oxford, England; in the field of quality control in the pharmaceutical industry.
In 1981 AD he enrolled at the seminary in Alexandria, and graduated in 1983 AD. After he spent 10 years, 10 months, and 10 days of work; on 20 Aug 1986 AD during the fast of the Virgin Mary, he resigned and left for St. Bishoy Monastery in Wadi el-Natrun to pursue monasticism. On 2 Apr 1987 AD he wore the clothing of a novice, and on 31 Jul 1988 AD was tonsured a monk by the departed H.H. Pope Shenouda III and given the name Monk Theodore St. Bishoy. His service and responsibilities at the monastery multiplied, and they consisted of receiving visitors and trips, his work at the guesthouse, in addition to his involvement at the monastery’s pharmacy.
On 23 Dec 1989 AD, he was ordained a priest by H.H. Pope Shenouda III at the papal residence church of St. Bishoy Monastery, and on 15 Feb 1990 AD he left to serve at the diocese of Beheira and Matrouh, as a monk, priest and servant for the youth and church education. On 15 Jun 1997 AD during the Feast of Pentecost, he was consecrated by H.H. Pope Shenouda III as General Bishop and given the name [Bishop] Tawadros; for service in the diocese of Beheira, Matrouh and the Five Western Cities. The name Tawadros is a Coptic name of Greek origin meaning “Gift of God.”
He was entrusted by H.E. Bishop Pakhomious with service at the desert and coastal regions of the diocese, and his residence was in King Mariout. In 1999 AD he completed his studies in administration and Christian education in Singapore and in Nov 2001 AD the Karma King Mariout Center was inaugurated to become a sub-headquarter of the Metropolis of Beheira for service in the desert and coastal regions. He taught the subject of New Testament at the theological college in Damanhur as well as the Institute of Biblical Studies and Institute of Coptic Hymns and Language – both also in Damanhour. In 2005 AD he became Rapporteur of the Committee of Service of Children of the Holy Synod, which organized conventions for children, provided a forum for creative children and published books for the children’s service. The committee focused on creative children as well as children with disabilities, and he participated through his contribution of written articles titled “Trilogy” for the Aghsan Magazine published by the Bishopric of Youth, for the service of children under 20 years of age, and some of them were published in pamphlets as well.
After the departure of the Thrice-Blessed Pope Shenouda III on 17 Mar 2017 AD, he received the patriarchal recommendation from six bishops, and was among the three chosen during the papal election of Sunday 4 Nov 2012 AD. On 4 No Nov 2012 AD, he was chosen during the Sacred Election by Lot, and that day which coincided with his 60th birthday. On 7 Nov 2012 AD, the Presidential Decree No. 355 of 2012 was issued which recognized his appointment as Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, and on Sunday 10 Nov 2012 AD, he was clothed with the Holy Eskeem at the cathedral of St. Bishoy Monastery. Finally, on Sunday 18 Nov 2012 AD, he was installed and enthroned as patriarch at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Abbasiya.
The first decision taken by him after his election was his assignment of the committee responsible for the nomination process of the papal see, with the amendment of the regulation and selection of patriarchs which was issued in 1957 AD. Indeed this was amended following the approval of the Holy Synod in 2014 AD, which also led to the issuance of regulations within the area of ecclesiastical administrative work, and among them were: the Priests Regulation of 2013 AD, Church Councils Regulation of 2013 AD, Monasticism Guide of 2013 AD, Bishop Guide of 2013 AD, Service Organization Guide of 2014 AD, Theological Sciences and Coptic Studies Academy Regulation of 2014 AD, Chanters Regulation of 2016 AD, Celibate Consecration Regulation (Men) of 2016 AD, and the Civil Status Regulation of 2016 AD. Also, in coordination between the Church and State Officials a law was passed for the regulation of the construction of churches in 2016 AD.
Until March 2021 H.H. consecrated 53 bishops, enthroned 21 general bishops over their respective dioceses and elevated seven metropolitans. Moreover, he divided Cairo and Alexandria into two pastoral-service districts and appointed bishops to serve there. Likewise, the number of active Coptic monasteries and convents have reached 55 monasteries (30 monasteries in Egypt and 11 abroad; and 10 convents in Egypt and four abroad).
H.H. established new dioceses for the Coptic Church in Egypt and the diaspora and made more than 30 pastoral visits outside Egypt to outreach his children in the diaspora (until Mar. 2021 AD). He also consecrated dozens of churches in Egypt and the diaspora, and on three different occasions prepared the Holy Myron Oil: in April 2014 AD, April 2017 AD and March 2021 AD.
The Copts participated with all groups of the Egyptian people during the Revolution of 30 Jun 2013 AD, with the participation of H.H. the Pope through his patriotic address before the National Forces Meeting on 3 July 2013 AD to announce the map of the future.
During the pontificate period of H.H. Pope Tawadros II (may God prolong his life) the Church witnessed the martyrdom of mass groups and communities of Copts due to acts of terrorism, and the blood of the Martyrs of Egypt which consecrated its ancient and modern pure land that embraced the blood of its First Missionary and Martyr: St. Mark the Apostle. The Holy Synod of the Coptic Church dedicated 15 Feb as a day for the commemoration of the Martyrs of Libya (9 Meshir) – the annual commemoration of the contemporary martyrs. Examples of contemporary martyrs: Libya (21 martyrs) on 15 February 2015 AD, Martyrs of the Route to St. Samuel Monastery [First Time] (28 martyrs) on 26 May 2017 AD, Martyrs of the Route to St. Samuel Monastery [Second Time] (7 martyrs) on 2 November 2018 AD, Palm Sunday Martyrs on 9 Apr 2017 AD (30 in Tanta and 17 martyrs in Alexandria), Martyrs of Helwan on December 2017 AD, Martyrs of the Petrine Church (29 martyrs) on 11 Dec 2016 AD, the Church of the Virgin in Warraq (4 martyrs) in Oct 2013 AD, and Al-Khosous (6 martyrs) in Apr 2013 AD. Not to mention other martyrs recorded in the books, “Panorama of Contemporary Martyrs (2018 AD),” and “The Nectar of Martyrdom (2013 AD).”
Since the enthronement of H.H. in Nov 2012 AD and until Mar 2021 AD, and H.H. undertook numerous activities and achievements including the founding and establishment of the Coptic Media Center (2013 AD), Egyptian Council of Churches (2013 AD), Papal Logos Center (2015 AD), Central Papal Library (2019 AD), the inauguration of the Nativity of Christ Cathedral (2019 AD), Golden Jubilee of the Inauguration of St. Mark’s Cathedral in Abbasiya and the completion of its development, supply of icons and consecration (2018 AD), Golden Jubilee of the Appearance of the Virgin in her Church in Zeitoun (2018 AD), Sunday School Centennial (2018 AD), opening of Koogi Channel – first Christian channel for children (2015 AD), Papal Office for Projects (2013 AD), Office of Secretariat of H.H. for Social Welfare (2013 AD), Families of Martyrs and Injured Ones Welfare Office (2017 AD), Synodal Committee for Crisis Management (2013 AD), Education Missions Committee (2014 AD), Papal Committee for Postgraduate Studies (2020 AD), Coptic Institute of Church Management and Development (2015 AD), development of the Institute of Coptic Studies (2020 AD), composition of six departments for the Clerical and Civil Status Council (2015 AD), Assistant Technical Office for the Administrative Affairs of the Patriarchate (2020 AD), Media Authority of the Coptic Church (2020 AD), "World Youth Week" Forum for the Youth of the Coptic Church "WYW" (2018 AD), COC Channel (2020 AD), Coptic History Committee (2021 AD), Official Website of the Coptic Church (2021 AD), and many others.
He wrote more than 30 books including “The Pulpit of the Coptic Orthodox Church,” “Lesson from a Sermon,” “Key to the New Testament,” “The Biblical Arts,” “Monastic Articles and Sermons,” “The Curriculum of Love in the Spiritual Life.” Moreover, the following were published under the patronage and supervision of H.H.: “The History of Sunday School in 100 Years (2018 AD), “The Future Vision of Sunday Schools (2018 AD),” “Coptic Orthodox Monasteries in Egypt and Abroad – Monks and Nuns (2020 AD),” and “The Experience of the Coptic Church during the Covid-19 Pandemic (2021 AD).”
In the beginning of the spread of Covid-19 throughout Egypt in late February and early March 2020 AD; the Permanent Committee of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Church headed by H.H. Pope Tawadros II, met on 21 Mar 2020 AD to discuss the developments amid the spread of the novel Coronavirus (Covid-19). Due to its ecclesiastical and national responsibilities it has decided to close all churches and suspend liturgical services and activities. This closure lasted for several months, and the pandemic period witnessed the departure of several members of the clergy, priests, deacons, and servants having contracted the virus. The partial and gradual opening of churches began on 30 Aug 2020 AD, with the application of precautionary measures as well as the authorization of the discretion of our fathers, the metropolitans, and bishops of the dioceses, to apply the necessary precautions in consideration of the circumstances of each diocese accordingly.
In Sept 1975 AD he was appointed as the Service Coordinator of the Church of Archangel Michael in Damanhour, and on 27 Sept 1975 AD ordained a deacon. During the period of 1978-1979 AD, he received an in-house scholarship from the University of Alexandria where he pursued a postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Pharmacy. He was awarded with the Dr. Mohammed Mutawa Award – annually given to the top student within the field. This was followed by his employment at a pharmaceutical factory located in Damanhur and an affiliate of the Ministry of Health in Alexandria. He remained there until his promotion as manager. In 1985 AD he earned a fellowship with the World Health Organization (WHO) from Oxford, England; in the field of quality control in the pharmaceutical industry.
In 1981 AD he enrolled at the seminary in Alexandria, and graduated in 1983 AD. After he spent 10 years, 10 months, and 10 days of work; on 20 Aug 1986 AD during the fast of the Virgin Mary, he resigned and left for St. Bishoy Monastery in Wadi el-Natrun to pursue monasticism. On 2 Apr 1987 AD he wore the clothing of a novice, and on 31 Jul 1988 AD was tonsured a monk by the departed H.H. Pope Shenouda III and given the name Monk Theodore St. Bishoy. His service and responsibilities at the monastery multiplied, and they consisted of receiving visitors and trips, his work at the guesthouse, in addition to his involvement at the monastery’s pharmacy.
On 23 Dec 1989 AD, he was ordained a priest by H.H. Pope Shenouda III at the papal residence church of St. Bishoy Monastery, and on 15 Feb 1990 AD he left to serve at the diocese of Beheira and Matrouh, as a monk, priest and servant for the youth and church education. On 15 Jun 1997 AD during the Feast of Pentecost, he was consecrated by H.H. Pope Shenouda III as General Bishop and given the name [Bishop] Tawadros; for service in the diocese of Beheira, Matrouh and the Five Western Cities. The name Tawadros is a Coptic name of Greek origin meaning “Gift of God.”
He was entrusted by H.E. Bishop Pakhomious with service at the desert and coastal regions of the diocese, and his residence was in King Mariout. In 1999 AD he completed his studies in administration and Christian education in Singapore and in Nov 2001 AD the Karma King Mariout Center was inaugurated to become a sub-headquarter of the Metropolis of Beheira for service in the desert and coastal regions. He taught the subject of New Testament at the theological college in Damanhur as well as the Institute of Biblical Studies and Institute of Coptic Hymns and Language – both also in Damanhour. In 2005 AD he became Rapporteur of the Committee of Service of Children of the Holy Synod, which organized conventions for children, provided a forum for creative children and published books for the children’s service. The committee focused on creative children as well as children with disabilities, and he participated through his contribution of written articles titled “Trilogy” for the Aghsan Magazine published by the Bishopric of Youth, for the service of children under 20 years of age, and some of them were published in pamphlets as well.
After the departure of the Thrice-Blessed Pope Shenouda III on 17 Mar 2017 AD, he received the patriarchal recommendation from six bishops, and was among the three chosen during the papal election of Sunday 4 Nov 2012 AD. On 4 No Nov 2012 AD, he was chosen during the Sacred Election by Lot, and that day which coincided with his 60th birthday. On 7 Nov 2012 AD, the Presidential Decree No. 355 of 2012 was issued which recognized his appointment as Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, and on Sunday 10 Nov 2012 AD, he was clothed with the Holy Eskeem at the cathedral of St. Bishoy Monastery. Finally, on Sunday 18 Nov 2012 AD, he was installed and enthroned as patriarch at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Abbasiya.
The first decision taken by him after his election was his assignment of the committee responsible for the nomination process of the papal see, with the amendment of the regulation and selection of patriarchs which was issued in 1957 AD. Indeed this was amended following the approval of the Holy Synod in 2014 AD, which also led to the issuance of regulations within the area of ecclesiastical administrative work, and among them were: the Priests Regulation of 2013 AD, Church Councils Regulation of 2013 AD, Monasticism Guide of 2013 AD, Bishop Guide of 2013 AD, Service Organization Guide of 2014 AD, Theological Sciences and Coptic Studies Academy Regulation of 2014 AD, Chanters Regulation of 2016 AD, Celibate Consecration Regulation (Men) of 2016 AD, and the Civil Status Regulation of 2016 AD. Also, in coordination between the Church and State Officials a law was passed for the regulation of the construction of churches in 2016 AD.
Until March 2021 H.H. consecrated 53 bishops, enthroned 21 general bishops over their respective dioceses and elevated seven metropolitans. Moreover, he divided Cairo and Alexandria into two pastoral-service districts and appointed bishops to serve there. Likewise, the number of active Coptic monasteries and convents have reached 55 monasteries (30 monasteries in Egypt and 11 abroad; and 10 convents in Egypt and four abroad).
H.H. established new dioceses for the Coptic Church in Egypt and the diaspora and made more than 30 pastoral visits outside Egypt to outreach his children in the diaspora (until Mar. 2021 AD). He also consecrated dozens of churches in Egypt and the diaspora, and on three different occasions prepared the Holy Myron Oil: in April 2014 AD, April 2017 AD and March 2021 AD.
The Copts participated with all groups of the Egyptian people during the Revolution of 30 Jun 2013 AD, with the participation of H.H. the Pope through his patriotic address before the National Forces Meeting on 3 July 2013 AD to announce the map of the future.
During the pontificate period of H.H. Pope Tawadros II (may God prolong his life) the Church witnessed the martyrdom of mass groups and communities of Copts due to acts of terrorism, and the blood of the Martyrs of Egypt which consecrated its ancient and modern pure land that embraced the blood of its First Missionary and Martyr: St. Mark the Apostle. The Holy Synod of the Coptic Church dedicated 15 Feb as a day for the commemoration of the Martyrs of Libya (9 Meshir) – the annual commemoration of the contemporary martyrs. Examples of contemporary martyrs: Libya (21 martyrs) on 15 February 2015 AD, Martyrs of the Route to St. Samuel Monastery [First Time] (28 martyrs) on 26 May 2017 AD, Martyrs of the Route to St. Samuel Monastery [Second Time] (7 martyrs) on 2 November 2018 AD, Palm Sunday Martyrs on 9 Apr 2017 AD (30 in Tanta and 17 martyrs in Alexandria), Martyrs of Helwan on December 2017 AD, Martyrs of the Petrine Church (29 martyrs) on 11 Dec 2016 AD, the Church of the Virgin in Warraq (4 martyrs) in Oct 2013 AD, and Al-Khosous (6 martyrs) in Apr 2013 AD. Not to mention other martyrs recorded in the books, “Panorama of Contemporary Martyrs (2018 AD),” and “The Nectar of Martyrdom (2013 AD).”
Since the enthronement of H.H. in Nov 2012 AD and until Mar 2021 AD, and H.H. undertook numerous activities and achievements including the founding and establishment of the Coptic Media Center (2013 AD), Egyptian Council of Churches (2013 AD), Papal Logos Center (2015 AD), Central Papal Library (2019 AD), the inauguration of the Nativity of Christ Cathedral (2019 AD), Golden Jubilee of the Inauguration of St. Mark’s Cathedral in Abbasiya and the completion of its development, supply of icons and consecration (2018 AD), Golden Jubilee of the Appearance of the Virgin in her Church in Zeitoun (2018 AD), Sunday School Centennial (2018 AD), opening of Koogi Channel – first Christian channel for children (2015 AD), Papal Office for Projects (2013 AD), Office of Secretariat of H.H. for Social Welfare (2013 AD), Families of Martyrs and Injured Ones Welfare Office (2017 AD), Synodal Committee for Crisis Management (2013 AD), Education Missions Committee (2014 AD), Papal Committee for Postgraduate Studies (2020 AD), Coptic Institute of Church Management and Development (2015 AD), development of the Institute of Coptic Studies (2020 AD), composition of six departments for the Clerical and Civil Status Council (2015 AD), Assistant Technical Office for the Administrative Affairs of the Patriarchate (2020 AD), Media Authority of the Coptic Church (2020 AD), "World Youth Week" Forum for the Youth of the Coptic Church "WYW" (2018 AD), COC Channel (2020 AD), Coptic History Committee (2021 AD), Official Website of the Coptic Church (2021 AD), and many others.
He wrote more than 30 books including “The Pulpit of the Coptic Orthodox Church,” “Lesson from a Sermon,” “Key to the New Testament,” “The Biblical Arts,” “Monastic Articles and Sermons,” “The Curriculum of Love in the Spiritual Life.” Moreover, the following were published under the patronage and supervision of H.H.: “The History of Sunday School in 100 Years (2018 AD), “The Future Vision of Sunday Schools (2018 AD),” “Coptic Orthodox Monasteries in Egypt and Abroad – Monks and Nuns (2020 AD),” and “The Experience of the Coptic Church during the Covid-19 Pandemic (2021 AD).”
In the beginning of the spread of Covid-19 throughout Egypt in late February and early March 2020 AD; the Permanent Committee of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Church headed by H.H. Pope Tawadros II, met on 21 Mar 2020 AD to discuss the developments amid the spread of the novel Coronavirus (Covid-19). Due to its ecclesiastical and national responsibilities it has decided to close all churches and suspend liturgical services and activities. This closure lasted for several months, and the pandemic period witnessed the departure of several members of the clergy, priests, deacons, and servants having contracted the virus. The partial and gradual opening of churches began on 30 Aug 2020 AD, with the application of precautionary measures as well as the authorization of the discretion of our fathers, the metropolitans, and bishops of the dioceses, to apply the necessary precautions in consideration of the circumstances of each diocese accordingly.
2012
