Metropolitan of Behira, Matrouh, Pentapolis & Five Western Cities and Abbot of St. Macarius The Alexander Monastery, Behira
His Eminence Metropolitan Pakhomious reposed in the Lord at an old age, having lived a life full of days. He passed away after a lifetime of service to the Church and nation. He was nearly 90 years old and served the Church for more than 70 years—as a servant, consecrated deacon, monk, bishop, and metropolitan—of which approximately 54 years were in the episcopal service.
The late revered father was born on December 17, 1935. He became a monk at El-Sourian Monastery in Wadi El-Natroun under the name Father Antonios El-Souriany on November 11, 1962. He was ordained as a bishop on December 12, 1971, alongside the late Metropolitan Yoannis, the former Metropolitan of Gharbia. They were the first bishops ordained by the late H.H. Pope Shenouda III, less than a month after his enthronement on the See of St. Mark. He was later elevated to the rank of Metropolitan on September 2, 1990.
For eight months (from March 22 to November 18, 2012), he was entrusted with leading the Coptic Orthodox Church as Acting Patriarch after being chosen to oversee the Church during the transition period. His leadership during this time was marked by wisdom and competence, earning the admiration of many both in Egypt and abroad.
Under his guidance, generations of servants were raised, many of whom became priests, monks, and bishops—most notably, H.H. Pope Tawadros II, may God grant him long life.
العربية
