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H.H. Pope Shenouda III
Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the Apostolic See of St.
Mark
His Holiness Pope Shenouda is a
prominent figure of the Coptic Church. The accomplishments and fruits of his
patriarchate has brought the Coptic Church into a new level of contemporary
spirituality. Many Christians have considered the Copts the "lost"
minority of Egypt. Through the work of Pope Shenouda, God has given this lost
minority great grace.
Since his childhood,Nazir Gayed
led a simple life of prayer and spirituality. In 1947, Nazir graduated from the
University of Cairo and began his Sunday School service. He then graduated from
Anba Reweis Theological College in 1949 and joined the teaching staff in 1950.
In 1954, through his love for monasticism, Nazir entered the Monastery of the
Virgin, Dayr El-Sourian as Fr. Antonious El-Souriany.
Fr. Antonios was chosen as Pope
Cyril VI's private secretary. In 1962, Fr. Antonios was ordained Bishop
Shenouda, Bishop of Religious Education. It was during this time that his
writings and knowledge of the Bible showed its fruit. El-Keraza Arabic magazine
was founded in 1965.
On October 31, 1971, Bishop
Shenouda was chosen as the successor of Pope Cyril VI by altar ballot. On
November 14, he was enthroned as Pope of Alexandria and the 117th Patriarch of
the See of Saint Mark. May God keep our patriarch for many years.
How The Coptic Church has grown
so much under Pope Shenouda:
•The first Meeting of the Holy
Coptic Synod in 1974 had about 20 bishops. Pope Shenouda has responded to the
needs of the growing Coptic Church. Today, there are 75 bishops in the Holy
Coptic Synod.
•In the 1970's there were three
churches in North America. Under the papacy of Pope Shenouda, hundreds of
churches have been established in North America, Australia, Europe and the rest
of the world.
•Pope Shenouda has established
theological colleges in Los Angeles, New Jersey, Australia and several within
Egypt. He has personally given lectures at these colleges.
•Pope Shenouda has established
the first Coptic school outside of Egypt in Victoria, Australia.
•Because of his love for
monasticism, Pope Shenouda has revived the monastic movement of Egypt. He has
consecrated hundreds of monks, rebuilt old monasteries and established new
monasteries.
•Since 1965, Pope Shenouda has
been Editor-in-Chief for El-Keraza magazine. He is also Editor-in-Chief for the
English El-Keraza magazine where he writes exclusive articles in every issue.
•Pope Shenouda has written over
70 books in Arabic which have been translated in English, French, German and
Italian.
•Pope Shenouda has received
several honorary degrees from major universities around the world.
•He has initiated and
encouraged official and unofficial dialogues with the Eastern Orthodox,
Catholic, Anglican and Evangelical Churches.
•He has been elected as one of
the presidents of the World Council of Churches.
•Because of his fatherly love,
Pope Shenouda conducts a weekly Wednesday sermon where thousands of people
attend.
•Pope Shenouda is the only
Coptic patriarch who has made the Myron oil three times. The Myron oil, is the
holy oil used to consecrate altars, churches and icons. It is also used for the
Sacrament of Baptism. In the whole history of the Coptic church, the Myron oil
has been made 20 times.
His holiness has not stopped
working. As a result, God has blessed the Coptic Church. May God preserve the
life of our holy father.
H. H. Pope Shenouda III Official site
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