Metropolitan Pakhomius the Elder of Coptic Orthodox Church, Enters Eternal Rest

OCP News Service – 30/03/2025

Cairo – Egypt: The Coptic Orthodox Church has announced with deep sorrow the passing of His Eminence Metropolitan Pakhomious, Archbishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Patriarchal Vicar, Metropolitan of Beheira, Matrouh, and the Western Pentapolis, and Abbot of the Monastery of Saint Macarius of Alexandria in Mount Qalaali. The venerable father entered eternal rest after a lifetime dedicated to the service of the Church and the nation.

Metropolitan Pakhomious played a pivotal role in the Coptic Orthodox Church’s history, assuming the responsibility of Acting Patriarch from March 22 to November 18, 2012, during a critical transitional period. His leadership was marked by wisdom, stability, and spiritual depth, earning the admiration of clergy and laity alike. Throughout his life, he nurtured generations of servants, priests, monks, and bishops, among them His Holiness Pope Tawadros II. His legacy as a spiritual guide and faithful shepherd remains deeply cherished by the Church.

He embraced monastic life at the Syrian Monastery in Wadi El Natrun on November 11, 1962, taking the name Monk Antonios the Syrian. On December 12, 1971, he was ordained a bishop alongside the late Anba Youannis, former Bishop of Gharbia, as the first bishops consecrated by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III. Elevated to the rank of metropolitan on September 2, 1990, he went on to serve the Church with unwavering dedication.

Metropolitan Pakhomious played a pivotal role in the Coptic Orthodox Church’s history, assuming the responsibility of Acting Patriarch from March 22 to November 18, 2012, during a critical transitional period. His leadership was marked by wisdom, stability, and spiritual depth, earning the admiration of clergy and laity alike.

Funeral Arrangements

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, together with metropolitans and bishops, will lead the funeral prayers for His Eminence Metropolitan Pakhomious today (Sunday) at 3:00 pm in St. Mark’s Cathedral, Abbassia. Following the prayers, the body will be transported to Damanhour, where it will be placed in St. Mark the Apostle’s Church (Diocesan Headquarters), allowing the faithful to pay their last respects from 8:00 pm until midnight.

On Monday, the Divine Liturgy will be prayed from 6:00 am to 9:00 am, followed by the funeral service at 10:00 am. The burial rites will take place at 2:00 pm at St. Macarius of Alexandria’s Monastery in Mount Al-Qalali.

Source:

OCP News Service