Шеноуда III: копт православие басшысының өмірі мен қызметі

Head of the Coptic Church from 1971 to 2012

Pope Shenouda III (; Papa Abba Šenoude pimah šoumt ; بابا الإسكندرية شنودة الثالث ALA; 3 August 1923 – 17 March 2012) was the 117th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark. His papacy lasted 40 years, 4 months, and 4 days, from 14 November 1971 until his death. His official title was Pope of Alexandria and the Patriarch of All Africa on the Holy Apostolic Throne of Saint Mark the Evangelist, Father of fathers, Shepherd of shepherds, Successor of Saint Mark, thirteenth among the Apostles, Ecumenical Judge, Beloved of Christ. He was also the head of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church. He was known as a conservative figure within the church, and was respected within the Muslim community. In 1943, Roufail enrolled in Cairo University (then called the University of King Fouad I) studying towards a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in English and history. Meanwhile, he spent his summer vacations at the monastery of Saint Mary El Sourian, also called the Syrian Monastery, in Wadi El Natrun. While a university student, he was a trainee in the Egyptian Military Reserve Corps. In 1946, while still in his final year of undergraduate studies, he was allowed to enroll in the evening classes at the Coptic Theological Seminary. The seminary was usually open only to university graduates, but the dean of the Seminary, Archdeacon Habib Girgis, made an exception in the case of Roufail. The personality of Habib Girgis was instrumental in shaping that of the future pope, and Pope Shenouda always spoke highly of Habib Girgis. Roufail graduated from Cairo University with a BA in History in 1947. After graduation, he completed his military service, and began work as a teacher of English, history, and social sciences in a high school in Cairo. Meanwhile, he attended graduate courses in archaeology and classics at Cairo University, specializing in the History of Ancient Egypt and Islamic Egypt. He worked as a high school teacher by day, and attended classes at the Coptic Theological Seminary by night. Upon graduation from the seminary in 1949, he was appointed to teach New Testament and Old Testament Studies at the Seminary In the same year, he became the editor in chief of the Sunday School Monthly Magazine. In 1950, Roufail resigned from secular employment to take up a full time lecturing position at the seminary. In 1952 he was elected member of the Egyptian Journal Syndicate. In 1953, he was appointed a lecturer at the Monastic College in Helwan, offering courses in theology there. In the same year, he began his dialogue with Jehovah's Witnesses, writing articles about their beliefs in the Sunday School Magazine. Nazir with others laboured for several years to establish a strong Sunday school and youth group at St Anthony's Church in Shubra. His ministry produced many devoted servants, who began establishing youth groups in neighbouring parishes. An avid reader, he was a keen student of languages. He spoke fluent Arabic (Standard, Egyptian and Sa'idi variants), English, French, and Amharic. He could read Greek (ancient and modern) and Latin as well.

On 18 July 1954, Roufail joined the Monastery of Saint Mary El Souriani (commonly called the Syrian Monastery) in Wadi El Natrun in the Nitrian Desert. He was given the name of Father Antonios el Syriani (Anthony the Syrian). From 1956 to 1962, he lived as a hermit in a cave about seven miles from the monastery, dedicating his time to meditation, prayer, and asceticism. His austerity was known to be exceptional even by monastic standards. On 31 August 1958, he was ordained as a priest by Bishop Theophilus, then abbot of the Syrian Monastery. Antonios el Syriani was among the candidates nominated for the papal throne in 1959, but Father Mina el Baramosy became Pope Cyril VI.

On 30 September 1962, Pope Cyril VI appointed him to the bishopric of Christian Education and as Dean of the Coptic Orthodox Theological Seminary. Cyril VI also renamed him Shenouda, in honour of Saint Shenouda the Archimandrite, a famous scholar and writer of the Coptic language. Under Bishop Shenouda's leadership, the number of students at the Coptic Orthodox Theological Seminary tripled. essentially because of "campaigns for change" instigated by Shenouda and his students. These campaigns, among other things, called for the popular election of bishops and priests, a principle that Bishop Shenouda later applied when he became Pope of Alexandria. This conflict between Pope Cyril VI and Bishop Shenouda was later resolved.

He was enthroned as Pope Shenouda III, the 117th Pope of Alexandria and patriarch of the See of St. Mark on 14 November 1971, nearly nine months after the death of Pope Cyril VI of Alexandria. The ceremony was the first enthroning of a Coptic pope to take place in the new Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Cairo. He was the third Alexandrian Patriarch to take the name Shenouda; his namesakes were Shenouda I (859–880) and Shenouda II (1047–1077). Less than one year after becoming Pope of the Church of Alexandria, in October 1972, Pope Shenouda visited the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople and the Pope of Rome, becoming the first Alexandrian Pope to do so since the Chalcedonian Schism in 451 CE. In May 1973, he penned a statement on the Nature of Christ that was agreed upon with the Roman Catholic Church in a step towards settling the Christological dispute and moving towards Christian unity. On 10 May 1973, he celebrated the return by the Roman Catholic Church of part of the relics of Pope Athanasius of Alexandria. From 25 to 30 September 1974, he went on a pastoral trip to visit the Ethiopian Church during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia. Between 14 April and 23 May 1974, he became the first Coptic pope to visit North America when he visited the US and Canada. It was to become the first of many visits to that part of the world during his long Papacy. He also visited Australia six times: in 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, and 2002. He conducted an extended Silver Jubilee tour from 18 May to 20 December 1996 which took him to Europe, Canada, USA and Australia. From 11 to 13 April 2008, he made a second historical trip to Ethiopia following the resolution of the strain in the relationship between the two churches caused by the communist coup in Ethiopia decades earlier.

Ten years into his papacy, in 1981, Pope Shenouda III had famously fallen out with President Anwar Sadat of Egypt. The relationship between the two men deteriorated for several reasons. Since coming to power, President Sadat had started encouraging the growth of Islamism in the country as a means to fight communist groups and solidify his own power. During the term of office of Sadat's predecessor, Gamal Abdul Nasser, Islamic groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood had been suppressed. Sadat had also pushed forward a constitutional amendment that would have allowed him to stand for re election as president more than twice. To make the constitutional amendment more appealing to the populace, Sadat bundled it with another constitutional amendment declaring Islamic Sharia law the main source of legislation, an action viewed as a step towards a more radically Islamic Egypt. Under Sadat, the Government released a census in 1977 that understated the number of Christians even contradicting earlier released censuses. The years from 1972 to 1981 saw an escalation of violence against the Christians of Egypt culminating in a massacre of Christians in a poor district of Cairo in 1981. Pope Shenouda was of the opinion that Sadat's peace treaty with Israel was ill timed and should have been part of a larger comprehensive peace in the Middle East. Sadat was seen by Pope Shenouda as becoming increasingly dictatorial following his acclaim in the international arena for the peace accord with Israel. In September 1981 Sadat rescinded the presidential decree of 1971 recognizing Pope Shenouda as Pope of Alexandria, and Pope Shenouda was banished by Sadat to an ancient desert monastery. However, the Christians of Egypt continued to view Pope Shenouda as their Pope and only leader, and he continued to conduct his duties from his desert monastery: ecclesiastically, Sadat's decision was ineffective. Sadat was assassinated a month later, on 6 October 1981, by Islamic extremists, and in January 1985 Pope Shenouda III was fully reinstated by Sadat's successor, Hosni Mubarak.

Pope Shenouda III was well known for his commitment to ecumenism. In 1973, Pope Shenouda III became the first Coptic Orthodox Pope of Alexandria to meet the Bishop of Rome in over 1500 years. In this visit, Pope Shenouda III and Pope Paul VI signed a common declaration on the issue of Christology and agreed to further discussions on Christianity. There were also dialogues with various Protestant churches worldwide. In an address he gave at an ecumenical forum during the International Week of Prayer in 1974, he declared, "The whole Christian world is anxious to see the church unite. Christian people, being fed up with divisions, are pushing their church leaders to do something about church unity and I am sure that the Holy Spirit is inspiring us."

Following the arrest and imprisonment of Abune Tewophilos, Patriarch of Ethiopia, by the Derg regime that had deposed Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974, Pope Shenouda III refused to recognise Abune Takla Haymanot, who was installed as Tewophilos' successor. He, along with the Holy Synod, argued that the removal of Patriarch Abune Tewophilos was illegal and contrary to canon law, as it was an act of political interference. In the eyes of the Coptic Church, Abune Tewophilos remained the legitimate patriarch of Ethiopia. Though Patriarch Tewophilos was said to have been executed, the government of Ethiopia did not acknowledge that this had happened. Thus, the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria refused to recognise any other Patriarch as long as Abune Tewophilos' death had not been confirmed. Formal ties between the Coptic Church and Ethiopia were then severed, although they remained in full communion. Formal relations between the two churches resumed on 13 July 2007.

Pope Shenouda III was involved in theological disagreements concerning the issue of theosis—the transforming effect of divine grace. He published eight booklets explaining his view of theosis and lectured on the issue in the theological seminary of Cairo and also in the seminary of Alexandria. Following the death of Father Matta El Meskeen, who held an opposing view, Pope Shenouda III issued warnings against those views. In addition to his dispute with Fr. Matta El Meskeen, Shenouda got into theological disputes with Hany Mina Mikhail, George Habib Bebawi—whom he infamously excommunicated—and Henein Abd El Messih.

In the months prior to Pope Shenouda's death, rumours, which were denied by the Holy Synod, had spread through Cairo's Coptic community that he had fallen into a coma. He regularly flew to the United States for medical treatment and, according to his doctor he "[suffered] from kidney disease and diabetes." Pope Shenouda III died on 17 March 2012 (8 Paremhat 1728 in the Coptic calendar) of lung and liver complications at his official residence shortly after returning from medical treatment abroad. The funeral took place after three days of lying in state; in Wadi el Natrun, in accordance with his wishes. Metropolitan Pachomious of Beheira and Pentapolis was appointed to take over papal duties until the election of a new Pope, being the second most senior Metropolitan in the Holy Synod in age after Anba Mikhail. Due to his failing health and age, Mikhail delegated this duty to Metropolitan Pachomios during the first meeting of the Holy Synod after Shenouda's death. were said to have visited his body at St. Mark's Cathedral, causing traffic jams stretching for kilometres. Bells tolled in Cairo's Abbasiya district, where the primary cathedral of the Coptic Church is located. So large was the crowd of mourners gathering in Cathedral Square to pay their respects that three were killed and 137 injured in a crush as the queue to view the body of the deceased pope stretched for more than one kilometer. Viewing was cut short after the tragedy, and the cathedral was closed to the public. Its leader, Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, decreed three days of mourning for Christians working for state institutions. Sheikh Ahmed el Tayeb, the grand imam of al Azhar University, said that "Egypt has lost one of its rare men at a sensitive moment when it most needs the wisest of its wise – their expertise and their purity of minds;" he also added that he "greatly remembers his vision towards Jerusalem and its history."

Holy See – In a message of condolence to Copts, the Roman Catholic Pope Benedict XVI said: "I recall with gratitude his commitment to Christian Unity, his memorable visit to my predecessor Pope Paul VI, and their signing of the Joint Declaration of Faith in the Incarnation of the Son of God together in Rome, on 10 May 1973, as well as his Cairo meeting with Pope John Paul II during the Great Jubilee of the Incarnation, on 24 February 2000. I can say how the Catholic Church as a whole shares the grief that afflicts the Orthodox Copts, and how she stands in fervent prayer asking that He, who is the Resurrection and the Life, might welcome his faithful servant." He offered prayers for the thrice blessed Pope Shenouda on the day of his death
Director of the Holy See Press Office Federico Lombardi said that Benedict XVI desired that "the Lord welcomes this great pastor" and added that "we will never forget the meeting between Pope Shenouda III and Pope John Paul II in Cairo on the occasion of his pilgrimage to Mount Sinai [in 2000] " A statement attributed to him read: "The Catholic Church shares in the grief and prayers of Coptic Christians in mourning the loss of their spiritual leader May the Lord welcome this great shepherd and give him the reward he deserves for his service." Iran – Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian praised Shenouda for "constructive and lasting efforts to achieve peace and justice" and offered his condolences to the Coptic Orthodox Church and Copts. United States of America – President Barack Obama said of Shenouda that "we will remember Pope Shenouda III as a man of deep faith, a leader of a great faith, and an advocate for unity and reconciliation a beloved leader of Egypt's Coptic Christians and an advocate for tolerance and religious dialogue." and said: "As we reflect on his life and legacy, we reaffirm our support to the future peace and prosperity of Egypt. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Egyptian people and all those who mourn Pope Shenouda III." Leaders of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Karekin II of Etchmiadzin and Aram I of Cilicia, offered condolences on the passing of Pope Shenouda III. Both Armenian church leaders sent a delegation to Pope Shenouda's funeral. Both Karekin II and Aram I praised Shenouda for his leadership of the Coptic Church and his unequivocal ability to work with all denominations to promote Christian unity. United Kingdom – The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office published a text citing William Hague saying, that Pope Shenouda III will be remembered "as a man of great wisdom, an advocate of dialogue and tolerance, and a symbol of national unity and reconciliation."

1. Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel
2. Being with God*
3. Biblical Competition
4. Calmness*
5. Characteristics of the Spiritual Path*
6. Concepts
7. Comparative Theology*
8. Competition for Church History and Stories of Saints
9. A Complete Spiritual Curriculum (Romans 12)
10. Contemplations on Christmas
11. Contemplations on the Prayer Before Sleeping
12. Contemplations on the Prayer of Thanksgiving and Psalm 50
13. Contemplations on the Resurrection
14. Contemplations on the Sunset Prayer
15. Contemplations on the Ten Commandments: Volume I
16. Contemplations on the Ten Commandments: Volume II
17. Contemplations on the Ten Commandments: Volume III
18. Contemplations on the Ten Commandments: Volume IV
19. The Creed
20. Diabolic Warfare*
21. Discipleship*
22. The Divinity of Christ*
23. Experiences in Life: Volume I*
24. Experiences in Life: Volume II*
25. Father Michael Ibrahim
26. The Fear of God
27. Fruits of the Spirit
28. Grace
29. Good Friday
30. The Happy Spiritual Family
31. The Heresy of Salvation in a Moment
32. The Holy Spirit and His Work in Us
33. Holy Thursday
34. Holy Week
35. The Holy Zeal*
36. How Long, Lord? (Psalm 12)
37. How to Deal with Children* 38. How to Start a New Year
39. Jacob and Joseph
40. Jonah the Prophet*
41. Judging Others*
42. The Life of Abraham
43. The Life of Faith*
44. The Life of Hope*
45. The Life of David
46. The Life of Jacob
47. The Life of Humility and Meekness
48. The Life of Repentance and Purity*
49. The Life of Thanksgiving*
50. The Life of Virtues and Righteousness
51. Lord, Do Not Rebuke Me in Your Anger (Psalm 6)
52. Lord, How? (Psalm 3)
53. The Lord's Prayer
54. Love: Summit of Virtues
55. Many Years With the Questions of People: Part I*
56. Many Years With the Questions of People: Part II*
57. Many Years With the Questions of People: Part III*
58. Many Years With the Questions of People: Part IV*
59. Many Years With the Questions of People: Part V*
60. Many Years With the Questions of People: Part VI*
61. Many Years With the Questions of People: Part VII*
62. Many Years With the Questions of People: Part VIII*
63. Many Years With the Questions of People: Part IX*
64. Many Years With the Questions of People: Part X*
65. Many Years With the Questions of People: Part XI*
66. Many Years With the Questions of People: Part XII*
67. Monogamy 68. Moses and Pharaoh
69. The Nature of Christ*
70. O God, You Are My God, Early I Will Seek You (Psalm 63)
71. Pastoral Care
72. Praise the Lord (Psalm 150)
73. The Priesthood*
74. Psalm 20: May the Lord Answer You
75. Purgatory
76. Quizzes
77. Romans 12
78. Return to God*
79. The Release of the Spirit*
80. The Righteous Job and the Temptations
81. Saint Anthony*
82. Saint Mark
83. Salvation in the Orthodox Concept*
84. The Sermon on the Mountain*
85. The Seven Words of our Lord on the Cross*
86. The Spirituality of Fasting*
87. Spirituality of Prayer with the Agbia
88. Spiritual Lukewarmness
89. The Spiritual Means*
90. The Spiritual Person*
91. The Spiritual Service and the Spiritual Servant – Volume 1
92. The Spiritual Service and the Spiritual Servant – Volume 2
93. The Spiritual Service and the Spiritual Servant – Volume 3
94. Spiritual Vigilance
95. Spiritual Warfare*
96. Tears
97. Temptation on the Mountain
98. Ten Concepts
99. Thine is the Power and the Glory*
100. Verses to Learn
101. Why the Resurrection? 102. Words of Spiritual Benefit: Volume I*
103. Words of Spiritual Benefit: Volume II*
104. Words of Spiritual Benefit: Volume III*
105. Words of Spiritual Benefit: Volume IV*
106. Wrath
* Translated into English

In 2000, Pope Shenouda III was awarded the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non Violence by UNESCO Director General Koichiro Matsuura on the recommendation of an international jury. The award was "for promoting exchange and understanding between Christianity and Islam in today's Middle East and his deep concern to pursue dialogue with all the great religious faiths and his major role in forging ecumenical links with all other members of the Christian family throughout the planet." In 2003 he received the Al Gaddafi International Prize for Human Rights.