The Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria is the Successor of Saint Mark the Apostle and the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria. The 117th Pope was Pope Shenouda III who reposed in the Lord on March 17, 2012. Metropolitan Bakhomious, archbishop of Beheira and five western cities, was chosen as chair of the Holy Synod and locum tenens of the See of Saint Mark.
Following the Holy Tradition of the Church, the Pope is chairman and head of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria as a first among equals. This organization is the highest authority in the Church of Alexandria. It formulates the rules and regulations regarding matters of the church’s organization, faith, and order. The Pope is also the chairman of the church’s General Congregation Council (Al Majlis al Milli).
Although historically associated with the city of Alexandria, the residence and Seat of the Coptic Orthodox Pope of Alexandria has been located in Cairo since 1047. The Pope is currently established in Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, in a compound which includes the Patriarchal palace, with an additional residence at the Monastery of Saint Pishoy in the wilderness of Shiheet.
- Thrice-Blessed Pope Shenouda III of Blessed Memory
Pope of Alexandria and the Patriarch on the Holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark the Evangelist of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria. Elected in October 1971 and consecrated a month later, He is the 117th successor to Saint Mark, one of the seventy …
- Papal Messages of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III
January 6th, 2011Papal Letter for the Feast of the Nativity 2011 January 13th, 2009Papal Letter for the Feast of the Nativity 2009 April 17th, 2008Papal Letter for the Feast of the Resurrection 2008 January 7th, 2008Papal Letter for the Feast of the Na …
- Condolences for the Departure of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III
After the departure of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III on March 17, 2012, condolences poured in from heads of state, dignitaries, political figures, and religious leaders. Below, find a sampling of the outpouring of love over the departure of His Holine …
- Important Information Concerning the Election of the New Pope
Grant, O Lord, to confirm for us a good shepherd according to Your Heart who will shepherd Your people in purity and righteousness. On March 17, 2012, our Lord gave eternal rest to His faithful servant and steward of the Coptic Orthodox Church for more …
Marina Ayoub: 
