His Holiness Pope Tawadros II Prays the 40th Day Commemorative Liturgy of the Departure of His Eminence Metropolitan Pakhomious, the Metropolitan Elder of the Coptic Orthodox Church
His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark prayed the Saturday Liturgy of the third week of the Holy Fifties, marking 40 days since the departure of the Thrice-Blessed H.E. Metropolitan Pakhomious, Metropolitan of the Diocese of Beheira, Matrouh, and the Five Western Cities, and Head of St. Makarious of Alexandria's Monastery in Mount Qalali. The liturgy was held at Saint Mark's Vineyard in Damanhour (the diocese headquarters).
Joining His Holiness were H.E. Metropolitan Paula (Metropolitan of Tanta and Papal Deputy for the Diocese of Beheira and its affiliated regions), along with several metropolitans, bishops, the clergy of the Diocese of Beheira, and monks from St. Makarious' Monastery. Priests and monks from dioceses and monasteries of the See of St Mark, as well as nuns, consecrated women, prominent laity from Beheira, and a large congregation also participated in the prayers.
In his sermon, Pope Tawadros said:
"Today we gather in memory of the Thrice-Blessed H.E. Metropolitan Pakhomious, Metropolitan of Beheira, Matrouh, and the Five Western Cities, in the headquarters of the diocese. He began his service in this vast diocese more than 54 years ago. He served as bishop and metropolitan—faithful, loving, and devoted to his ministry. He gave us a wonderful model of church service and what it means to be faithful in that calling."
He added: "Those we love never die; they live in our hearts. We will always remember their lives and what they did for us."
His Holiness highlighted three key aspects that distinguished Metropolitan Pakhomious:
1. A Spiritual Figure:
He embodied the balance between spirituality and administrative excellence. He was truly spiritual and, at the same time, a successful administrator—devoted to prayer, saints, spiritual vigils, and church hymns. His spirituality was evident in his sermons and teachings, as he blended the Word of God with his deep spiritual experiences.
Pope Tawadros added: "I speak as one of the sons of this diocese, where I grew up. The Divine providence allowed me to serve here for 22 years as a monk, priest, and assistant bishop to His Eminence. I testify before God that I learned from him daily—his thinking, methods, faithfulness, and spirituality. Much of what I learned from him can’t be found in books; it is a life passed from generation to generation."
He continued:
"He began his ministry in the newly established diocese with virtually no resources, but he had God's grace, which bore much fruit in many areas.
He mixed everything with prayer and worship, believing that prayer brings miracles. He would pray for years over certain matters until they were fulfilled.
He placed himself in God's hands, and God worked through him mightily both within and beyond his diocese."
Pope Tawadros described him as:
"A spiritual figure in Biblical teaching, a transmitter of the holy desert experience, and a guide and father of confession to many."
On Metropolitan Pakhomious' vast experience, His Holiness said:
"His great experience in serving in this diocese, and the grace given to him by God allowed many to learn at his hands and absorb the essence of genuine spiritual life."…
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