Pope Shenouda III

Date of Birth: August 3, 1923

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: March 17, 2012

Biography

Pope Shenouda III, born Nazeer Gayed Roufail, was the 117th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, serving from 1971 until his death in 2012. He was a prominent figure in the Coptic Orthodox Church, known for his dynamic leadership and theological contributions. Born in Asyut, Egypt, Shenouda was educated at Cairo University, where he earned a degree in history. He later attended the Coptic Theological Seminary, where his devotion to the Church deepened. Before becoming Pope, he served as a monk and later as a bishop, where he gained a reputation for his pastoral care and scholarly work. Pope Shenouda III was known for his commitment to ecumenism and interfaith dialogue, fostering relationships with other Christian denominations and religious communities. He was also a staunch advocate for the rights of Coptic Christians in Egypt, often speaking out against discrimination and violence. Throughout his papacy, he wrote numerous books and gave many lectures, leaving a lasting theological legacy. His leadership was marked by a balance of tradition and modernity, aiming to preserve the ancient traditions of the Coptic Church while addressing contemporary issues.

5 Interesting Facts about Pope Shenouda III

1. Pope Shenouda III was the first Pope to establish a Coptic Orthodox Church in the United States.

2. He was placed under house arrest by Egyptian President Anwar Sadat in 1981 due to his outspoken criticism of the government’s treatment of Copts.

3. Pope Shenouda III authored over 100 books on theology, spirituality, and church history.

4. He was highly regarded for his sense of humor, often using it to connect with people during his sermons.

5. Under his leadership, the number of Coptic churches worldwide significantly increased.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Pope Shenouda III

1. “A church without youth is a church without a future. Likewise, youth without a church is youth without a future.”

2. “God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”

3. “He who prays much within his room, the Lord will enrich him with His love.”

4. “Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.”

5. “Seek not the praise of men, but seek the praise of God.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Pope Shenouda III did not accumulate personal wealth; his life was dedicated to the service of the Church and its members.

Children

As a clergyman and monk, Pope Shenouda III did not have any biological children. His spiritual children were the members of the Coptic Orthodox Church whom he served throughout his life.