It is very difficult and painful for us to say farewell to our beloved father and shepherd the thrice-blessed POPE SHENOUDA III, the 117th Pope, Patriarch and Archbishop of the great city of Alexandria, the Successor of the Apostle Saint Mark the Evangelist, the Shepherd of the Shepherds, the thirteenth among the Apostles, the great among the patriarchs, Teacher of the Ages, the Defender of the Orthodox faith and the beloved of Christ.
Who remained Bishop of Education even while Pope of Alexandria.
Who instituted different Clerical Colleges inside and outside of Egypt.
Who revived monasticism inside and outside of Egypt by creating, rebuilding and renovating monasteries and personally ordaining a great many monks and nuns.
Who instituted many new dioceses inside and outside of Egypt, especially in North and South America, Australia, Europe, and Africa.
Who personally consecrated many churches sent many bishops and priests to serve all over the lands of immigration.
Who prepared the Holy Oil of Mayroun many times during his papacy.
Who taught us how to love the Holy Bible and to meditate in its meaning and to memories many of its verses and so revived the church by his teachings and preaching.
Who ordained 2 patriarchs for Eritrea, around 117 metropolitans/bishops, thousands of priests and multitudes of deacons.
Who was given multiple awards for peace and was awarded around 10 honorary doctorates.
Who has given many lectures inside and outside of Egypt.
Who has consecrated our own old church in Hamilton in September 26, 1992.
Who has blessed the building project of our new church.
Who has given the clergy of North America a holy meeting on a yearly basis.
Who had much love for children and respected everyone.
Our hope is in the resurrection and meeting with our Lord Jesus Christ and I ask that we all pray for the repose of our beloved father, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III and that God may chose the good shepherd for His church and to God be all glory forever and ever, Amen.
— Father Metias Said Ibrahim
Saint Mina Coptic Orthodox Church
Hamilton, Ontario – Canada
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