The Pope ( Coptic : Ⲡⲁⲡⲁ , romanized: Papa ; Arabic : البابا , romanized : al-Bābā , lit. 'father'), also known as the Bishop of Alexandria , or Patriarch of Alexandria , is the leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church , with ancient Christian roots in Egypt . The primacy of the Patriarch of Alexandria is rooted in his role as successor to Saint Mark , who was consecrated by Saint Peter , as affirmed by the Council of Nicaea . It is one of three Peterine Sees affirmed by the council alongside the Patriarch of Antioch and the Patriarch of Rome. The current holder of this position is Pope Tawadros II , who was selected as the 118th pope on November 18, 2012.
41-677: Following the traditions of the church, the pope is chairman and head of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria . The Holy Synod is the highest authority in the Church of Alexandria, which has between 12 and 18 million members worldwide, 10 to 14 million of whom are in Egypt. The pope is also the chairman of the church's General Congregation Council . Although historically associated with
82-658: A titular see attached to another metropolis. There is a special status of seniority of honor and precedence for the metropolitan archbishop of the Holy and Great City of Our Lord, Jerusalem , Holy Zion, archbishop of the Holy Archdiocese of Jerusalem , All Palestine , Philadelphia of Jordan and All the Near East . This great archdiocesan metropolis is technically outside the Egyptian Province and
123-489: A chalice, each with the name of a different candidate written on them, out of a silver urn. The name on the card picked by the child will be the identity of the person chosen to be the new pope. After the death of Shenouda III on March 17, 2012 the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church voted on a successor. The names of the three candidates who received most votes were put in a glass chalice. One name
164-412: Is a large body, consisting of one thousand people who will be voting for the candidates. The three that receive the most support will have their names on the ballot during the ceremony of the "sacred election by lot." The ceremony is held during a public ritual which the entire community of the faithful is invited to attend. Then, during the ceremony, a blindfolded child pulls one of three cards from within
205-580: Is chiefly associated with the Bishops of Rome — from the 5th or 6th century it became, in the West, a title reserved exclusively for these bishops. Despite its earlier use to refer to any bishop, in 998 an Archbishop of Milan was rebuked for having called himself "pope", and in 1073 it was formally decided by Pope Gregory VII that no other bishop of the Catholic Church would hold the title. In
246-701: Is derived ultimately from the Greek πάππας ( páppas ) originally an affectionate term meaning "father", later referring to a bishop or patriarch . The earliest record of the use of this title is in regard to the Patriarch of Alexandria , Pope Heraclas of Alexandria (232–248) in a letter written by his successor, Pope Dionysius of Alexandria , to Philemon, a Roman presbyter: τοῦτον ἐγὼ τὸν κανόνα καὶ τὸν τύπον παρὰ τοῦ μακαρίου πάπα ἡμῶν Ἡρακλᾶ παρέλαβον . Which translates into: I received this rule and ordinance from our blessed father/pope, Heraclas. From
287-472: Is difficult to ascertain the identity of the first Bishop of Rome to carry the title Pope of Rome . Some sources suggest that it was Pope Marcellinus (died 304 AD). From the 6th century, the imperial chancery of Constantinople normally reserved this designation for the Bishop of Rome. From the early 6th century, it began to be confined in the West to the Bishop of Rome, a practice that was firmly in place by
328-529: Is not considered to be within the jurisdiction of the pope of Alexandria, but is one of the possessions of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria. It was created by Pope Cyril III (1235–1243) in the thirteenth century, which, at that time, had caused a dispute between the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria and the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch. This was a very rare incident between the two sister churches as in general their relationship
369-624: Is one of the strongest between any two sister churches. According to the Alexandrine tradition, the rank of metropolitan bishop is granted by the pope to the diocesan bishops under his jurisdiction on a personal status (In Personam) and not due to the size or importance of the bishop's eparchy; however, the rank of metropolitan archbishop is granted to those whose archdioceses have historical importance and had or have more than one suffragan diocese within their territorial jurisdictions. The Coptic Orthodox Metropolitan Archbishop of Jerusalem
410-609: Is still disputed after the separation which followed the Council of Chalcedon . The later development of the Pentarchy also granted secular recognition to these religious leaders. Because of this split, the leadership of this church is not part of this system. Members of the Coptic Orthodox Church consider their heads as direct successors of Mark the Evangelist , as they consider Mark the first Bishop of Alexandria and founder
451-591: Is the hierarch of the Metropolis of Lycopolis , Hieracon and Apollonopolis Parva , which is Asyut ; but since the great and ancient Titular Metropolis of Pentapolis in Cyrenaica , that comprises the Holy Suffragan Dioceses of Cyrene , Appollonia , Ptolemais , Berenice and Arsinoe , is currently a Titular title, incorporated within the jurisdiction of the metropolitan archbishop of
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#1732772343093492-465: Is the only Coptic Orthodox hierarch who is consecrated as a metropolitan archbishop without being consecrated first as a bishop and later elevated to metropolitan archbishop, as is the norm in all episcopal consecration according to the tradition of the Church of Alexandria ; it is done concurrently on the same occasion. This has been the case since Cyril III consecrated Metropolitan Archbishop Basilius as
533-470: Is then published in Egypt's three major Arab-language newspapers, communicating the names of the candidates to all the faithful of the Coptic Church. For this reason, the next step takes place only after three months. At that point a grand assembly is called, including the 74 bishops of the Coptic Church and twelve representatives from each diocese , chosen from elders and leaders of associations. This
574-762: Is under the jurisdiction of the Holy Apostolic Throne of Alexandria . A Gallery of the Coptic Holy Synod of Egypt (All Coptic Bishops) (external link) A Gallery of the Members of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria In order of date of consecration in Arabic and English (external link) Chairman of The Synod 1) Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria 2) Antonius , most senior and elder metropolitan archbishop of
615-603: The Holy and Great City of Our Lord, Jerusalem (Holy Zion); Archbishop of the Holy and Ancient Archdiocese of Jerusalem, all Palestine and the Near East comprising: 3) Pachomius , most senior and elder metropolitan archbishop of the Holy Metropolis of Damanhur (Hermopolis Parva) and Beheira that comprises: Being also: The titular archbishop and patriarchal exarch of : 4) Wissa (Besa), metropolitan bishop of
656-424: The pope , being the bishop of Alexandria and being the senior and elder bishop and the metropolitan archbishop of the province and primate of all Egypt, is the head of the Holy Synod as a first among equals . The most senior position after the pope was that of the metropolitan archbishop of Pentapolis , but since it ceased to be a major archiepiscopal metropolis in the days of Pope John VI it has been held as
697-515: The 11th century, when Pope Gregory VII declared it reserved for the Bishop of Rome. Further reading on traditions and procedures for electing the patriarch may be found at: Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria The Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria is the highest Orthodox authority in the Coptic Orthodox Church . It formulates the rules and regulations regarding matters of
738-490: The Church in the 1st century. The pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church is elected with the following procedure since 1957: The first step – which must take place within seven days after the death of the Coptic pope – is the appointment of a regent, chosen by the Holy Synod (the assembly of Coptic bishops) to lead the Church until it chooses a successor. Usually it is one of the eldest of the bishops. Under his leadership, within
779-443: The Church's organisation and faith. The synod is chaired by the patriarch of Alexandria and the members are the Church's metropolitan archbishops , metropolitan bishops , diocesan bishops , patriarchal exarchs , missionary bishops , auxiliary bishops , suffragan bishops , assistant bishops , chorbishops and the patriarchal vicars of the Church of Alexandria. According to Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria traditions,
820-615: The English People : Þa wæs in þa tid Uitalius papa þæs apostolican seðles aldorbiscop . In Modern English: At that time, Pope Vitalian was chief bishop of the apostolic see. The title pope continues to be used by Alexandrian bishops; both the Coptic Orthodox and Greek Orthodox Patriarchs of Alexandria are known as the "Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria". In the Western Christian world "pope"
861-631: The Holy Diocese of Asyut ( Lycopolis ), comprising: Pope (title) Pope is a religious title traditionally accorded to the Bishop of Rome , the Coptic and the Greek Orthodox bishops of Alexandria , and some leaders of other ecclesial communities . Popes may also claim the title patriarch . Both terms come from the Greek πάππας ( English : father). The word pope
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#1732772343093902-547: The Holy Diocese of Luxor ( Diospolis Magna ), comprising the following: Being also titular bishop of: (Currently relieved from eparchial shepherding). 28) Missael , diocesan bishop of the Holy Diocese of Birmingham , all of the Midlands and its affiliated regions, United Kingdom . 29) Matthias, diocesan bishop of the Holy Diocese of El-Mahalla El-Kubra and Samanoud ( Sebennytos ). (Currently relieved from eparchial shepherding) 30) Youannes (John), diocesan bishop of
943-923: The Holy Metropolis of Banha ( Leontopolis ), comprising the Holy Suffragan Diocese of Quouwaysena ( Athribis ). 26) Youssef (Joseph), metropolitan bishop of the Holy Metropolis of Southern United States . Being also the abbot of the Monastery of the Most Holy Virgin Mary and Saint Moses the Strong in Corpus Christi, Texas , USA and the abbot of the Convent of the Most Holy Virgin Mary and Saint Demiana in Dawsonville, Georgia , USA. 27) Ammonios (Amon), diocesan bishop of
984-538: The Holy Metropolis of Beheira Hermopolis Parva , Buto , Naucratis , Mariout Mareotis , Marsa Matruh Paraetonium , Apis ; who is also the titular archbishop and patriarchal exarch of the Ancient and Holy Titular Archdiocese of Libya , comprising the titular suffragan dioceses of Livis , Marmarica , Darnis , Neapolis and Tripolitania ; of the Ancient and Holy Exarchate of Africa in Tunisia , comprising
1025-684: The Holy Metropolis of Los Angeles, all Southern California and Hawaii , USA. Being also the abbot of the Monastery of Saint Anthony the Great in Barstow, California , United States. 9) Paula (Paul), metropolitan bishop of the Holy Metropolis of Tanta. 10) Pissada, metropolitan bishop of the Holy Metropolis of Akhmim (Panopolis), Saqualta and the Holy Monasteries of Mount Akhmim in Upper Egypt. 11) Andrawis (Andrew), metropolitan bishop of
1066-469: The Holy Metropolis of Qena , comprising the Holy Suffragan Diocese of Qift ( Coptos ) and its jurisdictions 23) Pimen, metropolitan bishop of the Holy Metropolis of Naqada (Ombos) , comprising the Holy Suffragan Diocese of Qus ( Apollonopolis Parva ). 24) Takla (Thekla), metropolitan bishop of the Holy Metropolis of Dishna , comprising the Holy Suffragan Diocese of Dendera ( Tentyris ) and its jurisdictions. 25) Maximos, metropolitan bishop of
1107-424: The Holy Metropolis of Sohag ( Athribis ), comprising the following: 19) Aghapios, metropolitan bishop the Holy Metropolis of Deir Mawas and Delga. 20) Thomas, metropolitan bishop of the Holy Metropolis of el-Qusiya ( Qis ) and Meir . 21) Daniel, metropolitan bishop of the Holy Metropolis of Maadi & El-Basateen, and General Secretary of the Holy Synod. 22) Cheroubim (Cherubim), metropolitan bishop of
1148-428: The Holy Metropolis of el-Balyana ( Abydos ), comprising: 5) Paphnutius , metropolitan bishop of the Holy Metropolis of Samalut and Taha El Aameda. 6) Benyamin (Benjamin), metropolitan bishop of the Holy Metropolis of Al Minufiyah ( Prosopolis ). 7) Tadros (Theodoros), metropolitan bishop of the Holy Metropolis of Port Said ( Pelusium ). Being also the titular bishop of: 8) Serapion , metropolitan bishop of
1189-407: The Holy Metropolis of Abutig, Sedna and el Ghanayem. 12) Ashe’yia (Isaiah), metropolitan bishop of the Holy Metropolis of Tahta, Juhayna and Gabalein (Aphroditopolis & Hispis (Pathyris)) 13) Markos (Mark), metropolitan bishop of the Holy Metropolis of Shubra el-Kheima. 14) Abram, metropolitan bishop of the Holy Metropolis of Faiyum. Being also the abbot of the Monastery of Archangel Gabriel in
1230-597: The Naqloun Mountain, Central Egypt. 15) Antonious Markos (Anthony Mark), metropolitan bishop of the Holy Metropolis of South Africa and its jurisdictions. 16) Barsoum (Parsoma), metropolitan bishop of the Holy Metropolis of Dairut and Sanabou. 17) Demetrios, metropolitan bishop of the Holy Metropolis of Mallawi , comprising the following: Being also the abbot of the Monastery of Saint Fana , Upper Egypt. 18) Bakhoum (Pachomius), metropolitan bishop of
1271-628: The Titular and Holy Suffragan dioceses of Mauretania Tingitana and Mauretania Caesariensis and of the Ancient and Holy Titular Metropolis of Numedia in Algeria and Morocco that includes the Titular and Holy Suffragan dioceses of Leptis Parva and of Hadramentum . Accordingly, that honor goes to the Hierarch of the Metropolis of Lycopolis , Hieracon and Apollonopolis Parva apart from
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1312-822: 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 , inside a compound which includes the Patriarchal Palace, with an additional residence at the Monastery of Saint Pishoy . The liturgy of the Altar Ballot took place on November 4, 2012. The 60-year-old Bishop Tawadoros, Auxiliary Bishop of Beheira, assistant to Metropolitan Pachomios of Beheira,
1353-431: The date of consecration within each rank. Accordingly, the most senior position after the pope is the oldest consecrated metropolitan archbishop, who was as of 2015 Metropolitan Pachomios, the metropolitan archbishop of the Holy Metropolis of Damanhur (Hermopolis Parva) and Beheira (Consecrated in 1990). In spite of the ancient Alexandrine tradition, the most senior hierarch, after the senior hierarch of Pentapolis ,
1394-560: The early 3rd century the title was applied generically to all bishops. The earliest extant record of the word papa being used in reference to a Bishop of Rome dates to late 3rd century, when it was applied to Pope Marcellinus . According to the Oxford English Dictionary , the earliest recorded use of the title "pope" in English is in an Old English translation ( c . 950) of Bede 's Ecclesiastical History of
1435-473: The fact of the current adoption of the seniority of the date of consecration of the later hierarch. The most senior bishop in consecration will become the Locum tenens in case of the death of the pope and until the election of the new pope, and he will be the one who enthrones the newly elected pope along with all the hierarchs, who are members of the Holy Synod. This seniority ranking system does not diminish
1476-445: The first Coptic Orthodox Metropolitan Archbishop of Jerusalem and All the Near East. Usually the chosen hieromonk is consecrated first as a diocesan bishop , then with time, he could be awarded the higher dignity of metropolitan bishop. Sometimes the nominated diocesan bishop is already an assistant bishop , auxiliary bishop or general bishop, in which case he is only enthroned as the bishop of that diocese . Currently, and because
1517-625: The importance and the greatness of the Archdiocese of Jerusalem and All the Near East , since its inclusion under the jurisdiction of the Apostolic Church of Alexandria in early medieval times. The archiepiscopal status of this great metropolis is also granted due to the Holy Apostolic Throne that it represents, being the Apostolic and Patriarchal Throne of Jerusalem, although its metropolitan archbishop does not claim that title and
1558-426: The seniority of the members of the Holy Synod is decided according to the seniority of the consecretion/elevation date of the ecclesiastical ranks: First come the metropolitan archbishops and metropolitan bishops, followed by the diocesan bishops then the bishops exarchs of the throne, then the suffragan bishops , then the auxiliary bishops , then the general bishops and finally the chorbishops but also according to
1599-461: The space of a month, a committee consisting of fourteen members of the Synod, has the task of preparing, based on reports received, an initial list of five or six candidates for the election. There are specific criteria that need to be met: the future Coptic pope must be over 40 years old, he must have lived as a monk for at least fifteen years, and must never have been married. Once chosen, this list
1640-461: Was chosen as the 118th Pope of Alexandria. He then chose the name of Tawadros (Theodoros or Theodore). He was formally enthroned on November 18, 2012. The early Christian Church recognized the special significance of several cities as leaders of the worldwide Church. The Church of Alexandria is one of these original patriarchates , but the succession to the role of patriarch in Alexandria
1681-598: Was then picked by a blindfolded boy, believed to be guided by the hand of God. The man thus picked became the new Patriarch of Alexandria. Shenouda III had been elected in a similar fashion. The word pope derives from Greek πάππας meaning "father". A record in history of the term "pope" is assigned to Pope Heraclas of Alexandria in a letter written by the bishop of Rome, Dionysius , to Philemon: τοῦτον ἐγὼ τὸν κανόνα καὶ τὸν τύπον παρὰ τοῦ μακαρίου πάπα ἡμῶν Ἡρακλᾶ παρέλαβον. which translates into: I received this rule and ordinance from our blessed pope, Heraclas. It