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In the previous article, we spoke of Egypt’s proconsuls during Harun al-Rashid’s tenure from 178 Hijri (794 A.D.) to 183 Hijri (799 A.D.) During that year, Pope John IV, the 48th patriarch, departed. Pope Mark II took over. We mentioned beforehand that Pope Mark II tried to escape that responsibility, but he was tied and sent to Alexandria to be the forty-ninth patriarch. He was ordained patriarch before Great Lent which he spent in the monastery. Upon his return, he went to Fustat to greet the proconsul. He was accompanied by Abba Michael and other bishops. When they reached the proconsul’s mansion, they requested his audience, which he approved of. Ecclesiastical historian Severus bin al-Muqafa’ writes, “When he greeted the proconsul, the Pope wished him well. The proconsul was amazed by his sweet words which were full of grace. The pope was also full of grace, which made the proconsul treat him gently. He asked him to sit and talk to him on one-to-one basis. He told him, ‘Be strong; do not worry. I shall grant you what you want. I shall give you whatever you ask me for. The patriarch replied, ‘May God raise your worth, grant you happiness, and make your subjects prosper by your tenure.” Thus, the pope’s encounter with the proconsul was full of affection. Pope Mark II and the bishops considered restoring the ruined churches. So, the pope requested the proconsul’s audience on the following day. The proconsul received him respectfully and repeated his promise that he would grant him whatever he wished. So, the pope told him he wanted to reconstruct the ruined churches in order that people might pray for the country and the ruler. The proconsul approved of his request and ordered that all the ruined churches be restored. Thus, the angel’s words came true. That angel had appeared to Pope John IV as he was praying and beseeching God to strengthen him that he might restore the ruined churches. He told him that the churches would be restored by his successor.
Pope Mark II returned to Alexandria. Hesaw to the Church of Antioch. So, he wrote to her patriarch, telling him about the departure of Pope John IV, and how he was seated on St. Mark’s See. He also tackled the violators of faith and creed, as well as the conformity of both churches to one faith. He dispatched the message with two bishops, one of whom was Abba Mark, bishop of Pelusium. They were accompanied by deacon Gorgah, a steward at Alexandria Church. Patriarch Kyriako read the message. Though he was sad for the departure of Pope John IV, he rejoiced for the ordinance of Pope Mark II. He read the message to the congregation who also rejoiced for the ordinance of Pope Mark II. Everybody loved the Egyptian bishops for their pleasant appearance, humbleness, and sweet spiritual words. The bishops returned to Egypt after the patriarch had bidden him farewell respectfully. Likewise, he sent the Pope messages that emphasized the historical unity of the two sees. The Egyptian congregation rejoiced.
During Pope Mark’s tenure, there appeared a group who called themselves, “The Headless”. They lived away from the Church for quite a while. Pope Mark II was sad for them. He beseeched God to save and guide them. God accepted his prayers. Subsequently, their leader, an Abraham, and his father who they considered a bishop came to the Pope and declared their repentance, saying, “Glory to God Who had enlightened us with your Holiness’ teachings which reached us and restored us from this loss.” They asked to join the congregation. The Pope rejoiced and accepted their request, having made sure of their sincerity. After their return, their followers saw what had become of them. So, they wrote to the Pope, asking him to come over, consecrate their churches, allow them to join the congregation. The Pope rejoiced exceedingly. He left everything and went to unite his penitent children to the congregation.
Pope Mark II did not only care about the affairs of St. Mark’s See. It came to pass that he heard that one of metropolitans of Antioch strayed from the correct faith; so he became very sad. Due to his deep interest in the unity with the Church of Antioch, he wrote to patriarch Kyriako expressing his sadness for this metropolitan. He asked him to seek this prodigal son with fatherly love. When the message reached the patriarch of Antioch, he was amazed by the saint’s care. He tried hard to restore the metropolitan, but failed, for he had spread his ideology amongst some people. So, they called themselves “Abrahamites” and broke up with the Orthodox Church.
On the other hand, the congregation of Alexandria asked him to build a church and call it “The Savior”. Due to his great care for building churches, he used to wake up early at dawn to follow up the construction, just like the architects working there, and see to their needs and fulfill them. Some historians assert that he used to participate in the construction process until the church was completed.
It came to pass that the Pope ordained a steward on the patriarchal service. But he was wicked. He used to report everybody so that the pope might hand him all the church’s affairs. One day, he came to the Pope and started denouncing somebody. The Pope became very sad, as that person had always betrayed others. So, he answered him, “Now that you have become incurable and that we have tried all sorts of remedies that your soul might be saved from evil, and you never stopped, then you will pay for this injustice.” Yet, the man did not retract, so he died instantly, and in a horrible way.
During Pope John’s tenure, a swarm of locusts attacked Alexandria and Beheira. It devoured the entire plantation. The Pope was exceedingly saddened. He ordered the congregation to go to the locusts’ place and pray, beseeching God’s mercy. So, the locusts flew away, fell into the sea and died, just like what happened during prophet Moses’ days. Likewise, the Pope was said to work miracles: he used to heal a lot of sick people. His days were quite peaceful. Yet, the evil one ignited calumny in Egypt. So much so that she became a sad country!
The Pope used to pray fervently and tearfully that peace might be restored. Harun al-Rashid died during his papacy. He was succeeded by his son Mohammed al-Amin. Yet, a conflict broke out between al-Rashid’s sons, affecting Egypt immensely and giving rise to rebellions. Security receded, but we shall tackle this in due course.
Then, some people arrived at Alexandria with some prisoners from Andalusia to sell them there. The Pope became very sad. He used to buy as many prisoners as he could so he might set them free. He bought around six thousand prisoners, and made them choose either to return to their country or remain with him as children. News about his kindness spread amongst kings and peoples, which raised his worth in their eyes. Yet, this stirred evil people against him, and another story began… Stories never end in Beautiful Egypt.
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
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