In the previous article we talked about Pope Kyrillos VI, whom a lot of people described to be a devoted man and to all the great work and service that he presented in a life that was characterized by depth and power. He lived an angelic life filled with prayers, as David the Prophet and king said: “But I give myself to prayer.” He was a man of prayer.
His childhood was characterized by abstinence from the world, in addition to his love for solitude which made him seek the life of monasticism at El- Baramous monastery where he was ordained as a monk on February 25th 1928 under the name of Mina El-Baramousy. When he ascended the See of the Patriarchate, his simple life didn’t change; he was a monk in his clothing and food, he was abstinent from the whole world as St. Augustine said: “I sat on top of the world when I came to fear nothing and desire nothing but You.”
He used to say: “Nothing in this world can distress or perturb me, for I take refuge in the impregnable fortress of the church. I am reassured in the bosom of God’s mercies. Comfort and blessing continuously flows from Him.”
A Good Shepherd
The features of his patronage started in his youth as he used to feel the needs and pain of others: it was mentioned that on the day of the Pre-Lent that he found his table full of all food delights, instantly he remembered his neighbors who were poor, then he begged his parents to take that food to them and they agreed. He never turned his back from those who were in need; during his monasticism seven monks were expelled from El-Baramous monastery, but he gave himself to their service!
Afterwards he went to the Patriarch and clarified the situation, later on the seven monks returned to their monastery.
When he lived in Old Cairo, he built a church under the name of St. Mina the Wondrous; also he cared for students and built a dormitory for them. And he was a mentor to youth and servants at that time. He reissued “The Port of Salvation” magazine for teaching and mentoring.
That’s how Pope Kyrillos VI became a loving heart to everyone as he cared for each soul. His patronage was obvious to everyone.
For instance, Pope Shenouda III mentioned: “we felt this man’s goodness and his loving heart”. Also H.E. Metropolitan Sawiris Houl, the Syrian Orthodox Patriarchal Deputy said: “Pope Kyrillos sacrificed himself with generosity to his congregation, after he cared for them with chastity, holiness, purity, served with loyalty and exerted efforts for their rights as blessed heroes, defended their lives, and preserved the faith. Oh distressful congregation, your star darkened on earth, to shine in the sky, it’s now more shining and glowing! Don’t panic and say Pope Kyrillos is dead because the good shepherd never dies just depart from death to life and shall stay by your side with his holiness, grace, wisdom and his immortal memoration…”
Moreover, H.E. Metropolitan Paul of Antioch, the Patriarchal Deputy of Roman Catholic expressed the patronage of Pope Kyrillos VI: “The Coptic Orthodox church lost its head and its good shepherd Pope Kyrillos VI. The Egyptian church as a whole lost a true saint: we shall never forget his pure soul and his great faith; we will never forget his great devoutness and his deep love for fasting and prayers. In addition, we will never forget his patience and his compassion to everyone, especially for the youth, the poor and the weak… The late Patriarch never asked for glory to himself but he was an example of modesty, he demanded nothing but glory of God, steadfastness of the church and sanctification of believers. This holiness of the Pope was undoubtedly one of the main reasons for the massive spiritual renaissance that the Coptic Church knew during his reign…”
About the love of Pope Kyrillos to everyone; H.E. former Cardinal Stephanos I, Patriarch of the Coptic Catholic Church in Egypt said: “Pope Kyrillos is a devoted, lovable and peaceful man…he exerted all his efforts to welcome everyone without distinction, but with meekness and wisdom.”
Pope Kyrillos VI lived his life as a father and shepherd: seek what was lost, and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick; and caring for everyone with justice until he died on March 9th 1971 in his cell at the Patriarchate in Azbakia. His last words to his congregation: “God be with you. God will take care of you.”
The reign of Pope Kyrillos VI was characterized by many important events such as the Apparition of St. Virgin Mary at her church in Zatoun in 1968, as well as the return of the remains of St. Mark the Apostle to Egypt at the same year.
Stories about Beautiful Egypt never End!
General Bishop,
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
