His Holiness Pope Shenouda III Departs to Heaven
On Saturday the 17th March 2012 (the 8th Baramhat 1728), His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, the 117th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark departed into the heavenly habitations at the age of 88.
His Holiness guided the Church with love and care for the past forty years, in a manner that touched the hearts of many within and without the Church. He is well-known for his unyielding Orthodox teaching which was provided to the masses in a simple-to-understand manner.
Sadly, His Holiness’ health had been deteriorating over the past few months. Today, the Lord gave rest to His faithful servant who touched the hearts and minds of countless people throughout the world and presided over the largest expansion of the Coptic Orthodox Church in history.
May God repose his soul in the Paradise of Joy, comfort all of his children throughout the world and look after His Church. May the intercessions of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III be with us all. Amen.
A Message from His Holiness
These words are words from His Holiness Pope Shenouda talking to his children. These are words of comfort and condolences to you all.
I am your father and teacher, all of you my children, listen to my commandments, for I ask you my beloved children, preserve and look after the faith of the Holy Trinity.
I ask my beloved children, love one another with a true love.
I ask you my beloved, do good with all humanity.
I ask my beloved children, do not let the world deceive you.
I ask you my beloved children, do not fall short or “be not eager” in the service of the Lord.
I ask you my beloved children, to pray without ceasing and tirelessly.
I ask you o my beloved children, preserve your tongues from causing any division.
I ask of you my beloved children, to preserve the Holy Baptism that was granted to you.
I ask of you my beloved children, preserve your body pure for the Lord.
I ask of you my beloved children, do not ever lamp weaken without light.
I ask of you my beloved children, preserve the commandments that God gave to you.
I ask of you my beloved children, that the fear of God be within you.
God is witness, my beloved children, that I did not keep any of God’s words from away you…that I never ever slept my children, and be blamed by any one of you…that if you preserve and keep what I have told you, you will crush the head of the serpent and dragon. So hence, if you preserve and keep what I have said to you, you will eat of the goodness of the earth. So hence, if you preserve and keep what I have said to you, the shinning Cherubim will guard you. So hence, if you preserve and keep what I have said to you, you will never lack of the Heavenly gifts.
I ask of you my beloved children, to ask of Christ for my soul, that it may have comfort in front of Him, and do not count my short falls, unknowingly and unwillingly. (Then he directs his talks to the Bishops, clergy and priests)
I ask for your love and I plead to your reverence, to absolve me from everyone. And now, I am far from you and left you, and I cannot see your faces. And now I ask of you all, that you exhaust yourselves in prayers for me, remembrance in the Holy Liturgies, that my Master may accept me to Him, and forgive me.
And I ask Christ, the Great Shepherds of Shepherds, that he may elect for you a righteous shepherd according to His Will and heart, that he may shepherd you and your matters and watch for the salvation of your souls.
HH Pope Shenouda III
Resources
- A short Biography of His Holiness
- Articles & Encyclicals written by His Holiness [English]
- Books written by His Holiness [English]
- The Doxology for His Holiness Pope Shenouda III [English /Arabic]
