Pope Abraham of Alexandria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saint Abraham of Alexandria |
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| Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark | |
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| Papacy began | 975 |
| Papacy ended | 3 December 978 |
| Predecessor | Mina II |
| Successor | Philotheos |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Ebn-Zaraa |
| Born | Syria |
| Died | 3 December 978 |
| Buried | The Hanging Church |
| Nationality | Egyptian |
| Denomination | Coptic Orthodox Christian |
| Residence | Saint Mark's Church |
| Sainthood | |
| Feast day | 3 December (6 Kiahk in the Coptic calendar) |
Pope Abraham of Alexandria was an important leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church. He was the 62nd Pope of Alexandria. Many people consider him a saint. You might also hear him called Efrem or Ephrem.
Early Life of Abraham
Abraham was born in Syria. He was a rich merchant who traveled to Egypt many times. Eventually, he decided to live there, settling in the city of Alexandria. People knew him for being kind, very religious, and caring for those who were poor. After he became a religious leader, he gave half of his money to people in need. He used the other half to build water pools across Egypt, including one at the Saint Mercurius Church in Coptic Cairo.
How He Became Pope
During the time of Al-Muizz, the first Fatimid ruler of Egypt, the government's treatment of Coptic Christians changed often. Sometimes they were treated well, and other times they faced difficulties.
The position of Pope had been empty for about two years. So, the bishops and other Coptic community leaders met in a church in Cairo. They wanted to choose new candidates for the role. While they were meeting, Abraham, who was known for his strong faith, walked into the church. One person in the group pointed him out, saying that God had sent them the right person. Everyone was impressed by Abraham. They all agreed that he should be the next Pope.
Abraham did not want the job, but they insisted. They took him to Alexandria, where he was officially made the 62nd Patriarch of Alexandria.
His Time as Pope
As soon as Pope Abraham took office, he stopped a practice called simony. This was when people bought or sold church positions, which was a big problem at the time.
He then focused on improving the behavior of some church leaders. Some of these leaders were not following the rules of marriage. Pope Abraham warned that anyone who continued to disrespect marriage would be removed from the church community.
Death of Pope Abraham
Pope Abraham the Syriac passed away on December 3, 978 AD.
See Also
- Saint Simon the Tanner
- Al-Muizz Lideenillah
