His Holiness Pope Shenouda III

On August 3, 1923, Nazir Gayed was born in the Egyptian Province of Assiout. Living a very simple life, he was very active in the church. He became a Sunday School teacher at Saint Anthony's church in Shobra and then at St. Mary's church at Mahmasha. He completed his studies in 1947 and graduated from Cairo University with a B.A. in English and HistoryHe really enjoyed writing very much so in 1947, Nazir Gayed became one of the founders of the Sunday School Magazine. Persuing his love for learning, he attended evening classes at the Anba Reweis Coptic Theological Seminary, and graduated in 1949. After graduating from the seminary, he joined the teaching staff in 1950.

In 1953 he was appointed teacher in the Monastic School.On July 18th, 1954 he left his teaching career behind and consecrated his life to Our Lord Jesus Christ. Nazir Gayed's love for monasticism led him to enter the El-Sourian Monastery in Wadi-El-Natroun, by the name of Father Antonious El Souriani. From 1956 to 1962 he lived a life of solitude in a cave about seven miles away from the monastery, dedicating all his time to meditation, prayer and ascetiscm.In 1959, Father Antonious was appointed by His Holiness Pope Kyrillos VI to be his private secretary. On September 30th 1962, Fr. Antonious was ordained by His Holiness Pope Kyrillos VI, as Bishop Shenouda. Bishop Shenouda was the first Bishop for Christian Education and the Dean of the Theological Seminary. In 1965 the very famous magazine "El-Keraza" (in Arabic) was issued by Bishop Shenouda.

On October 31, 1971, after Pope Kyrillos had passed away, Bishop Shenouda was chosen as the successor in an altar ballot. Two weeks later, on November 14th, Bishop Shenouda was enthroned in a ceremonial service as the Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church. Pope Shenouda III, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark. Since that time, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, has ordained more than seventy bishops, established general bishops, including the first bishop for the youth. He has ordained over four hundred priests, and numerous deacons for Egypt, Europe, Africa and the United States. Many new dioceses and many new churches have been established, within Egypt and outside of Egypt under the guidance of His Holiness Pope Shenouda.

May the Lord watch over our beloved Pope Shenouda
Guide Him, Strenghten Him, and Bless Him.