Pope Shenouda III, the 117th Pope of Alexandria and the Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, was born on March 3, 1923, in the Egyptian village of Salaam. He was the youngest of eight children and tragically lost his mother when he was just an infant. Raised primarily by his older brother, Raphael, Shenouda grew up in a devout Christian household.
From a young age, Shenouda felt a calling to religious life. He entered a monastery in 1954, taking on the name Father Antonios the Syrian. Four years later, he was ordained as a priest and dedicated himself to serving the Coptic Orthodox Church. Following the death of Pope Cyril VI in March 1971, Shenouda was chosen to succeed him as the leader of the church.
During his time as Pope, Shenouda III worked tirelessly to promote peace and understanding both within the Christian community and among different faiths. He was known for his conservative views and commitment to interfaith dialogue, earning the respect of Muslim leaders as well as his fellow Christians.
One of Shenouda's most significant achievements was receiving the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize in 2000 for his efforts to promote tolerance and harmony. His dedication to fostering unity and cooperation among religious groups left a lasting impact on the Coptic Orthodox Church and the wider Egyptian community.
Throughout his life, Pope Shenouda III remained steadfast in his beliefs and principles. He believed strongly in the importance of tradition and upheld the teachings of the Coptic Orthodox Church with unwavering devotion. His commitment to his faith and his people made him a beloved and respected figure both within Egypt and around the world.
After over four decades of leadership, Pope Shenouda III passed away on March 17, 2012, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, wisdom, and dedication to his faith. His influence continues to be felt in the Coptic Orthodox Church and beyond, inspiring future generations to strive for unity and understanding in the face of diversity.