Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria Quotes
- Religious leader
- Egypt
- 1952
Pope Tawadros II is the current Pope of Alexandria and the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church. He was elected as the 118th Pope in November 2012, following the death of Pope Shenouda III. Born in Egypt in 1952, Pope Tawadros II studied pharmaceutical sciences before joining the Monastery of Saint Pi…Read More
Pope Tawadros II is the current Pope of Alexandria and the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church. He was elected as the 118th Pope in November 2012, following the death of Pope Shenouda III. Born in Egypt in 1952, Pope Tawadros II studied pharmaceutical sciences before joining the Monastery of Saint Pishoy in Wadi El Natrun. He was ordained as a monk in 1988 and later became a priest in 1989. As Pope, Tawadros II has focused on promoting unity and interfaith dialogue, both within the Coptic Orthodox Church and with other Christian denominations and religions. He has also been a strong advocate for human rights and social justice, particularly for the Coptic Christian community in Egypt. Pope Tawadros II has also been involved in various charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the establishment of a medical center for the poor and a program to provide housing for the homeless. In addition to his pastoral duties, Pope Tawadros II has authored several books on theology and spirituality, including “The Spiritual Life” and “The Life of Repentance and Purity.” He is also known for his emphasis on the importance of education and has established several schools and seminaries in Egypt. Overall, Pope Tawadros II is a highly respected spiritual leader and a prominent figure in the Coptic Orthodox Church, known for his humility, compassion, and dedication to serving others.Read Less
Pope Tawadros II is the current Pope of Alexandria and the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church. He was elected as the 118th Pope in November 2012, following the death of Pope Shenouda III. Born in Egypt in 1952, Pope Tawadros II studied pharmaceutical sciences before joining the Monastery of Saint Pishoy in Wadi El Natrun. He was ordained as a monk in 1988 and later became a priest in 1989. As Pope, Tawadros II has focused on promoting unity and interfaith dialogue, both within the Coptic Orthodox Church and with other Christian denominations and religions. He has also been a strong advocate for human rights and social justice, particularly for the Coptic Christian community in Egypt. Pope Tawadros II has also been involved in various charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the establishment of a medical center for the poor and a program to provide housing for the homeless. In addition to his pastoral duties, Pope Tawadros II has authored several books on theology and spirituality, including “The Spiritual Life” and “The Life of Repentance and Purity.” He is also known for his emphasis on the importance of education and has established several schools and seminaries in Egypt. Overall, Pope Tawadros II is a highly respected spiritual leader and a prominent figure in the Coptic Orthodox Church, known for his humility, compassion, and dedication to serving others.
3 Top Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria Quotes
Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria Career Highlights
- Pope Tawadros II was born on November 4, 1952, in Mansoura, Egypt. He graduated from the University of Alexandria with a degree in pharmacy and worked as a pharmacist for several years before joining the Monastery of St. Pishoy in Wadi El Natrun in 1986.
- In 1988, he was ordained as a monk and given the name Theodoros El-Syriani. He then spent the next 12 years studying theology and Coptic language at the Monastery of St. Pishoy.
- In 1997, he was ordained as a priest and served in various roles within the Coptic Orthodox Church, including being the personal secretary to Pope Shenouda III, the previous Pope of Alexandria.
- On November 4, 2012, Pope Tawadros II was chosen as the 118th Pope of Alexandria and the Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, succeeding Pope Shenouda III who passed away earlier that year.
- As Pope, he has been actively involved in promoting interfaith dialogue and has met with leaders of different religious communities, including Pope Francis, the Dalai Lama, and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar.
- He has also been a strong advocate for the rights of Coptic Christians in Egypt and has worked towards improving their living conditions and protecting them from discrimination and persecution.
- In 2013, Pope Tawadros II established the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center, which aims to promote Coptic culture and heritage and educate people about the history and traditions of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
Key Contributions by Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria
- Pope Tawadros II has played a crucial role in promoting unity and peace among different religious communities in Egypt. He has actively worked towards building bridges between Christians and Muslims and has condemned acts of violence and extremism.
- He has also been a strong advocate for the rights of minorities in Egypt, including Coptic Christians, and has called for equal treatment and opportunities for all citizens.
- Under his leadership, the Coptic Orthodox Church has expanded its humanitarian efforts, providing aid and support to those in need, regardless of their religious affiliation.
- Pope Tawadros II has also been instrumental in modernizing the Coptic Orthodox Church, introducing new technologies and methods to reach a wider audience and engage with the younger generation.
What Sets Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria Apart
- Pope Tawadros II is the first Pope of Alexandria to be chosen through a democratic process, with the selection being made by a blindfolded child who randomly picked one of three names from a box.
- He is known for his humility and simplicity, often choosing to live a modest lifestyle and rejecting lavish ceremonies and titles.
- Pope Tawadros II is also a prolific writer and has published several books on theology, spirituality, and the history of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
Takeaways
- Pope Tawadros II is a highly respected and influential religious leader, not just within the Coptic Orthodox Church but also in the wider Christian community.
- He is known for his strong leadership, dedication to his faith, and efforts towards promoting unity and peace.
- His contributions to the Coptic Orthodox Church and the wider society have been significant, and he continues to inspire and guide his followers with his teachings and actions.