The Church of Alexandria
The Status of the Church of Alexandria in Church History
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III affirms that the Church of Alexandria holds a unique place in Christian history. It was mentioned first in the sixth canon of the Council of Nicaea before all other churches, and its bishop had authority over the churches of Egypt, Libya, and Nubia. The Alexandrian Church was known for its theological glory and leadership in the Ecumenical Councils — St. Athanasius of Alexandria led the discussions in Nicaea and refuted the Arian heresy, while St. Cyril the Great fought Nestorius, and his anathemas became church canons.
The Alexandrian Church and Monasticism
It is the mother of monasticism in the world, founded by St. Anthony the Great, while St. Pachomius set the monastic rules. From Egypt, monasticism spread worldwide; St. Basil the Great and the Benedictine fathers were influenced by the Egyptian model.
The Founder: St. Mark the Apostle
St. Mark was of Jewish origin, born in Libya, related to Peter and Barnabas. He served with both apostles and founded the Church of Alexandria after preaching in Libya. His house in Jerusalem was the first church in history and the place of the Last Supper and Pentecost; thus, he was called “the beholder of God.” He wrote his Gospel inspired by the Holy Spirit, not as anyone’s translator.
The Theological School of Alexandria
Founded by St. Mark to face the pagan school in the city, it became a beacon of faith and wisdom, producing great patriarchs and saints such as Clement of Alexandria, Origen, and Didymus the Blind. It focused on apologetics and allegorical interpretation of Scripture. The Pope of Alexandria was called “Judge of the Ecumene” because many bishops worldwide were his students.
The See of St. Mark and its History
The papal seat was first in Alexandria until the 11th century, then moved to Cairo, and finally to Anba Rewis in 1971 under Pope Shenouda III. Since St. Mark, many patriarchs have sat on this throne; the longest-serving was Pope Cyril V (52 years and 9 months).
Sources of Papal Selection
In early times, patriarchs were chosen from scholars or the theological school’s teachers; later, from monks after the 7th century. The most common monasteries for papal elections were: Anba Macarius, Baramous, Anba Antonios, Al-Muharraq, and the Syrian Monastery. From Alexandrian monasticism, spiritual leadership traditions spread across the world.
General Spiritual Message
His Holiness emphasizes that the Church of Alexandria has always been a beacon of true faith, deep theology, and genuine monasticism. It is the Church of martyrs and teachers, uniting mind and spirit, knowledge and holiness, and remains the living heart of Christianity in both East and West.
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