Fr Mansa Yohanna
In this issue, we present a great ecclesiastical preacher. He was not only one of the most famous preachers of Upper Egypt in his time but also a blessing to the entire ministry of preaching. Who among the people did not benefit from him?! Even those who missed the chance to hear his sermons certainly benefited from his many writings.
Fr. Mansa Yohanna
(Born in 1899 and departed on May 16, 1930)
He was a young man, fatherless from childhood, from the city of Mallawi. He applied to the Theological Seminary when he was only sixteen years old. The director hesitated at first to accept him, but once he joined, he quickly proved his remarkable brilliance and became admired by all.
He was an avid reader to an extraordinary degree, managing to absorb hundreds of books while still in his youth.
He obtained his seminary diploma in 1920 at the age of twenty-one. He then lived only ten more years in service—half of them as a priest—and rested in the Lord at the young age of thirty-one.
It was a short life, yet rich and fruitful, filled with achievements that even elders could not match.
Deacon Mansa was appointed as a preacher at the Church of Mallawi. He continued his ministry there throughout his life, despite receiving numerous offers from bishops and congregations in other cities who had come to love him whenever he visited to preach.
He reminds us of the small town of Hippo, which became the center of ministry for the great Saint Augustine; and the obscure town of Nazianzus, where Saint Gregory the Theologian served; and the diocese of Nyssa, the see of Saint Gregory, brother of Saint Basil the Great. The fame of a man does not come from the greatness of the place in which he serves; rather, the fame of a place may come from the greatness of the servant who ministers there.
The people of Mallawi were deeply attached to their preacher, Deacon Mansa. When the people of Samalout admired him and wished to transfer him to their town, the people of Mallawi protested and went to their bishop (the former one), who calmed them and agreed that they should keep their beloved preacher.
In January 1925, Mansa Yohanna was ordained a priest for the Church of Mallawi—a memorable day in which the whole city participated, regardless of denomination.
Fr. Mansa lived an active life of spreading the Word of God in a spiritual and appealing way that won everyone’s love—even the non-Orthodox, who mourned his departure deeply. The secretary of the Synod sent a heartfelt letter of condolence to his brother. Fr. Mansa was also greatly loved by Muslims, who eagerly volunteered to carry his coffin on the day of his passing. He was active in the national movement as well, being known as the eloquent orator of Mallawi.
So devoted was he to the ministry of preaching that he formed an association with fellow priests and preachers from neighboring towns, organizing gatherings where they exchanged sermons in various churches. This spiritual revival had a profound effect.
His activity was not limited to preaching; he was also a writer. He published many spiritual studies and articles in newspapers and magazines, and he founded the magazine Al-Firdous, which he edited and managed himself.
During his short ministry, he produced a great number of spiritual, historical, and theological books that gained wide recognition in the Church. He could not publish them all during his lifetime, so shortly before his death, he wrote a letter entrusting his friend, the reverend Fr. Ibrahim Louka, to publish the remaining works and dedicate their proceeds to a charitable project. The Association of Love made great efforts in this matter and deserves thanks for it.
Among his well-known spiritual books are The Way to Heaven, Jesus the Crucified, and The Costly Perfume Jar. His theological and doctrinal works include The Perfection of Proof by Athanasius, The Sun of Righteousness, and The True Evidence of the Influence of the Christian Faith. Among his Biblical writings are The Life of Adam, Solving the Problems of the Bible, and The Bright Light: A Guide to the Holy Bible. His historical works include The History of the Coptic Church, The History of the Triumph of Christianity, and The History of John Chrysostom.
Finally, Fr. Mansa knew the day of his departure. On May 16, 1930, he told those around him, “I shall die tonight; please pray over me in Mallawi and bury me in Hour.” And that night, he rested in peace.
(Article by His Grace Bishop Shenouda, Bishop of Education – Al-Keraza Magazine, Year 1, Issue 5, June 1965)
For better translation support, please contact the center.
