Address by His Holiness Pope Shenouda on the second anniversary of the passing of Father Michael Ibrahim
The biography of Father Mikhail Ibrahim presents a living image of the faithful priest who lived the heavenly life with deep inner joy and true humility, becoming a quiet light touching the hearts of many without noise or outward appearance. He was an example of the Coptic Orthodox priest who connects ministry with love, repentance, and complete dependence on the work of God.
His Upbringing and Early Life
Father Mikhail grew up in the embrace of the Church from his childhood, so his heart became filled with the love of God and service. Although he worked for many years in various governmental jobs, he remained attached to the spiritual life until God called him to the priesthood in his hometown Kafr Abdu.
His Priestly Ministry
His ministry was characterized by simplicity, humility, and dependence on hidden giving. He abolished the traditional collection of donations and canceled the fees for church services so that the ministry would be free and filled with the love of Christ. Therefore, the people loved him and gathered around him, and he became a reason for the return of many to the life of repentance and confession.
The Spirit of Fatherhood and Love
He carried the heart of a true father, caring for every person and every home, and leading people with the spirit of the Gospel and not with the spirit of authority. He attracted many to a sincere spiritual life through his humility, meekness, and deep prayers.
Enduring Affliction and Withdrawing Quietly
When he was exposed to resistance from his partner in service, he did not enter into conflict or quarrel, but withdrew quietly and humbly to Cairo, leaving the matter to God. There he continued praying with tears for his people, then God used him in the service of the Church of Mar Mina in Old Cairo to become a blessing to many.
God’s Dealings with Him
The mentioned stories reveal the depth of his relationship with God and the life of prayer that he lived, until he became able to feel God’s work and guidance clearly. The story of his son Dr. Ibrahim also showed his deep faith in eternal life and his spiritual fellowship with the heavenly ones, as he dealt with the departure of his son with a spirit of hope and peace.
The Spiritual Message
Father Mikhail Ibrahim left a living example of the priest who lives the Gospel truthfully, leading people to Christ through love, meekness, and prayer. His biography confirms that true holiness appears in humility, hidden service, and complete trust in God.
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