To the faithful people of the Coptic Church in Egypt and throughout the world, our beloved in the Lord: grace and peace from on high.

The world’s heart stopped briefly in mourning as we all learned the sad news that His Holiness Pope Shenouda III fell asleep in the Lord. Yet, we do not mourn without consolation or hope (1 Thess. 4.13). For, Pope Shenouda left behind a legacy for all people and all ages.

He was a genuine pope inasmuch as he was spiritual father and loving pastor to so many in difficult circumstances over the 40 years that he led the Coptic Church, developing his local congregation into a united communion while at the same time expanding his church in the Western world, especially North America and Australia. He was an educated leader and theological mentor, informing his flock while at the same time seeking reconciliation with sister Orthodox Churches.

Together with all Egyptians, the Episcopal / Anglican Church of Egypt mourns the loss of Pope Shenouda III, the Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church. Pope Shenouda passed away yesterday (Saturday 17 March) at the age of 89 and 41 years after his enthronement as the 117th Patriarch of Alexandria.

Please find attached in the PDF file below an obituary for Pope Shenouda III from the Most Rev. Dr. Mouneer Anis.

His Grace Bishop Serapion received a letter of condolences from the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego for the departure of the thrice-blessed Pope Shenouda III. A similar letter was also sent to the priests of St. Demiana Coptic Orthodox Church in San Diego.

You may read the letter at this link.

A Message from Metropolitan PHILIP, Primate

Metropolitan of New York and All North America

With much sadness and sorrow, we have received the news of the falling asleep of His Holiness Patriarch and Pope Shenouda III, Pope of Alexandria, and Patriarch of the Seat of St. Mark.

His passing on to eternal life is an enormous loss not only for the Coptic Church, but also for the Church as a whole, especially since he believed in dialogue and held relentless and unwavering positions with regard to sensitive issues.