His Holiness Pope Shenouda is a prominent figure of the Coptic Church. The accomplishments and fruits of his patriarchate has brought the Coptic Church into a new level of contemporary spirituality. Many Christians have considered the Copts the "lost" minority of Egypt. Through the work of Pope Shenouda, God has given this lost minority great grace.

Since his childhood, Nazir Gayed led a simple life of prayer and spirituality. In 1947, Nazir graduated from the University of Cairo and began his Sunday School service. He then graduated from Anba Reweis Theological College in 1949 and joined the teaching staff in 1950. In 1954, through his love for monasticism, Nazir entered the Monastery of the Virgin, Dayr El-Sourian as Fr. Antonious El-Souriany.

Fr. Antonios was chosen as Pope Cyril VI's private secretary. In 1962, Fr. Antonios was ordained Bishop Shenouda, Bishop of Religious Education. It was during this time that his writings and knowledge of the Bible showed its fruit. He founded El-Keraza Arabic magazine in 1965.

On October 31, 1971, Bishop Shenouda was chosen as the successor of Pope Cyril VI by altar ballot. On November 14, he was enthroned as Pope of Alexandria and the 117th Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark. May God keep our patriarch for many years.

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How The Coptic Church has grown so much under Pope Shenouda:

• The first Meeting of the Holy Coptic Synod in 1974 had about 20 bishops. Pope Shenouda has responded to the needs of the growing Coptic Church. Today, there are 75 bishops in the Holy Coptic Synod.

• In the 1970's there were three churches in North America. Under the papacy of Pope Shenouda, hundreds of churches have been established in North America, Australia, Europe, Africa and many other parts of the world.

• Pope Shenouda has established theological colleges in Los Angeles, New Jersey, Australia and several within Egypt. He has personally given lectures at these colleges.

• Pope Shenouda has established the first Coptic schools outside of Egypt in Victoria and NSW, Australia.

• Because of his love for monasticism, Pope Shenouda has revived the monastic movement of Egypt. He has consecrated hundreds of monks, rebuilt old monasteries and established new monasteries.

• Since 1965, Pope Shenouda has been Editor-in-Chief for El-Keraza magazine. He is also Editor-in-Chief for the English El-Keraza magazine where he writes exclusive articles in every issue.

• Pope Shenouda has writen over 70 books in Arabic which have been translated in English, French, German and Italian.

• Pope Shenouda has received several honorary degrees from major universities around the world.

• He has initiated and encouraged official and unofficial dialogues with the Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican and Evangelical Churches.

• He has been elected as one of the presidents of the World Council of Churches.

• Because of his fatherly love, Pope Shenouda conducts a weekly Wednesday sermon where thousands of people attend.

• Pope Shenouda is the only Coptic patriarch who has made the Myron oil three times. The Myron oil, is the holy oil used to consecrate altars, churches and icons. It is also used for the Sacrament of Baptism. In the whole history of the Coptic church, the myron oil has been made 20 times.

His Holiness has not stopped working. As a result, God has blessed the Coptic Church. May God preserve the life of our holy father.