Bishop of Alexandria | |
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Bishopric | |
Coptic | |
Incumbent: Pope Tawadros II Selected: 4 November 2012 |
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Province | Alexandria, Egypt, Pentapolis, Libya, Nubia, Sudan and all Africa |
Cathedral |
Saint Mark Cathedral in Alexandria Saint Mark Cathedral in Cairo |
First incumbent | Saint Mark |
Formation | 42 AD |
Website | Coptic Orthodox Church Network |
Papal styles of Pope Theodoros II |
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Reference style | His Most Blessed Beatitude and His Holiness |
Spoken style | Your Holiness |
Religious style | Pope and Patriarch |
The Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria is the leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria. A faith with ancient Christian roots in Egypt. The current holder of this position is Theodoros II or Tawadros II, who was selected as the 118th pope on November 4, 2012.
Following the traditions of the church, the pope is chairman and head of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria as a first among equals. This organization is the highest authority in the Church of Alexandria, which has between 12 and 18 million members worldwide, 10 to 14 million of whom are in Egypt. It formulates the rules and regulations regarding matters of the church's organization, faith, and order. The pope is also the chairman of the church's General Congregation Council.
Although historically associated with the city of Alexandria. The residence and Seat of the Coptic Orthodox Pope of Alexandria has been located in Cairo since 1047. The pope is currently established in Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, inside a compound which includes the Patriarchal Palace, with an additional residence at the Monastery of Saint Pishoy.
After the death of Shenouda III on March 17, 2012 the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church voted. The names of the three candidates who received most votes were put in a glass chalice. The name then picked became the new Patriarch of Alexandria. It is believed the name is picked by 'Divine Choice', by a blindfolded boy. He is believed to be guided by the hand of God.