In the early hours of March 5th, 2021, the Coptic Church lost Bishop Anba Athanasius, beloved Bishop of Bani Mazar, and al-Bahnasa in El-Minya, located 250km south of Cairo.
“COPTICNN.com was saddened to learn of Bishop Anba Athanasius’s death, and we send heartfelt condolences to the diocese, the clergy, and the faithful congregations of Bani Mazar and al-Bahnasa in El-Minya, Egypt.” Coptic News Network Association | World Tributes.
In the early morning hours of March 5th, 2021, the Coptic Church lost Bishop Anba Athanasius, beloved Bishop of Bani Mazar, and al-Bahnasa in El-Minya, located 250km south of Cairo.
Bishop Anba Athanasius departed our world at age 73; he had been ailing for a long time. He is well known as a wise man famous for his exceptional gentleness, pure kindness, heavenly humbleness, great love, and thoughtful care, to the point that many in the congregation termed him “The Angel.”
The funeral was held in the afternoon of March 5th at Saint Mark’s church at Bani Mazar’s bishopric and was aired live on Coptic TV channels.
His Hoiness Pope Tawadros II mourned Bishop Anba Athanasius as “a meek, righteous soul” and prayed that he should forever rest In peace with the good faithful servants in the glory of Heaven. The Pope extended his condolences to all the clergy, deacons, Church servants, and Bani Mazar congregation.
His Holiness Pope Tawdross delegated Anba Pavnotius, Metropolitan of Samalout, to preside over the funeral service for Anba Athanasius.
The Pope was at the monastery of Anba Bishoy in Wadi al-Natroun in the Western Desert. He is attending the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church has held its first general meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions started back in March 2020. On March 6th, 2021, Pope Tawdross will be consecrating new bishops.
Many Coptic bishops and clergy took to social media to mourn Anba Athanasius and extend condolences to Bani Mazar’s congregation.
Across many social media users’ timelines are statements that show respect, admiration, and gratitude towards Bishop Athanasius as people mourn the passing.
COPTICNN.com was saddened to learn of Bishop Anba Athanasius’s death, and we send heartfelt condolences to the diocese, the clergy, and the faithful congregations of Bani Mazar and al-Bahnasa in El-Minya, Egypt. We recall Anba Athanasius’s generous and dedicated righteous ministry in the service of many in Egypt, Australia, and America. We join you in prayerful thanksgiving for his life and in commending his soul to the merciful love of God Our Father.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic resulting in local restraints on public and church gatherings to achieve social distancing, participation was restricted to a limited number. As many as 12 Coptic bishops participated in the service.
Minya Governor, Osama al-Qadi, attended the funeral with his Vice Governor Muhammad Mahmoud among many local government members and politicians.
He was laid out in the church for the congregation to glance at their departed beloved bishop and bid him farewell while the deacons chanted the Praise.
Tomorrow, March 6th, the diocese office will be open in the morning for official condolences. May the Lord Christ repose the soul of our dear and beloved Bishop Athanasius. A kindhearted servant of the Lord, who loved much and was respected by all. He will surely be missed by all who knew him and had a taste of his ministry that was full of love and sacrifice.
Who is Bishop Anba Athanasius?
Bishop Anba Athanasius was born Edward Adly Nessim in Ousim, Giza, in April 1948. He joined the Surian Monastery in Wadi al-Natroun in April 1975. And he accepted his vows there in May 1977 under the name Moussa al-Suriani. Bishop Athanasius was ordained a priest in January 1978 and archpriest in August 1980. Pope Shenouda III delegated him to serve the Coptic congregation in San Francisco and later in Sidney.
On September 9th, 2001, he was consecrated Bishop of Bani Mazar and was seated on October 13th, 2001.
Delivered to you by COPTICNN™ | Coptic News Network on 2021-03-05 from El-Minya, Egypt
COPTICNN™ | Coptic News Network & COPTICNN™ DIRECTORY | Christian Business Directory
Fair Use Notice:This internet web page contains copyrighted subject material the use of which has not at all times been specifically approved by the use of the copyright owner. We are making such subject material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, monetary, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, and so forth. We believe this constitutes an ‘honest use’ of this sort of copyrighted subject material as provided for in section 107 of the United States Copyright Law. Under Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this internet web page is distributed without receive advantages to those who have expressed a prior pastime in receiving the built-in wisdom for research and educational purposes.
For more information transfer to http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to have to make use of copyrighted subject material from this internet web page for purposes of your own that go beyond ‘honest use’, you’ll have to obtain permission from the copyright owner
