His Holiness Pope Tawadros II

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, born on November 4, 1952, in Mansoura City, is a distinguished figure in the religious and academic community. He completed his education at the University of Alexandria, earning a degree from the Faculty of Pharmacy in 1975. Subsequently, he embarked on a professional career, holding a managerial position at a pharmaceutical factory in Damanhur. In 1985, His Holiness augmented his academic credentials by obtaining a fellowship in world health from England, and in the same year, he was awarded a Bachelor's degree in Theology from the Theological College in Alexandria.

 

His spiritual journey deepened in 1986 when he joined the St. Bishoy Monastery. He took his monastic vows in 1988, adopting the name Theodor El-Anba Bishoy. His ordination as a priest occurred in 1989, and he subsequently dedicated his service in Damanhour from 1990 to 1997 under the guidance of His Eminence Metropolitan Bakhomious of Al-Beheira. On June 15, 1997, he was elevated to the rank of General Bishop, serving as an Assistant Bishop to Metropolitan Bakhomious.

 

Apart from his ecclesiastical responsibilities, His Holiness is an accomplished author, having penned 12 books on Christian Theology. A significant milestone in his spiritual journey was reached on November 4, 2012, coinciding with his 60th birthday. On this day, by divine selection through the Altar Ballot, he was chosen as the 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark. His formal enthronement occurred on November 18, 2012.

 

In September 2017, His Holiness embarked on a landmark inaugural visit to Australia, where he bestowed his blessings upon the Diocese, marking a significant event in the history of our Diocese.