The late Pope Macarius III

The late Pope Macarius III

He was born in El-Mahalla El-Kubra, Gharbia Governorate, on February 18, 1872. He became a monk at the Monastery of Saint Anba Bishoy in Wadi El-Natrun in 1888. He was distinguished by his skill in copying books and his beautiful handwriting, and he mastered the art of Coptic *Yota* (calligraphy). Pope Cyril V ordained him as an *Igumen* (Archpriest) and appointed him as his private secretary in 1895. He was subsequently appointed Metropolitan of Asyut on July 11, 1897. He was endorsed and became Patriarch on February 13, 1944. He passed away on August 30, 1945.