كان قوي الشخصية ولا يرهب إنساناً، أحب ديره وأخلص له وعمل من أجله، وعندما صار وكيلاً للدير كان يخرج ليلاً ليراقب الخفر حتى لا يناموا أثناء حراستهم! وحتى الآن لازلنا نتعزى بصوته الجميل وأدائه المميز في القدّاس، فقد جمع بين العمل الإداري الناجح والحياة الروحية النقية.. إنّه الأنبا إسطفانوس مطران أمدرمان وربيب الدير المحرق وأحد رهبانه الأقوياء.
الميـــلاد
فى يوم (22/2/1925م) وُلِدَ بخيت بمدينة جهينة بمحافظة سوهاج، ورغم غنى والده فاكيوس إلاَّ أنّه أدرك منذ طفولته أنّ مملكة المسيح ليست من هذا العالم، ولذلك عاش في الكنيسة ينهل من تعاليمها، مداوماً على صلواتها، وشغوفاً بألحانها وطقوسها، فقام الأنبا مرقس مطران أبوتيج بسيامته شماساً في سن الخامسة عشرة لينمو أكثر في النعمة والمعرفة، ولكم أن تتخيلوا طفلاً بريئاً يترك عمله بالزراعة، ويعمل في النسيج حتى يجد الوقت الكافي للصلاة وللذهاب إلى الكنيسة!
الهروب إلى الدير المحرق
سنوات تمر.. بين العمل والصلاة وحفظ الألحان، وعندما وصل بخيت إلى سن الثامنة عشرة، أراد أن يغرد في سماء الرهبنة، وهو الذي وهبه الله صوتاً ملائكياً وموهبة فريدة في حفظ الألحان، فرفض أب اعترافه القمص جرجس سعيد وانتهره بشدة، فلم يستجب لمشورته وهرب إلى الدير المحرق عام (1943م)، فذهب إليه القمص جرجس وأعاده إلى البيت! وبعد عام تكرر الهروب فذهب أب اعترافه مع والده إلى الدير فعاد معهما.
وفي المرة الثالثة (1945م) هرب إلى أخميم مع زميله جميل للتمويه، على أن يقضيا أسبوعاً ثم يذهبا بعده إلى الدير المحرق، فسبقه أخوه الأكبر عزيز إلى الدير وتقابل مع وكيل الدير وطلب منه عدم السماح للشابين أن يمكثا في الدير إلاَّ بموافقة والديهما، وعندما وصل بخيت فوجيء برفض رئيس الدير قبولهما.
الدعوة إلى الرهبنة
ظل بخيت عامين يقاوم أسرته، مرة يتمرد على العمل وأخرى يعتزلهم ويجلس في العراء، ولكن دون جدوى، فقد نسي أنّ " لِكُلِّ أَمْرٍ تَحْتَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَقْتٌ " (جا1:3) ولذلك عندما أراد الله أن يذهب إلى الدير، حلم أخوه الأكبر عزيز بأنّ بخيت بصحبة مجموعة من رجال الشرطة بزيهم المعروف ورتبهم وسلاحهم، وكان فرحاً فى وسطهم، فحاول أن يأخذه من بينهم فلم يستطع، وحاول مرة تلو الأخرى ففشل من شدة دفاع رجال الشرطة عنه وحمايتهم له، وفي الصباح روى عزيز للقمص جرجس ما حدث، فأعلمه أنّ هذه دعوة رهبانية، فعارضت الأسرة فتضايق منهم، فمرض أخوه عزيز وتقيأ دماً من جوفه، ففزعوا من هول المنظر، وعندما طلب أخوه الأصغر سعيد أن يتركوه ليذهب إلى الدير لطمه أخوه لبيب على وجهه، فتقيأ دماً! فتركوه يذهب للدير فخرج ولم ينتظر رجوع والده من الحقل!
الرهبنــة
انطلق طالب الرهبنة بخيت في الدير، مصغياً لتعاليم الآباء الشـيوخ ومنصتـاً لخبرتهم، متأملاً فـي الكتـاب المقـدّس، مواظبـاً عـلى حضور الكنيسة، مصلياً في القلاية، فرشحوه للرهبنة فسيم بيد القمص أثناسيوس عوض رئيس الدير المحرق (1946 -1947م) في (23/2/1947م) باسم: الراهب أغابيوس المحرقي، وهو اسم يوناني يُكتب في اللغة القبطية (Agabioc) ومعناه: حبيب.
وبعد الرهبنة بمدة قصيره نال نعمة الكهنوت، ثم القمصية، فأدرك أنّ الألحان ليست كافية للراهب، فهناك علوم كنسية أخرى لابد أن يكون ملمّاً بها، والدراسة المنظمة أكثر فائدة للراهب فدرس بمدرسة الرهبان بالدير المحرق، ثم ذهب للدراسة بمدرسة الرهبان اللاهوتية بحلوان عام (1951م)، وتخرّج في (1956م)، وأثناء الدراسة خدم في عدة كنائس بالقاهرة والإسكندرية..
الألحان في حياة القمص أغابيوس
كان القمص أغابيوس قد أحب الحياة الكنسية قبل الرهبنة، واهتم بالألحان اهتماماً خاصاً، وعندما دخل الدير المحرق كان ينهل من هذا النبع العذب دون شبع، خاصة أنّ الدير المحرق كان رائداً في الطقوس والألحان الكنسية، نظراً لوجود مدرسة لتعليم الرهبان، ومرتلين كثيرين يقيمون بالدير يصلون ويسلّمون الألحان للرهبان وطلبة الرهبنة.
وعندما دخلت الدير وسمعت لأول مرة، صلاة الصلح الكيرلسي بصوت الأنبا إسطفانوس عندما زار الدير وصلى قداساً مع خورس الكلية الإكليريكية يوم (26/10/1984م) بكنيسة مارجرجس، تعزيت بها وتسلمتها من أحد الآباء.
علاقته بالبابا كيرلس السادس
بعد البابا يوساب رُشّحَ ثلاثة قمامصة للكرسي البابوي: دميان المحرقي، أنجيلوس المحرقي، ومينا البرموسي، وساند القمص أغابيوس القمص دميان لروحانيته وحكمته وعِلمه وهيبته.. وحصل القمص دميان على أعلى الأصوات إلاَّ أنّ القرعة اختارت القمص مينا ليكون بطريركاً، لكنه لم يتخذ موقفاً عدائياً من القمص أغابيوس، بل بروحانية القدّيسين طلب منه أن يتولى الخدمة فى كنيسة مارمينا بمصر القديمة خلفاً له، فبدأ خدمته وتوطدت العلاقة بينه وبين البابا كيرلس أكثر، فعينه وكيلاً للدير المحرق عام (1962م)، لكي يعمل مع القمص قزمان رئيس الدير.
الأسقفية
كان الأنبا باخوميوس مطران أمدرمان قد تنيح، فعرض البابا كيرلس على القمص أغابيوس سيامته على كرسي أمدرمان، لكنّه بكل حب اعتذر وطلب من قداسته أن يقوم بسيامة صديقه القمص دميان، فوافق البابا وأسماه: الأنبا توماس، الذي يعني التوأم إعلاناً على عمق العلاقة والمحبة التى ربطت القمص أغابيوس والقمص دميان، وعندما حاول الأنبا توماس أن يأخذ معه القمص أغابيوس ليساعده في الخدمة، رفض وبقى كما هو في خدمة كنيسة مارمينا.
أربع سنوات مضت على سيامة الأنبا توماس، على كرسي النوبة وعطبرة وأمدرمان وشمال السودان تنيح بعدها، فلم يجد البابا كيرلس أفضل من القمص أغابيوس لكي يخلف توأمه الروحي فتمت السيامة في (29/9/1963م) باسم: الأنبا إسطفانوس (Ectevanoc) وهو اسم يوناني معناه: تاج، ورقي مطراناً في (26/9/1966م).
خدمات كثيرة
اتسم الأنبا إسطفانوس بالحزم الأبوي والبساطة والحكمة والإدارة.. وقام بانجازات كثيرة، فبنى كنيسة لشفيعه مارمينا، وأقام القدّاسات اليومية حتى ولو كان بمفرده، دون وجود كاهن يشترك معه، إيماناً منه بأنّ الصلاة هي مفتاح السماء لاستمطار مراحم الرب على شعبه، وأجهد نفسه فى الافتقاد والخدمة والوعظ والتعليم...
وأنشأ فصولاً لتحفيظ الألحان والتسبحة وتعليم اللغة القبطية.. كما اهتم باحتياجات الشعب الاجتماعية والثقافية والصحية.. فأسس خدمة للفقراء، ومدارس من الحضانة حتى المرحلة الثانوية، ودار مارمرقص للأيتام، وأندية بأمدرمان وعطبرة وبورسودان، وقد أصدر مجلة الينبوع الحي أشرف على تحريرها، واشترى مطبعة بنفس الاسم، لتخدم احتياجات الكنائس بالسودان من الكتب الطقسية كالخولاجي والأجبية والترانيم.. وبنى مستشفيات بأمدرمان وعطبرة للعناية باحتياجات شعبه الصحية، وأنشأ مركزاً لتدريب الشباب على الآلة الكاتبة والكمبيوتر، ومشغلاً لتعليم الخياطة والتطريز.
وبنى مبنى خاصاً للمكرسات ملحقاً بالمطرانية، واعتنى بإنشاء أوقاف لكل كنيسة من الأراضي والعقارات.. حتى يكون للكنائس مصدر دخل للخدمات والعاملين بها ولا يعتمدون على التبرعات، وهي فكرة تشهد لعمق حكمته واهتمامه بالخدمة والمخدومين فى كل الإيبارشية، وقد قام ببناء كنيسة على اسم مارمينا شفيعه، وهكذا قدم نفسه مثلاً لشعبه فى كل شيء مردداً مع بولس الرسول: " لأَنَّنَا صِرْنَا مَنْظَراً لِلْعَالَمِ لِلْمَلاَئِكَةِ وَالنَّاسِ" (1كو4 :9).
نياحـته
استمرت معاناة الأنبا إسطفانوس المرض.. وعندما قال: هسافر أول الصوم .. لن أصوم معكم هذه السنة.. تألم الشعب وقد كان! ففي عيد شفيعه مارمينا يوم (24/11/1992م) فاضت روحه الطاهرة لتحملها الملائكة إلى الفردوس، وقد كان موكب نيافته مهيباً، حضره جمع غفير من الناس بكافة طوائفهم، ووفد من قِبل البابا شنودة الثالث للصلاة على الجسد، وفى الساعة الثامنة وأربعون دقيقة توقفت الساعة الموضوعة على حائط الهيكل، بمجرد وضع الصندوق فى مدفنه، لتعلن عن نهاية رحلة الغربة فى هذا العالم الفاني، لتبدأ قصة جديدة لشفيع في السماء.
أحداث تمجد الله بعد نياحته
+ روت السيّدة فادية قيصر متى المقيمة بوَدْ مَدَنِي بالسودان قائلة: كان كيرلس ابني يعاني من ألم شديد في عينيه يزداد أثناء الدراسة، فذهبنا به إلى اثنين من كِبار الأطباء ولكن دون جدوى، فعرضناه في الخرطوم على طبيبين ولكن ظل الحال كما هو، فصلّينا لرب المجد يسوع طالبين شفاعة القدّيسة مريم والأنبا إسطفانوس الذي كنت أقرأ معجزاته، وأتشفع به أن يشفي ابني، وفي يوم أخذت منديلاً وذهبت للمزار ووضعته على جسد القدّيس وطلبت شفاعته، ثم مسحت عيني كيرلس بالمنديل، وفي لمح البصر زال الألم من عينيه وشُفي وصار يقرأ بلا ألم! ففرحنا ومجدنا الرب.
+ كانت فتاة يتسلط عليها روح نجس، ذهبت إلى أبينا أنطونيوس فاكيوس شقيق الأنبا إسطفانوس، فطلب منها أن تمكث بالمزار، فباتت الأم والابنه المعذبة، وعند الساعة الثالثة صباحاً استيقظت الفتاة والأم نائمة، وفجأة ترأى لها الأنبا إسطفانوس كأنّه خارج من الصورة الموجودة بالمزار، وتقدم نحو الفتاة وهو يطرق بعصا الرعايه على الأرض، وعندما وقف أمامها قال بصوت جهوري: اُخرج منها بقوة المسيح، فبدأت تصرخ، فكرر القول فخرج منها الشيطان على شكل ثعبان واتجه إلى خارج المزار!
+ اسمي عايدة متري بسيّدني بأستراليا، عرفت الأنبا إسطفانوس عن طريق صديقة أرسلت لي سيرته وكنت أعاني من آلام في ركبتي، وقرر الأطباء إجراء عملية تغيير مفصل، فصليت بدموع وطلبت من الله الشفاء، وتشفعت بأم النور وقدّيسنا العظيم الأنبا إسطفانوس، وكانت الاستجابة سريعة من الله وتم الشفاء!
He possessed a strong personality and feared no man. He loved his monastery, was deeply loyal to it, and labored tirelessly for its sake. When he became the monastic vicar, he used to go out at night to inspect the watchmen to ensure they did not fall asleep during their shifts! To this day, we are still comforted by his beautiful voice and his exceptional performance during the Divine Liturgy; he perfectly combined successful administrative work with a pure spiritual life. He is Anba Estefanos, Metropolitan of Omdurman, a son of Al-Muharraq Monastery, and one of its formidable monks.
💙 Birth
On February 22, 1925, "Bakhit" was born in the city of Juhayna, Sohag Governorate. Despite the wealth of his father, "Fakyous," he realized from childhood that Christ’s kingdom is not of this world. Consequently, he lived within the Church, drawing from its teachings, persisting in its prayers, and becoming passionate about its hymns and rituals. Anba Mark, Metropolitan of Abu Tig, ordained him as a deacon at the age of fifteen to grow further in grace and knowledge. Imagine an innocent child leaving agricultural work to labor in weaving just to find sufficient time for prayer and going to church!
On February 22, 1925, "Bakhit" was born in the city of Juhayna, Sohag Governorate. Despite the wealth of his father, "Fakyous," he realized from childhood that Christ’s kingdom is not of this world. Consequently, he lived within the Church, drawing from its teachings, persisting in its prayers, and becoming passionate about its hymns and rituals. Anba Mark, Metropolitan of Abu Tig, ordained him as a deacon at the age of fifteen to grow further in grace and knowledge. Imagine an innocent child leaving agricultural work to labor in weaving just to find sufficient time for prayer and going to church!
❤️ Fleeing to Al-Muharraq Monastery
Years passed between labor, prayer, and memorizing hymns. When Bakhit reached the age of eighteen, he desired to soar in the skies of monasticism—having been endowed by God with an angelic voice and a unique talent for memorizing chants. However, his confession father, Hegumen Girgis Said, refused his request and rebuked him harshly. Disregarding this counsel, Bakhit fled to Al-Muharraq Monastery in 1943. Hegumen Girgis went after him and brought him back home! A year later, he fled again, and his confession father went with his father to the monastery, returning him once more.
Years passed between labor, prayer, and memorizing hymns. When Bakhit reached the age of eighteen, he desired to soar in the skies of monasticism—having been endowed by God with an angelic voice and a unique talent for memorizing chants. However, his confession father, Hegumen Girgis Said, refused his request and rebuked him harshly. Disregarding this counsel, Bakhit fled to Al-Muharraq Monastery in 1943. Hegumen Girgis went after him and brought him back home! A year later, he fled again, and his confession father went with his father to the monastery, returning him once more.
On his third attempt in 1945, he fled to Akhmim with his companion "Jamil" as a diversion, planning to spend a week there before heading to Al-Muharraq Monastery. His older brother, "Aziz," preceded him to the monastery, met with the vicar, and requested that the two young men not be allowed to stay without their parents' consent. When Bakhit arrived, he was surprised by the Abbot's refusal to accept them.
💜 The Monastic Calling
For two years, Bakhit resisted his family, at times rebelling against work and at others isolating himself to sit in the open fields, but to no avail. He had forgotten that "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Thus, when God willed for him to go to the monastery, his older brother Aziz had a dream: he saw Bakhit accompanied by a group of police officers in full uniform, ranks, and weapons, and Bakhit was joyful among them. Aziz tried to pull him away but could not; he tried repeatedly but failed due to the fierce defense and protection the officers provided.
For two years, Bakhit resisted his family, at times rebelling against work and at others isolating himself to sit in the open fields, but to no avail. He had forgotten that "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Thus, when God willed for him to go to the monastery, his older brother Aziz had a dream: he saw Bakhit accompanied by a group of police officers in full uniform, ranks, and weapons, and Bakhit was joyful among them. Aziz tried to pull him away but could not; he tried repeatedly but failed due to the fierce defense and protection the officers provided.
In the morning, Aziz related the dream to Hegumen Girgis, who informed him that this was a divine monastic calling. When the family still objected, creating distress, Aziz fell ill and vomited blood from his chest, terrifying them with the horror of the sight. When their younger brother, Said, asked them to let Bakhit go to the monastery, their brother Labib slapped him on the face, and Said also vomited blood! Realizing it was God's absolute will, they finally relented, and Bakhit rushed out to the monastery without even waiting for his father to return from the field!
💚 Monasticism
The monastic postulant, Bakhit, immersed himself in the monastery, listening to the teachings of the elder fathers, absorbing their experience, meditating on the Holy Scriptures, regularly attending church services, and praying in his cell. The fathers nominated him for monasticism, and he was tonsured by the hands of Hegumen Athanasius Awad, Abbot of Al-Muharraq Monastery (1946–1947), on February 23, 1947, under the name: Monk Agabios El-Moharraqi. This Greek name is written in Coptic as
The monastic postulant, Bakhit, immersed himself in the monastery, listening to the teachings of the elder fathers, absorbing their experience, meditating on the Holy Scriptures, regularly attending church services, and praying in his cell. The fathers nominated him for monasticism, and he was tonsured by the hands of Hegumen Athanasius Awad, Abbot of Al-Muharraq Monastery (1946–1947), on February 23, 1947, under the name: Monk Agabios El-Moharraqi. This Greek name is written in Coptic as
Agabios, meaning "Beloved."Shortly after his monastic ordination, he received the grace of the priesthood and was later elevated to Hegumen. He realized that hymns alone were not enough for a monk; there were other ecclesiastical sciences he needed to master, and organized study would be far more beneficial. He studied at the Monks' School in Al-Muharraq Monastery, then proceeded to study at the Theological Monks' School in Helwan in 1951, graduating in 1956. During his studies, he served in several churches across Cairo and Alexandria.
🤎 Hymns in the Life of Hegumen Agabios
Hegumen Agabios had loved church life prior to monasticism, dedicating special attention to liturgical chants. When he entered Al-Muharraq Monastery, he drank unsatiated from this sweet fountain, especially since Al-Muharraq Monastery was a pioneer in ecclesiastical rites and hymns due to its dedicated school for monks and the presence of numerous cantors residing there to pray and pass down the chants.
(The biographer notes: When I first entered the monastery and heard the St. Cyril Reconciliation Prayer chanted by Anba Estefanos—during his visit to the monastery where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy with the Theological Seminary choir on October 26, 1984, at St. George Church—I was deeply comforted and received it from one of the fathers).
Hegumen Agabios had loved church life prior to monasticism, dedicating special attention to liturgical chants. When he entered Al-Muharraq Monastery, he drank unsatiated from this sweet fountain, especially since Al-Muharraq Monastery was a pioneer in ecclesiastical rites and hymns due to its dedicated school for monks and the presence of numerous cantors residing there to pray and pass down the chants.
(The biographer notes: When I first entered the monastery and heard the St. Cyril Reconciliation Prayer chanted by Anba Estefanos—during his visit to the monastery where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy with the Theological Seminary choir on October 26, 1984, at St. George Church—I was deeply comforted and received it from one of the fathers).
🔬 His Relationship with Pope Cyrillos VI
Following the departure of Pope Yousab, three hegumens were nominated for the Papal Throne: Damian El-Moharraqi, Angelos El-Moharraqi, and Mina El-Baramousy. Hegumen Agabios supported Hegumen Damian for his spirituality, wisdom, knowledge, and reverence. Although Hegumen Damian received the highest votes, the Altar Lot chose Hegumen Mina to become the Patriarch (Pope Cyrillos VI). However, the Pope held no hostility toward Hegumen Agabios; instead, with the spirituality of saints, he asked him to take over the service at St. Mina Church in Old Cairo to succeed him (where the Pope had served before his patriarchate). Thus his service began, and his relationship with Pope Cyrillos flourished, leading the Pope to appoint him as the Vicar of Al-Muharraq Monastery in 1962 to work alongside Hegumen Kozman, the Abbot.
Following the departure of Pope Yousab, three hegumens were nominated for the Papal Throne: Damian El-Moharraqi, Angelos El-Moharraqi, and Mina El-Baramousy. Hegumen Agabios supported Hegumen Damian for his spirituality, wisdom, knowledge, and reverence. Although Hegumen Damian received the highest votes, the Altar Lot chose Hegumen Mina to become the Patriarch (Pope Cyrillos VI). However, the Pope held no hostility toward Hegumen Agabios; instead, with the spirituality of saints, he asked him to take over the service at St. Mina Church in Old Cairo to succeed him (where the Pope had served before his patriarchate). Thus his service began, and his relationship with Pope Cyrillos flourished, leading the Pope to appoint him as the Vicar of Al-Muharraq Monastery in 1962 to work alongside Hegumen Kozman, the Abbot.
✝️ The Episcopate
Following the departure of Anba Pachomius, Metropolitan of Omdurman, Pope Cyrillos offered the see of Omdurman to Hegumen Agabios. However, with complete love, he excused himself and requested His Holiness to ordain his friend, Hegumen Damian. The Pope agreed and named him Anba Thomas—which means "The Twin"—signifying the depth of the relationship and love that bound Hegumen Agabios and Hegumen Damian. When Anba Thomas tried to take Hegumen Agabios with him to assist in the ministry, he declined and remained in the service of St. Mina Church.
Following the departure of Anba Pachomius, Metropolitan of Omdurman, Pope Cyrillos offered the see of Omdurman to Hegumen Agabios. However, with complete love, he excused himself and requested His Holiness to ordain his friend, Hegumen Damian. The Pope agreed and named him Anba Thomas—which means "The Twin"—signifying the depth of the relationship and love that bound Hegumen Agabios and Hegumen Damian. When Anba Thomas tried to take Hegumen Agabios with him to assist in the ministry, he declined and remained in the service of St. Mina Church.
Four years after the ordination of Anba Thomas over the see of Nubia, Atbara, Omdurman, and Northern Sudan, he departed to heaven. Pope Cyrillos found no one better than Hegumen Agabios to succeed his spiritual twin. He was ordained on September 29, 1963, under the name Anba Estefanos (
Estefanos), a Greek name meaning "Crown," and was later elevated to Metropolitan on September 26, 1966.🕊️ Abundant Ministries and Achievements
Anba Estefanos was characterized by paternal firmness, simplicity, wisdom, and exceptional administration. He accomplished many great deeds; he built a church named after his patron saint, St. Mina, and held daily Divine Liturgies even if he was entirely alone without a concelebrating priest, believing that prayer is the key to heaven to draw down the Lord's mercies upon His people. He poured himself into pastoral visitations, service, preaching, and education.
Anba Estefanos was characterized by paternal firmness, simplicity, wisdom, and exceptional administration. He accomplished many great deeds; he built a church named after his patron saint, St. Mina, and held daily Divine Liturgies even if he was entirely alone without a concelebrating priest, believing that prayer is the key to heaven to draw down the Lord's mercies upon His people. He poured himself into pastoral visitations, service, preaching, and education.
He established classes for memorizing hymns, praises, and teaching the Coptic language. He also attended to the social, cultural, and health needs of the people; he founded a service for the poor, built schools ranging from kindergarten to secondary levels, established the St. Mark Home for Orphans, and founded social clubs in Omdurman, Atbara, and Port Sudan. Furthermore, he launched the magazine "The Living Fountain," supervising its editing, and purchased a printing press of the same name to fulfill the Sudanese churches' needs for liturgical books like the Khawlaji (Liturgy Book), Agpeya (Book of Hours), and hymnals. He built hospitals in Omdurman and Atbara to care for his flock's health and established a center to train youth in typing and computer skills, alongside a workshop for sewing and embroidery.
He also constructed a dedicated building for consecrated deaconesses annexed to the Metropolitan headquarters. Wisely, he established endowments (Waqf) for every church consisting of lands and real estate so that the churches would have a stable source of income for their services and staff rather than relying solely on donations—a concept that testifies to his deep wisdom and care for the diocese. Thus, he set an example for his flock in everything, repeating with the Apostle Paul: "For we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men" (1 Corinthians 4:9).
🖤 Departure (Passing)
Anba Estefanos's suffering with illness prolonged. When he told his people, "I will travel at the beginning of the Fast... I will not fast with you this year," the congregation grieved deeply, and so it was! On the feast of his patron saint, St. Mina, on November 24, 1992, his pure soul departed, carried by angels to Paradise. His funeral procession was majestic, attended by a vast multitude from all walks of life, alongside a delegation sent by Pope Shenouda III to pray over his body. At exactly 8:40 PM, the clock mounted on the sanctuary wall stopped the moment the coffin was placed in his tomb, marking the end of his journey of exile in this fleeting world and the beginning of a new chapter for an intercessor in heaven.
Anba Estefanos's suffering with illness prolonged. When he told his people, "I will travel at the beginning of the Fast... I will not fast with you this year," the congregation grieved deeply, and so it was! On the feast of his patron saint, St. Mina, on November 24, 1992, his pure soul departed, carried by angels to Paradise. His funeral procession was majestic, attended by a vast multitude from all walks of life, alongside a delegation sent by Pope Shenouda III to pray over his body. At exactly 8:40 PM, the clock mounted on the sanctuary wall stopped the moment the coffin was placed in his tomb, marking the end of his journey of exile in this fleeting world and the beginning of a new chapter for an intercessor in heaven.
✨ Miracles Attributed to Him After His Passing
- The Healing of Child Kyrillos's Eyes: Mrs. Fadia Qaisar Matta, residing in Wad Madani, Sudan, recounted: My son Kyrillos suffered from severe pain in his eyes that worsened during his studies. We took him to senior doctors in Khartoum, but to no avail. We prayed to the Lord of Glory Jesus, seeking the intercession of the Virgin Mary and Anba Estefanos. One day, I took a handkerchief, went to his shrine, placed it on the saint's body, and asked for his prayers. I then wiped Kyrillos's eyes with the handkerchief, and in the blink of an eye, the pain vanished, and he was completely healed, reading without any pain! We rejoiced and glorified the Lord.
- Casting Out an Unclean Spirit: A young girl possessed by an unclean spirit was brought to Fr. Antonious Fakyous (Anba Estefanos's brother), who asked them to stay the night at the shrine. As the mother slept, the tormented girl woke up at 3:00 AM. Suddenly, Anba Estefanos appeared to her as though stepping out of his portrait in the shrine. He advanced toward the girl, striking his pastoral staff upon the ground. Standing before her, he commanded in a loud, commanding voice: "Come out of her by the power of Christ!" The girl began to scream, and as he repeated the command, the demon exited her in the form of a serpent and fled outside the shrine!
- The Healing of Aida's Knee: Aida Mitri from Sydney, Australia, states: I came to know Anba Estefanos through a friend who sent me his biography. I was suffering from severe knee pain, and doctors had decided on a total joint replacement surgery. I prayed with tears, asking God for healing through the intercession of the Mother of Light and our great saint, Anba Estefanos. God's response was swift, and I was completely healed without surgery!
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