Books of the Coptic Orthodox Church

September 8, 2023 - Nasie 3, 1739

Commemoration of the Angel Raphael, the Archangel

On this day, the church celebrates the commemoration of the honorable Angel Raphael, the third of the Archangels, and the dedication of his church outside the city of Alexandria. During the time of Pope Theophilus, the twenty-third Patriarch, a faithful woman came from Rome, with her children and had with her a picture of the honorable Archangel Raphael. She had inherited much money from her husband. She revealed to the Pope her desire to build many churches. He showed her a large heap, which was in front of the patriarchate, which she removed and built a church in its place. Then she built another church in the name of the Angel Raphael, which was consecrated on this day. May The intercession of this honorable angel be with us. Amen.

Martyrdom of St. Andrianus

On this day also, St. Andrianus, one of the commanders of the army of the emperor, was martyred. This saint, whenever he saw a martyr he would ask him, Why do you do that to yourself? They answered him, In the hope of the eternal life, and the everlasting kingdom. He went to the emperor and confessed the Lord Christ. The Emperor tortured him much then imprisoned him with many martyrs. Anatolia, the wife of this saint, cut off her hair, and dressed in a man's apparel. She came to the prison and ministered to the martyrs. She strengthened her husband, comforted and consoled him. When other women heard about what she did, they did the same. Later on the emperor ordered the legs of the prisoners broken until they die. This saint came and encouraged her husband until he delivered his soul to the hand of the Lord. After all the martyrs had delivered up their souls, the emperor ordered their bodies burned, but God brought down dew which put out the fire. Some believers carried the bodies to Pisidia. A prince asked to marry St. Anatolia, but she refused. When she finished her strife, she departed in peace. May their prayers be with us. Amen.

Departure of St. Yoannis XIV, the 96th Pope of Alexandria

On this day also, of the year 1302 A.M. (September 6, 1586 A.D.), and during the reign of the Ottoman Sultan Mourad III, Pope Yoannis XIV, 96th Pope of Alexandria, departed. He was from Manfalout, and he was known by Yoannis El-Manfalouty. He became a monk at El-Baramous monastery, in Wadi El-Natroun. He was ordained Patriarch during the reign of the Ottoman Sultan Selim II, on the 22nd day of Baramoudah, 1287 A.M. (April 17th, 1571 A.D.). During his Papacy the Christians were forced to wear black turbans (head cover). He received a letter from the Pope of Rome and he answered him back. Sultan Selim asked him to collect head taxes from the Christians, and every one complied. He went to Alexandria, and on his way back, he felt weak and ill at the city of El-Nahrawiah. He departed there and was buried at the Church of St. George in Birma. His body was relocated later on to El-Sourian monastery. He was on the Chair for fifteen years, four months, and nineteen days. May his prayers be with us and Glory be to our God forever. Amen.