December 1, 2023 - Hatour 21, 1740

Departure of St.Cosma, the Fifty-Fourth Pope of Alexandria

Also on this day, in the year 809 A.D., St. Cosma, 54th Pope of Alexandria, departed. He was born in Samanoud and became a monk in the monastery of St. Macarius. When the papal chair became vacant, the bishops and the people, with one accord, agreed to choose this father. He was ordained Patriarch and he experienced great tribulations. The believers also experienced tribulations and great afflictions; however, some wonders appeared during his patriarchate. Among them, blood flowed from the icon of St. Mary in the church of St. Severus, in the desert of Scete (the Holy desert). Also, many of the icons in the churches in Egypt became wet with tears.

This unusual phenomenon was believed to be a result of the afflictions and sorrows that befell the Patriarch and the believers. In spite of all the afflictions that he experienced, the Patriarch continued teaching the believers and strengthening them diligently and with great zeal. He stayed on the Chair of St. Mark for seven years and six months, then departed in peace.

May his prayers be with us. Amen.