Pope Gabriel VIII of Alexandria

Pope Gabriel VIII of Alexandria was the 97th Coptic Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark (June 20, 1587 – May 14, 1603).

The Papal Seat during his papacy remained in the Church of the Virigin Mary (Haret Zuweila) in Cairo.

He was originally from Meer and his lay name was Shenouda. He became monk in the Monastery of Saint Pishoy in Scetes. He was ordained on Sunday, 16 Paoni, 1303 A.M. (June 20, 1587 AD). The enthronement celebration was headed by Avva Zacharias, Bishop of Jerusalem, and Avva Kyrellos El-Khiami, in the Church of Saint Mercurius in Old Cairo. At the time of his ordination, the Copts were divided, and they chose for themselves four different patriarchs. His papacy was later confirmed by everyone. He was contemporary of the Ottoman Sultan Ahmed I.

During his Papacy, Gabriel VIII decreed that the Fast of the Apostles must start on 21 Paoni and end on 5 Epip, and that Advent must start on the first of Koiak. He also cancelled the Fast of Jonah, and left the Fast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary optional. All the Copts at that time approved of these decisions, but reverted to the old tradition of fasting after his departure.

Gabriel VIII departed on 9 Pashons, 1319 A.M. (May 14, 1603 AD) in the Syrian Monastery. He occupied the Throne of Saint Mark for 15 years, 10 month, and 24 days.