The Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria is the leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, which has between 12 and 18 million members worldwide, including 10 to 14 million in Egypt. This position was held by Pope Shenouda III until his death on March 17, 2012. Metropolitan Pachomios, Metropolitan of Beheira and Pentapolis, was chosen as chair of the Holy Synod and to act as Locum tenens (caretaker) until the election and consecration of a new Pope. On November 4, 2012, the Coptic Church elected Theodoros II as 118th Pope.
Following the traditions of the church, the Pope is chairman and head of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria as a first among equals. This organization is the highest authority in the Church of Alexandria. It formulates the rules and regulations regarding matters of the church's organization, faith, and order. The Pope is also the chairman of the church's General Congregation Council.
Although historically associated with the city of Alexandria, the residence and Seat of the Coptic Orthodox Pope of Alexandria has been located in Cairo since 1047. The Pope is currently established in Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, in a compound which includes the Patriarchal palace, with an additional residence at the Monastery of Saint Pishoy.
After the death of Shenouda III the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church voted, and the names of the three candidates who received most votes were put in a glass chalice for a name to be picked to be the New Patriarch of Alexandria. The name is picked by 'Divine Choice', by a blindfolded boy believed to be guided by the hand of God.
The liturgy of the Altar Ballot took place on November 4, 2012; the 60-year-old Bishop Tawadoros, auxiliary bishop of Beheira, assistant to Metropolitan Pachomios of Beheira, was chosen as the 118th Pope of Alexandria, to be known as Theodoros II. He was formally enthroned on November 18, 2012.
Read more about Pope Of The Coptic Orthodox Church Of Alexandria: History, Official Title, Episcopal Title, Pope, Patriarch, Polity in Extending Pastoral Care, Patriarchal Elections, Pontifical Duties, See Also
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