“Egypt is not a country we live in, but a country that lives within us.” This is one of the most popular quotes attributed to Pope Shenouda III, the 117th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark. A courageous leader, a talented poet, a gifted preacher, a passionate teacher, a talented author, and a patriot in his own regard, Pope Shenouda was known among Egyptians as a man of the people. On what was going to be his 99th birthday, we shed light on a different side to his life that showcases how he was more than just a religious leader. Born into a Coptic family in 1923, Nazeer Gayed (his birth name), was a brother to eight siblings. In 1947, he received the Bachelor’s Degree of History from Cairo University. Following which, he obtained a second Bachelor’s degree in Theology from the Coptic Orthodox Theological Seminary. After graduation and completion of his military service, Gayed took on teaching as a career. He began by teaching English and History subjects, then resigned to become a full-time lecturer at Helwan’s Monastic College in 1953. The road to…
