Pope Simeon II of Alexandria, 51st Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark. This saint was the son of Orthodox Christian parents of the nobles of

Alexandria, Egypt Alexandria ( ; ) is the List of cities and towns in Egypt#Largest cities, second largest city in Egypt and the List of coastal settlements of the Mediterranean Sea, largest city on the Mediterranean coast. It lies at the western edge of the Nile ...

. He nursed the milk of the faith from his childhood and he learned the doctrines of the church. He chose for himself the monastic life, so he went to the desert of

Scetes Wadi El Natrun (Arabic: "Valley of Natron"; , "measure of the hearts") is a depression in northern Egypt that is located below sea level and below the Nile River level. The valley contains several alkaline lakes, natron-rich salt deposits ...

. He became a monk in the cell of his predecessor James, the Patriarch. He dwelt with Pope James for many years during which he exhausted his body by strenuous ascetic life, and many worships. When Mark II became a Patriarch, he requested St. Simeon from his spiritual father Pope James for what was known of his good reputation and his sound judgement. He stayed with Pope Mark II until his departure. When Pope James, his spiritual father, became patriarch, he kept St. Simeon II with him and he benefitted from him often. When Pope James departed, the bishops, priests, and elders unanimously agreed with a spiritual unity to bring forward this father for what they had seen of him (as to righteousness and Orthodox Faith) during his stay with the two Patriarchs who proceeded him. They seized him, bound him and ordained him a Patriarch. He pursued an angelic life, which was well-pleasing to the Lord. And, as God wished to repose him, he did not stay on the throne but for five and a half months and departed in peace.

References

Simeon II of Alexandria 9th-century popes of the Coptic Orthodox Church Year of birth unknown {{CopticOrthodox-clergy-stub