Today, we delve into the incredible story of St. Shenouda the Archimandrite, a giant of early Coptic Christianity, born around 348 AD in Shenalolet.

Discover how this shepherd boy, who showed early signs of spiritual giftedness with fingers glowing like luminous candles in prayer, rose to become the abbot of the White Monastery. Under his leadership, which began around AD 385, the monastery flourished, growing from a handful of monks to an astounding 2,200 monks and 1,800 nuns by AD 466. He instituted a unique and comprehensive monastic system, which included a covenant (diatheke) for new novices and required them to live outside the monastery for a period before consecration. St. Shenouda also utilised monks' diverse skills in varied tasks such as writing, tailoring, flax cultivation, and metal-making, making the monastery complex a self-supporting unit. He further recognised the need for literacy among his monks and nuns, encouraging them to read and write manuscripts.

But St. Shenouda was more than a monastic leader; he was a fearless national leader, emerging as a champion for the oppressed peasants of Upper Egypt. He tirelessly defended and protected them from grave injustices inflicted by pagan Greek landlords. His interventions included chastising a pagan in Akhmim, stopping landlords from forcing peasants to buy rotten wine, and securing the freedom of captives from Blemmyes warriors at Psoi. He even appealed on behalf of the peasants to those in power, including the Byzantine emperor Theodosius. His efforts solidified his legacy as a liberator of Egyptian (Coptic) thought and a true representative of Pharaonic genius.

Beyond his activism, St. Shenouda was a prolific writer and intellectual powerhouse. Fluent in both Coptic and Greek, his extensive writings, which include moral sermons and attacks against pagans and heretics, showcase his deep knowledge of Holy Scriptures, Greek thought, and various works of philosophy and theology. He played a pivotal role at the Ecumenical Council of Ephesus in AD 431, accompanying St. Cyril the Great to provide moral support against the heresy of Nestorius, Bishop of Constantinople.

Living an extraordinarily long and blessed life of 118 years, St. Shenouda's influence resonated far beyond his time, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual devotion, social justice, and profound literary contribution. He gave up his spirit in the presence of his beloved monks on the 7th day of the Coptic month of Abib (July 14th) in AD 466. Join us as we explore the life of this charismatic figure whose biography was recorded by his close disciple, St. Besa (Wissa)