Painting of the Icon of St. Abraam at St. Mary and St. Joseph Coptic Orthodox Church
The Story In Summary
His Childhood
This Great Saint was born in 1829 A.D. in the governorate of Minya, Upper Egypt to Christian parents. They named him Paul (Boulos) and brought him up in a righteous Christian manner.
They sent him to the church’s school, where he learned religious subjects, memorized the church hymns and praises, and studied the holy scriptures. As he was a very bright student, the Bishop ordained him a deacon (altar boy) for the church at a young age.
His Monasticism
His heart longed for the monastic life, so he went to The Muharrak Monastery (one of the ancient monasteries in Upper Egypt which was built on the spot where the Holy Family stayed for around six months during their stay in Egypt). He was ordained a monk by the name of Paul Gabriel.
At that time, he was still in his late teens. As a young monk, Paul was meek and humble and lived a pure life. He prayed much in seclusion and the monks loved him exceedingly. When the Bishop heard of his virtues, he ordained him a priest.
The Father Of The Poor
When the Abbot (the head monk) of the monastery departed, all the monks agreed to choose Father Paul the new Abbot. He remained Abbot of the monastery for five years, during which the monastery was the refuge for thousands of the poor. So he was called "The Father of the Poor and The Destitute". He did not spare an effort to improve the condition of the monastery, spiritually and physically. He improved its finances by developing its agricultural land.
But as he increased his charity towards the poor, the orphans and the widows, the devil started to fight against him. Some of the monks became more resentful of him, for they considered these charitable works as lack of wisdom and waste of money. They complained against him to the Metropolitan, who dismissed him from his position. He obeyed humbly and did not complain as he didn't care about the position, but he cared more about the salvation of his soul and the other monks' souls, and the peace and fellowship among the brethren.
At The Baramous Monastery
Shortly after his dismissal, he left The Muharrak monastery, and went to the Baramous monastery in the Western Desert with some of his disciples. He stayed there for some time studying the Bible and teaching the monks.
The Abbot of the Baramous Monastery at that time became Pope Kyrillos the Fifth (The 112th Pope of Alexandria, Egypt). Knowing his virtues and spirituality, Pope Kyrillos the Fifth ordained him bishop for the parish of Fayoum and Giza in Upper Egypt, by the name of Abraam in the year 1881 A.D.
His Attributes
During his bishopric, he became famous for several attributes:
1- Charity
He was well known for his charity to the multitude of the poor that came to the bishopric residence. He gave them all what he had of money, food, clothing, furniture,...etc. He made the bishopric residence a shelter for many of them, and
he never allowed any one to offer him food that was better than that offered to them.
2- His prayer of faith
Many miracles were performed through his prayers. His fame was spread to all parts of Egypt and also to some parts of Europe. Many patients of different religions came to him seeking the blessing of his prayers and were healed.
3- Knowledge of the scripture
Saint Abraam was highly knowledgeable in the holy books. He always gave to his visitors advice, instructions and sermons which showed the great depth of his knowledge. He had a daily habit of praying with the congregation the vespers (evening) prayer, then explaining to them the Holy Bible and answering their questions.
4- Humility
He possessed a pure simple nature and practiced great self-denial. His food and clothing were just bare necessities. He never looked up to the glory of higher ranks or positions.
5- Commitment to Truth
He was also straightforward in revealing his own opinion, looking only for the truth. He never feared the authority and position of people in higher ranks, for he believed that their power was far less than the power of the truth.
His Departure
Saint Abraam departed to the heavenly bliss in 1914 A.D. That is why he is known as "The 20th Century Saint". More than ten thousand people of different religions walked in his funeral procession. His pure body was laid in the tomb which was prepared for him in the monastery of the Virgin Mary in Fayoum - his parish. Many miracles were, and still are manifested through him after his departure, and his tomb is still a pilgrimage for many who seek his prayers and blessing.
His Feast
The church celebrates the commemoration of the departure of the great Saint Abraam on June 10th - the 3rd day of the Coptic month Paone.
