Anba Isaak, Bishop-General and Spiritual Supervisor of the Monastery of Anba Macarius the Alexandrite in Gabal al-Qalali in Egypt’s Western Desert passed away on the morning of 6 September 2022. An official statement announced his departure of “good old age”. His life of 85 years spanned 59 years in the monastic realm.
A funeral service will be held for him on 7 September noontime at St Mark’s Cathedral in Alexandria.
Anba Isaac was born on 21 October 1937, and took orders on 4 January 1964 at the al-Surian Monastery of the Holy Virgin in Wadi al-Natroun in the Western Desert In 1978, he was consecrated as ++Khouri Episkobos++ (Bishop Assistant), then as Bishop on 1st June 2014.
Pope Tawadros and the Coptic Orthodox Church’s Holy Synod issued a statement mourning Anba Isaak, titled with the verse: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours, and their works follow them.” (Rev. 13:14)
The statement mourned “the venerable bishop Anba Isaak” who, throughout 59 years of monastic life, “persevered in the true monastic tradition through silent, patient submission and acceptance. He presented a role-model of the faithful monk.
‘We bid Anba Isaac farewell to Heaven where we are confident he will obtain a good share with the righteous and the saints.”
The statement concluded with condolences to Anba Pachomius, Metropolitan of Beheira and Abbot of the monastery of St Macarius the Alexandrite, and to the monk assembly of St Macarius’s.
Watani International
6 September 2022