The monk assembly of the thriving monastery of Anba Bishoy in Wadi al-Natroun in Egypt’s Western Desert [some 100km northwest Cairo] have issued a statement mourning the Abbot Anba Sarapamoun who passed away in hospital at dawn on Sunday 8 March 2020, at age 84. He had been moved to hospital four days earlier on account of his deteriorating health condition. Anba Sarapamoun’s life on earth, the statement said, had overflowed with faithful work, spiritual guidance, prayer, love and giving.
The late Abbot was born Azer Bastaoros on 21 February 1937. He took orders at al-Surian Monastery in December 1959, and was ordained a priest in February 1963 and archpriest in July 1967. In June 1973, he was consecrated Bishop-General at the hands of Pope Shenouda III (patriarch in 1971 – 2012), and in May 1977 he was installed Bishop and Abbot of Anba Bishoy Monastery.
Funeral prayers will be held for Anba Sarapamoun at Anba Bishoy Monastery at noon on Tuesday 10 March. His body is now laid in a special shrine next to that of Pope Shenouda who is buried at Anba Bishoy’s.
Watani International
8 March 2020