Pope Tawadros II and the Coptic Orthodox Holy Synod issued a statement on 22 October 2023 mourning the passing of Anba Athanasius, Metropolitan of Marseille and Toulon in France. The statement read:
“Pope Tawadros II and the Coptic Orthodox Holy Synod bid farewell, on anticipation of the resurrection, to Anba Athanasius, Metropolitan of Marseille and Toulon in France, who passed away in the Lord at the good old age of 90. Anba Athanasius spent close to half his life in service as father and pastor in the Coptic Orthodox Church. During that span of time, he was a role model in godliness and purity of heart.
“Anba Athanasius loved the Lord with all his heart and ability, and consecrated his life to Him in search for perfection. He was always mindful of the Bible verse: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev 2:10).
“We are confident that he has shed away the pains of the body, and is now rejoicing in the rest and comfort of Heaven.
“Our sincere condolences go to the clergy and congregation of his diocese, and to all his friends.”
Anba Athanasius was Dutch; he was born in The Netherlands in May 1933. He was originally Catholic, but joined the French Orthodox Community of the Mother of God, and became assistant to its bishop with whom he shared a great interest in Coptic Orthodoxy.
In 1972, the two men met the Coptic Metropolitan of Dairout, Anba Aghapius (Metropolis in 1965 – 1984), who was on a visit to France. When Anba Aghapius heard of their desire to join the Coptic Church, he invited them to Cairo to meet the Coptic Pope Shenouda III (Patriarch in 1971 – 2012).
In Cairo, the two French Orthodox prelates studied the doctrine of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and officially applied to join it together with their community in Marseille.
Their application was unanimously approved by Pope Shenouda and the Coptic Orthodox Synod in 1973. They both gave up their ecclesiastical positions, and took orders at the Monastery of Anba Bishoy in Egypt’s Western Desert in 1974; that same year Pope Shenouda consecrated the elder as Anba Marcos, Metropolitan of Marseille and Toulon which he served until his death in 2008, and the younger was named Anba Athanasius and assigned Assistant Bishop (Khori Episcopos) to Anba Marcos.
In 1994, Anba Athanasius was made Bishop-General and was seated Bishop of France in 2013. He was elevated to Metropolitan of Marseille and Toulon in 2016.
He passed away on Sunday 22 October 2023.
No arrangements for the funeral service or burial have yet been announced.
Watani International
23 October 2023