Pope Cyril VI, born Azer Ataa on August 2, 1902, served as the 116th Pope of Alexandria from 1959 until his death on March 9, 1971. Renowned for his deep spirituality, he performed numerous miracles, including healing the sick, solving difficult life problems, and casting out demons, which strengthened the faith of the people. He embraced a life of prayer, fasting, and solitude, even enduring hardships like living in an abandoned windmill near Cairo.Â
His monastic journey began in 1927 when he left his job in Alexandria to become a monk at the Monastery of El-Baramous, adopting the name Mina. As Pope, he remained humble, often performing menial tasks himself, and made himself accessible to all, abolishing barriers between himself and his congregation. His many achievements include renovating Saint Mark's Cathedral, establishing the Monastery of Saint Mina, founding Coptic churches worldwide, and successfully returning the relics of Saint Mark from Italy to Egypt. His life was a testament to his unwavering devotion to God and his people.