(DOWNLOAD) "Practical and Mystical: Patriarch Kyrillos VI (1959-1971)." by Currents in Theology and Mission ~ Book PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: Practical and Mystical: Patriarch Kyrillos VI (1959-1971).
- Author : Currents in Theology and Mission
- Release Date : January 01, 2006
- Genre: Politics & Current Events,Books,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 262 KB
Description
When fifty years from now the history of the Coptic Orthodox Church is revisited, the figure of Patriarch Kyrillos VI, who reigned as Patriarch of the Coptic Church from 1959 to 1971, will stand out as one of its most influential reformers. Copts call him the "last of the traditional patriarchs"; he seldom left his cave, monk's cell, or papal residence and devoted all of his time to praise and prayer. Today the memory of Kyrillos has become somewhat overshadowed by the steady news of miraculous interventions attributed to Kyrillos's intercession after his passing away. In death his influence stretches far beyond Egypt. For example, one of the latest miracles that happened during the fall of 2005 unfolded in Iraq where his miraculous intervention rescued the American husband of a Coptic woman deployed there from certain death. In this essay I discuss some of the bases for Kyrillos's vision for the Coptic Church that led to the revival movement that continues to this day. By fostering a focus on the life of the Spirit, he rose above the many disputes and distractions around him. In a potentially lethal political climate he stayed aloof from politics. In a time when Muslim extremism affected the Coptic community negatively, Kyrillos reached out to Muslims, fostering strong relationships with the Muslim community and thus modeling a form of interreligious dialogue built on the fruits of the Spirit. During his time the door of the papal residence was always open to all, and many of those frequenting his residence were Muslims. Even today Muslims continue to visit his grave asking for intercession.