Papal Divine Lottery (Vedeo)

Source: CopticWorld reporting

On November 4, 2012, H.E. Metropolitan Pachomius and the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Mark Cathedral in Al Abbassiya, Cairo, Egypt and conducted the ancient apostolic tradition of the Altar Lot to choose the 118th Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria.

The names of the three candidates — H.G. Bishop Roufail, H.G. Bishop Tawadrous, and Hegumen Fr. Raphael Ava Mina — were placed in a beautiful glass vase prior to the Divine Liturgy in a manner that ensured transparency and fairness. The vase was sealed with wax as the honorable fathers celebrated the Divine Liturgy.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a young boy named Bishoy was chosen by a lot to pick one name from the vase while blindfolded. Metropolitan Pachomius carefully unfolded the chosen name after much prayer and openly displayed the name — HIS GRACE BISHOP TAWADROUS — before all to see. The faithful erupted into euphoric cheers and joy.

Metropolitan Pachomius then congratulated the Coptic Orthodox Church and formally announced the 118th pope of Alexandria as Pope Tawadros II. The name Tawadrous is an Arabicized version of the Greek “Theodoros,” which means “gift from God.”

May the Lord preserve his life and bless his service to the Church for many years.

Source: lacopts.org