Coptic Papacy in Islamic Egypt, 641–1517

Mark N. Swanson is Harold S. Vogelaar professor of Christian–Muslim studies and interfaith relations at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.

Praise for The Popes of Egypt series:“Based on serious research . . . . [shows] how the Coptic papacy has survived and served the Church through many difficult periods. In the present uncertain times its resilience will surely help it to fulfil its mission of leading the largest Church in the Middle East.”—Michael L. Fitzgerald, Proche-Orient Chretien“Focusing on some of the most influential leaders, the books trace the social, economic, political, and religious trends they negotiated.”— Nelly van Doorn-Harder, The Montreal Review"Essential reading for historians of ancient Christianity and for all scholars of Coptic Egypt." —David Brakke, Ohio State University on The Early Coptic Papacy"A lucid, meticulous, and highly accessible account of papal institutions in early Egyptian Christianity. . . . A critical read for any student of Christianity in Egypt and the Middle East." —Febe Armanios, author of Coptic Christianity in Ottoman Egypt on The Early Coptic Papacy“An excellent introduction to its subject and the relevant literature.”— Christopher van der Krogt, Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations on The Coptic Papacy in Islamic Egypt, 641–1517"Reading this well-researched and beautifully produced book is both sobering and encouraging."— Michael L. Fitzgerald OBE, on The Coptic Papacy in Islamic Egypt, 641–1517“A comprehensive yet very readable review of the history of the Coptic leadership in the Middle Ages.”— David D. Grafton, International Bulletin of Missionary Research, on The Coptic Papacy in Islamic Egypt, 641–1517“Extremely useful”— Alastair Hamilton, Church History and Religious Culture on The Coptic Papacy in Islamic Egypt, 641–1517“Magdi Guirguis is one of the very few scholars who has actually tackled the archives of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate and of the Dar al-Warth’iq al-Qawmiyya in Cairo and has consequently produced a series of excellent studies in which he breaks entirely new ground.”— Alastair Hamilton, The International Journal of Middle East Studies on The Emergence of the Modern Coptic Papacy"Substantiates the Coptic Church as a subject in religious studies with its own history worthy of study." —Midwest Book Review

• Editors’ Introduction Author’s Preface Technical Notes Acknowledgments Abbreviations 1. Continuity and ReinventionSuccession and Innovation Earning the “Crown of Exile” The Church in a “New World Order” Relationships with Rulers A Sacred Geography 2. Patient SufferersComing to the End-Time? Bearing Trials Patiently The Account of John the Deacon Patriarchs and Martyrdom Patriarchs and Sainthood 3. Crisis of CohesionSatan Hinders, but God Prevails Patriarchs and Political Authority in ‘Abbasid Egypt Trials from Without Trials from Within A Crisis of Cohesion?Hanging On Embattled Saints 4. Saints and SinnersBishop Michael’s Account: Warts and All Before the Fatimids Simony: “The Word of God Became as a Merchandise” Contrapuntal Saintliness Unexpected Saintliness Saints and Sinners 5. TransitionsLanguage Shift, Lay Concerns, and Ecclesiastical HistoryGabriel II ibn Turayk: An Attempt at ReformAfter the Reform Attempt6. Chaos and GloryA Strange Period Chroniclers The Person at the Center of the Story 1216–1217: Attempts at Making a Pope The Monk Da’ud Becomes Pope Cyril, Successor of Saint Mark Cyril’s Patriarchate A Failed “Great Man”? Or a Scholar among Scholars? 7. Marginalized PatriarchsInternal Rivalry, External Interference Scattered Portrayals, Incidental Mentions The Patriarch at the Center of the Story 8. A Burst of HolinessThe Patriarch as Saint and Holy Man An Orchestra of Holiness? The PrincipalsA Quartet and a Chorus? 9. Humility in ActionAfter the Fireworks “Listless” and “Lacking in Blessing”? Diplomacy and Faithfulness Quiet Leadership in Difficult Times Epilogue: Survival Appendix: The Forty-Nine Martyrs during the Patriarchateof Matthew I (#87, 1378 –1408) Works Cited: Primary Sources Works Cited: Secondary Sources Notes Index