Prayer and Wonders

Pope Kyrillos VI didn’t just pray—he lived prayer, like breathing. From his monk days in the 1920s to his papacy’s end in 1971, tradition records he served over 12,000 masses, a number that amazes priests. Each day, he rose in the early hours, while Cairo slept, to chant the Holy Psalmody in a small chapel. By lamplight, he’d bake the korban—holy bread for communion—raise incense, and pray until morning, hours of pure worship. This wasn’t a chore; it was his joy, a gift to God and his people. Tradition attributes to Pope Shenouda III, his disciple, the words, “No pope in Alexandria prayed like him.” Those 12,000 mornings were acts of love, each one a wonder.

These prayers changed lives. One tale says a sick woman attended his mass, too weak to stand. Through Kyrillos’ prayers, guided by Christ, she regained strength and walked home healed. Tradition says funds for Saint Mark’s Cathedral came through divine providence after his prayers. Even during Egypt’s troubles—wars and unrest—Kyrillos never skipped a service, believing prayer held the Church together. Coptic tradition honors him as a prayerful patriarch whose love blessed many.

Children can picture him as a hero of faith, praying before sunrise, bearing a cross. Those 12,000 masses were seeds of hope, growing miracles we still see. Kyrillos showed that prayer isn’t dull; it’s powerful, linking us to God’s heart. His life encourages us: keep praying, even when it’s hard, and watch heaven move.