Kyrillos and His Holy Friends

Pope Kyrillos VI saw promise in a young monk named Nazir Gayed, who became Pope Shenouda III, the 117th Pope of Alexandria. In the 1950s, as Father Mina, Kyrillos met Nazir at Baramous Monastery, teaching him to pray with heart. When Kyrillos became pope in 1959, he ordained Nazir as Bishop Shenouda for education. Tradition says that in the 1960s, during a heated church meeting, Kyrillos prayed, and through his intercession, guided by Christ, peace settled over the group.

In 1971, when Kyrillos passed to heaven, Shenouda was chosen pope, carrying his mentor’s love for God’s people. One tale says that in 1981, during Shenouda’s exile, a dream of Kyrillos’ intercession strengthened him to return. Copts see Kyrillos’ influence in Shenouda’s long papacy (1971–2012), which echoed his care for the poor. For children, it’s like a wise teacher guiding a student to lead—Kyrillos guided Shenouda to serve God. One tale says a boy in 1990, hearing Shenouda preach, sensed Kyrillos’ intercession.

Their friendship was rooted in love for Christ’s church. God lifts leaders through Kyrillos’ intercession, teaching kids that saints guide us to be brave and kind.