Synaxarium

On this day in the year 862 A.M. (March 29, 1146 A.D.), the holy father Pope Michael the seventy-first, Patriarch of the See of Mark, departed. He longed for the pure life, so he became a monk in the Monastery of Saint Macarius. He remained in the wilderness until old age, living a good and pleasing life. When Pope Gabriel the seventieth departed, the bishops, priests, and elders spent three months searching for a suitable successor. A monk from the Monastery of Saint Macarius named John son of Kedran presented himself as a candidate, supported by Anba Jacob, Bishop of Tanta. However, the bishops of Upper Egypt, the priests of Alexandria, and the elders of Egypt did not accept this. Finally, all agreed to choose three monks: John Abu al-Fath, Michael from the Monastery of Saint Macarius, and Suleiman the Deacon from the Monastery of Bermous. They cast lots among them, and the lot fell on the monk Michael, who was consecrated Patriarch on 5 Mesori, 861 A.M. (July 29, 1145 A.D.). He was a venerable elder, loving the poor and the needy. He appointed a scribe to write for him the sermons and teachings he sent to the bishops and priests. When he became ill, he went to the Monastery of Saint Macarius, where he peacefully departed after serving on the throne for eight months. May his prayers be with us. And to the Lord be glory forever. Amen.

On this day, Anba John, Bishop of Jerusalem, departed. He was born to Jewish parents who kept the Law of the Torah. They educated and taught him greatly until he excelled in the knowledge of the Law. He debated and argued with Christians, and it was confirmed to him that the coming of the Lord Christ was true and that He is the true God. He believed through the hand of Saint Justus, Bishop of Jerusalem, and was ordained a deacon. Due to his abundant knowledge and virtue, he was chosen as Bishop of Jerusalem. When Julian the Apostate reigned, he ordered the rebuilding of what had been destroyed in the city, then built a tower at its gate with a marble plaque inscribed with his name. He forbade Christians from praying at Golgotha and from passing through that place. Because of this, the strength of the Jews and pagans increased, and they greatly oppressed the Christians. This father suffered from the consequences of these afflictions and sorrows. He prayed to God to take him to Himself, and his request was accepted. He departed peacefully after serving on the episcopal throne for two years. May his prayers be with us. Amen.