06/18/2026
The Commemoration of the Departure of His Eminence Metropolitan Sarabamoun, Metropolitan of Sudan
On this day, the Church commemorates the departure of the righteous and blessed father, His Eminence Anba Sarabamoun, Metropolitan of Sudan, whose holy life was adorned with humility, faith, asceticism, and abundant labors for the glory of God.
This blessed father was born in the city of Esna, the city of the martyrs, on the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, January 7, 1860. He was named Yohanna. From his youth he loved the Holy Scriptures and the lives of the saints, especially the life of Saint John the Roman, who forsook earthly glory to gain the heavenly kingdom.
When he was afflicted by a severe illness, he vowed before God, saying, "If You grant me healing, I shall dedicate my life to Your service in the monastery." The Lord accepted his prayer and restored his health. Therefore, he left the world and entered the Monastery of the Syrians in Wadi El-Natrun in the year 1877, seeking the salvation of his soul.
On the Eve of the Glorious Feast of the Resurrection in 1878, he was tonsured a monk and was called Yohanna El-Esnawy. He excelled in the virtues of obedience, prayer, fasting, and humility. Later he was ordained a priest and then elevated to the rank of Hegumen. Because of his wisdom and spiritual discernment, Pope Kyrillos V appointed him abbot of the Monastery of the Syrians.
As abbot, he labored diligently in rebuilding and developing the monastery. He constructed cells for the monks, accommodations for visitors, restored the gardens, and increased the monastery's resources. Yet greater than these material works was his concern for the spiritual growth of the monks, whom he shepherded with fatherly love and care.
When the episcopal throne of Sudan became vacant, Divine Providence chose this holy father for that difficult ministry. On July 12, 1897, Pope Kyrillos V ordained him Bishop of Sudan. He accepted this calling with submission to the will of God and departed to serve a land where the Church had suffered greatly during the years of persecution.
Upon his arrival in Sudan, he found the flock scattered and the churches few. Therefore, he devoted himself to rebuilding the Church. He established churches, schools, and spiritual centers throughout the country. He built the first Coptic church in Omdurman and founded schools to educate children in the fear of God.
Such was his love for education that when one of the schools lacked funds to pay its teachers, he sold his own donkey, which was his only means of transportation, and used the proceeds to pay their salaries. Thus he preferred the welfare of the children to his own comfort.
He continued his apostolic labors, building churches in Khartoum, Omdurman, Atbarah, Port Sudan, El Obeid, and many other regions. He also established schools and colleges for boys and girls, ensuring that both Christians and Muslims received excellent education.
This holy father was known for his simplicity and profound humility. Once a governor visited him unexpectedly and found him dressed in simple garments, carrying building materials with the laborers. The governor marveled at his humility. Anba Sarabamoun replied, saying, "I am a monk, and a monk must labor to discipline his body and acquire virtue." The governor was greatly moved, contributed generously to the building project, and departed after receiving the bishop's blessing.
He was also known for his deep communion with the saints. Many who visited him testified that they heard him speaking with the Holy Virgin Mary, the Archangel Michael, the Archangel Gabriel, and other saints. His life was characterized by purity of heart, fulfilling the words of the Lord: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
God glorified His servant by granting him many signs and wonders.
Among his miracles was that he healed the sick through prayer and faith. A woman suffering from a severe fever was near death. The saint prayed over an egg for a long time and instructed her to eat it. Immediately her fever departed, and she was restored to health.
He also cast out evil spirits and cleansed troubled homes through prayer and holy water. On another occasion, a man who had secretly taken money from the bishop suffered sudden blindness. After confessing his sin, Anba Sarabamoun prayed for him and restored his sight, teaching him repentance and honesty with fatherly love.
Many also witnessed the authority God had granted him over creation. It was said that lions responded peacefully to his voice when he visited them, demonstrating the grace of God that dwelt within him.
Throughout his life, he traveled across Egypt collecting donations for the service in Sudan. He encouraged people to give even the smallest offerings, teaching that God accepts every gift offered with love and sincerity.
In his final years, difficulties arose concerning the administration of the Sudanese Church. Pope Kyrillos V summoned him to Egypt; however, after his arrival, the Pope reposed before the matter could be resolved. Anba Sarabamoun remained in Egypt and spent the remainder of his days in prayer and quietness.
After a life filled with apostolic labors, struggles, virtues, and service to the Church, this righteous father departed in peace on July 18, 1935, at the age of seventy-five years. He was buried in the Church of Saint Mercurius (Abu Seifein) in Old Cairo.
The episcopal throne of Sudan remained vacant for twelve years after his departure until new bishops were ordained in 1947.
In the blessed session of May 2026, the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church inscribed his name among the saints, acknowledging his righteous struggle and faithful ministry. Therefore, the Church rejoices in his commemoration and asks for his holy intercessions.
May the blessing and prayers of Saint Anba Sarabamoun, Metropolitan of Sudan, be with us all and strengthen us in the Orthodox faith. Glory be to God forever. Amen.
