Pope John XV of Alexandria

Pope
John XV of Alexandria
99th Pope of Alexandria & Patriarch of the See of St. Mark
Papacy began 18 September 1619
Papacy ended 7 September 1629
Predecessor Mark V
Successor Matthew III
Personal details
Born Mallawi, Egypt
Died 7 September 1629
Egypt
Buried St. Anba Bishih Monastery in El-Bayadia, Egypt.
Nationality Egyptian
Denomination Coptic Orthodox Christian
Residence Church of the Virgin Mary (Haret Zuweila)

Pope John XV of Alexandria (Abba Yoannis El-Mallawany), 99th Pope of Alexandria & Patriarch of the See of St. Mark. He was from Mallawi. He became a monk in the Monastery of Saint Anthony, and was ordained Patriarch in the 7th day of Thout, 1336 A.M. (September 18, 1619 A.D.). He was chaste, knowledgeable, and just in his judgements. He was modest, impartial, and only sought the truth. He was zealous about the church, compassionate to the priests, loving to the poor, and provided shelter for strangers. He did not desire anything of this world, but rather he was absorbed in prayer and worship, day and night.

In the year 1623 A.D., a grave epidemic befell Upper Egypt. It lasted from the month of Tobi (January) till the month of Parmouti (April), which perished multitudes of people and devastated many families. Pope John XV was in Upper Egypt, and returned to Cairo in 1624. In year 1625 another severe epidemic spread through the land, which was less severe than the first. The Pope went to Upper Egypt again in the second year of the epidemic, then returned to Cairo. On his way back, he passed by the city of Abnub, and he spent a night there. He suffered abdominal pain. It was said that he was given a poison where he spent that night. The owner of that house had concubines besides his wife and the Pope admonished him for that. When the Pope felt ill, he asked for a boat, which he sailed in. He ceased in the boat on his way, and was buried in the monastery of the Saint Anba Bishih in El-Bayadia, Egypt. He was on the Chair for nine years, eleven months and twenty-two days.

Orthodox Church titles
Preceded by
Mark V
Coptic Pope
1619–1629
Succeeded by
Matthew III