XXI. THE LAST DECADES OF THE EASTERN
EMPIRE’S RULE OVER EGYPT, INTERRUPTED BY
THE SHORT PERSIAN CONQUEST.
A. Abba Anastasius
B. Abba Andronicus- The Copts elect their 36th Pope.
- Emperor Phocas overthown by Heraclius.
- The Persians invade Palestine and Syria, and many
of their inhabitants flee to Egypt; they are given
help by the Copts. - Abba Anastasius attends to his own pastoral
duties. - Abundance of saints.
- The Persian advance into Egypt.
- Andronicus is elected 37th Coptic Pope.
- Treachery of the Persians.
- Death of Abba Andronicus.
A. 363. When the Coptic Church and people were
orphaned^1 by the death of Abba Damianos, the sixth
century, so full of hardships for them, had also expired.
But they were still destined to suffer more hardships
under the two last Emperors as well as under the baleful
Persian conquest.
Although an “official” bishop who had been
appointed by the Emperor was seated in Alexandria, the
Copts, true to their traditions and to themselves, ignored
him completely, and went ahead with the election of their
own Coptic Pope.
At the time there was in Alexandria a priest of the
Church of the Four Evangelists who had distinguished
himself by many years of devoted service. A strong bond