The Holy Synod held an urgent meeting today to discuss how to run the church after the departure of Abba Shenouda III, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark. Abba Mikhail, Metropolitan of Assiut had apologized for not taking charge as surrogate though he the eldest among the bishops. The Holy Synod decided that Abba Pachomius, Metropolitan of the Holy Metropolis of Beheira and churches of North Africa takes office for two months before the elections.
Thousands of Christians flock to the papal residence to pay the last respect for the body of the pope sitting on St. Mark’s chair for 3 days
