My Pope
A poem presented to H. H. Pope Shenouda III
His Holiness Pope Shenouda the third
MY POPE
His Holiness Pope Shenouda the third
A name that brings joy wherever it’s heard
Your praise in my mouth is always preferred
The pope of millions but only my Pope
A man of prayer, a man of faith
A leader of courage, a provider of grace
And doing it all with a smiley face
The pope of millions but only my Pope
A true example of the monastic life
Like St. Anthony who endured the strife
Solitude in the desert without a friend or wife
The pope of millions but only my Pope
Living in the wilderness for many years
With many struggles and the shedding of tears
Yet, a courageous heart without any fears
The pope of millions but only my Pope
Ordained as a bishop for education
To enlighten the Church and the whole nation
Eager to teach them the way of salvation
The pope of millions but only my Pope
Preparing programs for Sunday school
Consecrating servants with love as a tool
With Holy fire and the Spirit as the fuel
The pope of millions but only my Pope
Chosen by God to shepherd His flock
Forty one years, strong as a rock
With eyes that are as sharp as a hawk
The pope of millions but only my Pope
A defender of faith and the Orthodox creed
A fighter of heretics and those who mislead
A true example by word and deed
The pope of millions but only my Pope
I see you a pillar but also my father
I hear you a theologian but also my teacher
I feel your love as a close comforter
The pope of millions but only my Pope
In time of need you gave support
To lost ships you were a safe port
And any confusion you can easily sort
The pope of millions but only my Pope
To little children you show much love
Chocolate, candy, and a smile from above
You are so sweet and gentle as a dove
The pope of millions but only my Pope
A church without youth is one without a future
You have laid the foundation and a visionary structure
Wise words that we should always remember
The pope of millions but only my Pope
To the Lord’s brethren you are so kind
The poor, the sick, the deaf and the blind
All of them you have kept in your mind
The pope of millions but only my Pope
Your love for Egypt is known to us
The land of the martyrs, saints, and the Lord Jesus
It’s not a land we live in, but it lives in us
The pope of millions but only my Pope
The Church is now known in every nation
You planted the seeds without hesitation
In every country there are vibrant congregations
The pope of millions but only my Pope
Missionary work every where
Throughout the world with love and care
Building the kingdom without despair
The pope of millions but only my Pope
And also you’ve blessed our congregation
St. Maurice & St. Verena, your hands creation
We come to you with much admiration and appreciation
The pope of millions but only my Pope
A multicultural church seeking to follow God
Under the Coptic Orthodox synod, and your holiness’ rod
Of our Church and faith we are so proud
The pope of millions but only my Pope
I know your people are all in your heart
Every one feels special and that’s just the start
I’m not sure how you can tell us apart
The pope of millions but only my Pope
On March 17th you did precede us
To dwell in the bosom of our lord Jesus
Through your prayers, on heaven we will focus
The pope of millions but only my Pope
We know you will always be present
To pray for our church and hardships prevent
Our life here is merely like a tent
The pope of millions but only my Pope
I see the Spirit appearing like a dove
I rejoice with the angels who are carrying you above
I celebrate with the saints who welcome you with love
The pope of millions but only my Pope
O Christ’s people let us sing again and again
To our beloved pope with hymn and refrain
That he may pray for us, say amen amen amen
The pope of millions but only my Pope
Fr. Pishoy Salama
St. Maurice & St. Verena Coptic Orthodox Church
Toronto, Canada