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Meet our Patron Saint

Saint Abraam, Bishop of Faiyum, born Boulos Ghobrial in 1829, grew up with a deep love for prayer and Scripture. From a young age he was known for his purity, humility, and care for the needy. He entered the Monastery of El-Moharrak at just nineteen, living a life of prayer, fasting, and service. His reputation for holiness spread quickly, and after years of faithful ministry, he was consecrated Bishop of Fayoum and Giza, where he would serve for over three decades.

As a bishop, Saint Abraam became known across Egypt as “the friend of the poor.” He gave freely to all who came to him, never keeping anything for himself. Even gifts given to him personally were quickly passed on to those in need. His home became a refuge where no one went away empty-handed, and in his days it was said that there were no poor in Fayoum. His love knew no distinction between rich and poor, Christian and non-Christian—he saw all as children of God.

Saint Abraam was also a man of unceasing prayer. He often prayed through the night, lifting up the psalms with tears and interceding for his flock. Through his prayers, God granted countless miracles of healing and deliverance. The sick, the barren, and the afflicted flocked to him, and many testified to being healed through his blessing. Even those outside the Church—Muslims and foreigners—sought his intercession, recognizing the presence of Christ in him.

Despite his great gifts, Saint Abraam remained profoundly humble. He refused special honors, would not allow anyone to kneel before him, and rejected wealth and fine clothing. He was firm in defending the truth of the faith, yet gentle and fatherly in guiding his people. His holiness shone so brightly that even foreign dignitaries, including princes and English writers, left his presence declaring that they had truly seen the Spirit of God dwelling in him.

Saint Abraam departed to the heavenly rest on June 9, 1914. More than ten thousand people—Christians and Muslims alike—attended his funeral, weeping for the shepherd who had loved them all. In 1964, on the fiftieth anniversary of his departure, the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church, under Pope Kyrillos VI, officially recognized him as a saint and added his name to the commemoration of the saints in the Divine Liturgy.

To this day, the memory of Saint Abraam lives on in every Egyptian household. His life of humility, prayer, and love for the poor continues to inspire the faithful, and his intercessions are sought by many. Truly, he is a shining example of Christ’s words: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”