St. Pope Kyrillos VI is one of the greatest contemporary saints of the Coptic Orthodox church. He was born on Aug 2nd, 1902 by the name of Azer Youssef Atta. He had a desire of monastic life from a very young age. He entered the Paromeos monastery (monastery of the Romans) in Wadi El Natroun in 1927 and was ordained a monk in 1928 with the name Fr. Mina El Baramousy. He loved the life of solitude and lived in a cave outside the monastery. He later lived in an abandoned windmill in Moqattam near old Cairo. Fr. Mina was consecrated the 116th Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church on May 10, 1959.
As a Pope, St Pope Kyrillos VI was a spiritual leader who emphasized prayer, fasting, and humility. He was deeply involved in pastoral care, demonstrating compassion and patience, and personally engaging with the community. This approach illustrates the importance of empathy and personal involvement in spiritual leadership.
His papacy is noted for the apparition of St. Mary in Zeitoun in 1968, witnessed by millions, the return of St. Mark’s relics from Venice, and ecumenical outreach to churches with whom relations had been strained for 1,500 years. He laid the foundation for the Monastery of Saint Mina in the Desert of Mariout and built the new Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Cairo.
Pope Kyrillos VI departed on March 9, 1971, and was canonized as a saint on June 20, 2013, recognized for his deep prayer life, having prayed more than 12,000 liturgies, and performing many miracles both during his life and after his departure. He is remembered for his humility, asceticism, and a life of prayer.
Abandoned windmill where Fr Mina lived
There are many books and articles written about St Pope Kyrillos life and miracles.
The life and miracles of St Pope Kyrillos VI
Life of Pope St Kyrillos – St-Takla.org
A Silent Patriarch by Fr. Daniel Fanous
All That I Have Is Yours: 100 Meditations with St. Pope Kyrillos VI on the Spiritual Life
Abba Kyrillos: Patriarch and Solitary By John Watson – Free eBook
St Mary of Egypt and St Pope Kyrillos VI Church 