We began tackling Pope Makarah II (the 69 patriarch of Alexandria), who was unwillingly ordained in 1102 AD, as he did not want to assume this heavy responsibility during the reign of Al-Amer Bi Ahkam Allah, after everyone agreed to choose him.
Among the surprising incidents occurred during the days of that patriarch is what Sawiris Ibn al-Muqaffa mentioned; in the eighth year of Pope Makarah II: “A great black wind and dust erupted… and great redness spread in air and on the ground like fire! Then a severe darkness descended that nobody could see the other! All people thought it is the doomsday, so they went out of their houses and homes, left their doors open, thinking that they had perished and would never get back to their houses, they wandered about in mosques, churches and alleys. The sellers left their shops (their stores) with the contents of gold, silver, grain, wheat, and belongings and others, and they wandered in the darkness perplexed, seeking the open uncovered places, lest the ceilings or walls should fall on them, it was a terrible hour. A group of elders stated that they had neither seen nor heard of it since the days of Moses the Prophet. An hour later, the rain fell, the dust cleared, the wind subsided and disappeared, and the light appeared. People returned to their houses and stores, offered thanks to God Almighty and glorified Him for He showed them a little of His power, and when they were about to perish, He saved them with His pardon and mercy.”
A great earthquake also occurred in Egypt. When night came, the Church of Michael (Michael) on the island of Al-Rawdah, the seat of the Patriarchate at that time, was destroyed, and rumors spread that the earthquake had brought it down, but a construction man called Youssef Al-Mustahab Al-Muslimani, the son of Marqura Al-Nusrani, resided in Al-Rawdah to build houses and orchards next to the church, carrying out the order of Minister Al-Agal Al-Afdal. After finishing the construction, he built a fortress around those houses and orchards, he reached a mill opposite its door, and asked for money to build the fort inclined a little away from the mill, or else he would demolish it and let the fort pass through its middle; but nothing was given to him and arguments took place. When the earthquake occurred, Youssef Al-Mustahab and the workmen spend their night at Al-Rawdah and he ordered his workers to demolish the church. In the morning, he spread rumors that the day earthquake cracked the church walls, while the night wind brought it down. The Christians grieved greatly over the destruction of the church, when the news came to Pope Makarah II; his heart was grieved, saying: “This happened in my days because of my several sins!!”
During the days of Pope Makarah II, Anba Sanhout (Shenouda), Bishop of Egypt, who was a righteous man of good reputation among the people, prolific knowledge and modesty, characterized by simplicity, patience, and good works for all, passed away. Then the people asked the patriarch to ordain a bishop to succeed Anba Sanhout, but he acted slowly, driving the people to insist on their request; he responded and ordained a bishop for them.
In the fifteenth year of the papacy of Pope Makarah II, the Franks’ campaign reached Al-Farma; they looted the city and burned it, then planned to attack Egypt suddenly! However, their desire was not fulfilled because their chief, Bardawil (Baldwin I), fell ill. On the third day, his illness became very severe, so he ordered his elite to carry him back to the Levant; on their way back, he died in Al-Arish, so they embalmed him and brought him back to Jerusalem. The days of Pope Makarah II also witnessed the killing of Minister Al-Afdal bin Badr Al-Jamali, and appointing Abdullah Al-Batayhi instead until Caliph Al-Amer got mad at him and arrested him in 519 AH (1125 AD). Egypt remained without a minister until the death of Caliph Al-Amer, who was killed in 524 AH (1130 AD).
Pope Makarah II passed away in 1128, after spending 26 years and few months on the chair of Saint Mark, a period filled with peace as described by the historians. And…stories in beautiful Egypt never end!
