Pope Makar
The Shabrawy
Makar was from Shobra Kebala, Monifia, and the only son of his very old aged mother. He became a monk in one of the monasteries in Egypt, and then enthroned Pope years after. The people of his town asked him to visit and bless them. When he had arrived to his hometown, people went and told his mother, "Your son, our Pope is here." She was washing clothes at the time and didn’t get up until the Pope arrived at her house. His mother did not even look at him. He thought maybe she didn’t recognize him because of his position now as leader of the church. So he said to her, “Know that I am your son, Makar, who has become Patriarch, so rejoice and be gladdened.” Then his mom lifted her eyes to look at him and said to him while crying mournfully, “It would have been better to see your coffin being carried on the necks, and behind you weeping women sorrowful, than for me to see you in this high position surrounded by the bishops and priests. When you were a layman, you were only responsible for your own sins and now you are fully responsible for the sins of others. So awaken and know that you are in great danger; that you will not get out of it very easily because what is known is that the light of the worldly glory hides from man the light of the truth. I hope my son that you can see, but the glory has covered your eyes. See that I have warned you and be warned and remember your mother who has suffered in your raising.” Then she continued working and the Pope left the house with a saddened heart and a great lesson. He lived for 20 years completing his papacy.