# Pope John IV

Source: https://coptic-lore-forge.lovable.app/wiki/pope-john-iv — Coptic Orthodox Wiki (updated 2026-10-02)

Pope John IV, saint and forty-eighth patriarch of the See of Saint Mark (775–799), was a monk of Wadi Habib whose patriarchate included church building and restoration during a period of relative security.[^1][^4]

## Identity and monastic background

John IV was a saint and the forty-eighth patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, serving from 775 to 799.[^1] He had been a monk of Wadi Habib; his monastery was probably Saint Macarius (Dayr Anba Maqar), although it is not explicitly identified.[^1]

## Election to the patriarchate

Following the death of his predecessor, Mina, the patriarchal throne remained vacant for nearly two years because the bishops and clergy of Alexandria could not agree on a candidate.[^2] They eventually placed tickets bearing the names of three candidates on the altar and spent the night in prayer, asking for divine guidance.[^2] A child then drew a ticket; the procedure was repeated three times, and John's name was selected each time.[^2] Those present understood the result as evidence of divine choice and proceeded toward his consecration.[^2]

## Patriarchate

John was a respected figure who was well received by princes and governors.[^3] The Copts during his patriarchate apparently enjoyed security, while John concentrated on building or restoring churches in the capital.[^4] Muslim rulers did not obstruct this work, and he paid the annual tax, termed *kharaj*, without difficulty.[^4]

An early challenge came from Julianus, a Chalcedonian physician whose professional skill had earned him the regard of Muslim rulers.[^5] Julianus attempted to turn those rulers against John but apparently failed.[^5]

A deacon named Mark, also called Murqus, assisted John's building program, became his close disciple, and participated with him in celebrating the Liturgy.[^6]

## Succession

John's tenure fell during the reigns of al-Mahdi, al-Hadi, and Harun al-Rashid, and Mark II was his successor in 799.[^7]

## Sources
[^1]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 4, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 856)
[^2]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 4, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 856)
[^3]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 4, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 856)
[^4]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 4, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 856)
[^5]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 4, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 856)
[^6]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 4, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 856)
[^7]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 6, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 537)