# Pope Mark VIII

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

Pope Mark VIII, the 108th patriarch of the See of Saint Mark (1796–1809), led the Coptic Church during the French occupation of Egypt and the rise of Muhammad ‘Ali. [^1]

## Patriarchate

Pope Mark VIII was the 108th patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, serving from 1796 to 1809. [^1] He succeeded John XVIII and was followed by Peter VII. [^2]

His patriarchate encompassed the French Expedition of 1798 and the French occupation of Egypt, and continued into the rule of Muhammad ‘Ali, who became viceroy in 1805. Mark demonstrated wisdom and diplomacy in directing the affairs of the Coptic Church and community during these events. [^1]

## Pastoral teaching

Mark VIII regularly issued encyclicals to be read in Coptic churches, urging the faithful to preserve traditional Christian doctrines and virtues. [^3]

## Saint Mark’s Cathedral at al-Azbakiyyah

Construction of the Cathedral of Saint Mark at al-Azbakiyyah began toward the end of his patriarchate. [^4]

The authorization for the building was associated with Ibrahim al-Jawhari, the head of the scribes of Egypt. Ibrahim organized the pilgrimage to Mecca of one of the sultan’s ladies and presented her with valuable gifts. In appreciation, she offered to convey a request from him to the sultan; Ibrahim asked for a decree permitting the church’s construction, which was granted. [^5]

The building work was carried out during the time of Ibrahim’s brother, Jirjis al-Jawhari, who succeeded him in the diwan after his death. The cathedral stood on land belonging to General Ya‘qub and Malati Yusuf, and the area became the seat of the new patriarchate. [^6]

## Succession

The future Pope Peter VII served in Cairo as a bishop general assisting Mark VIII. After Mark’s death in 1809, Peter was immediately chosen as his successor and enthroned. [^7]

## Sources
[^1]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 5, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 465)
[^2]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 6, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 542)
[^3]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 5, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 465)
[^4]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 5, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 465)
[^5]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 5, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 465)
[^6]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 5, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 465)
[^7]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 6, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 628)