Pope John IV
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]
Also known as: John IV · Saint John IV · John IV, Saint and Patriarch · John IV of Alexandria
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
References
Sources
- 1.The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 4 — Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 856)
JOHN IV, saint and forty-eighth patriarch of the See of Saint Mark (775-799). John is known from the HISTORY OF THE PATRIARCHS to have been a monk of WADI HABIB, without any specific mention of the monastery to which he belonged, though in all probability it was the monastery of Saint Macarius (DAYR ANBA MAQAR).
- 2.The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 4 — Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 856)
After the death of Anba MINA, his predecessor, the throne of Saint Mark remained vacant for nearly two years, because the bishops and the clergy of Alexandria could not reach unanimity on a suitable candidate for the patriarchate. They ultimately reached a compromise whereby they wrote the names of three possible candidates on three tickets, placed them on the altar, then spent the night in prayers and supplication to the Lord to guide them to the right person. They then had a child select the ticket. This process was repeated three times, and each time the name of John emerged as the winner.
- 3.The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 4 — Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 856)
According to the History of the Patriarchs, John was a monk of "perfect stature, inspired by God in all affairs. And everyone desired to behold his welcome form; and it was granted to him to be acceptable to all princes and governors" (Vol. 2, pt. 2, p. 383).
- 4.The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 4 — Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 856)
During his patriarchate, the Copts seemed to fare well and live in security, and the patriarch's chief concern was to build or restore the churches in the capital without being disturbed by the Muslim rulers, to whom he rendered the just KHARAJ, or annual tax, without trouble.
- 5.The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 4 — Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 856)
Perhaps the only disturbing element in the early years of his patriarchate was precipitated by a Chalcedonian named Julianus, who was a clever physician highly regarded by the Muslim rulers on account of his skill in his profession. He tried to poison the Muslim rulers' minds toward John, but apparently failed to rouse them against him.
- 6.The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 4 — Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 856)
John IV was aided in his building program by a deacon named Mark (Murqus), who became a close disciple and participated with the patriarch in the celebration of the Liturgy
- 7.The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 6 — Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 537)
48. John IV 775-799 Anba Maqar al-Mahdi 775-785 al-Hadi 785-786 Harun al-Rashid 786-809 49. Mark II 799-819 Anba Maqar Harun al-Rashid 786-809
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This article was drafted from the sources listed above with AI assistance and reviewed by an editor before publication.