Patriarch, But Without Chains



Much has been said recently about the past era when papal candidates would be brought forth in chains, unwilling to assume the papacy out of deep humility. Some today mourn the loss of that era. Yet they may not realize that, while such physical chains may no longer exist, we have bound ourselves with other, more subtle chains—man-made rules and human restrictions.

Some of those who circulate these nostalgic stories may need to step back and consider God's will from His own divine perspective. What matters most in the choice of a patriarch is not external tradition or historical romanticism, but the sovereign will of God, who alone sees the heart and appoints His servants.

Chains of a Different Kind

Today, the Church has imposed new chains—not on the candidate, but on the process itself. Through the centuries, we have accumulated a host of human laws and regulations governing the papal election. These rules, though perhaps well-intentioned, can obstruct the free and sovereign choice of God. As a result, the Church may be hindered from receiving the blessing of God’s unrestricted will in choosing her new patriarch.

As St. Paul once said while standing before King Agrippa, "I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am—except for these chains" (Acts 26:29, NKJV). With that same longing, I say: may we have a patriarch—but without chains.

Those familiar with the current election process know how controversial and difficult it has become, largely due to human additions to what should be a divinely led appointment. The more we narrow eligibility through legal restrictions, the more likely we are to miss the one God has chosen. Is God not free to choose as He wills?

God's Freedom to Choose

The title Patriarch, meaning "Father of Fathers" or "Pope," was first used in the fifth century during the reign of Emperor Theodosius (401–450 AD), who applied it to the Bishop of Rome. However, by the Holy Spirit, Abraham was already recognized as “the father of the faithful” (Hebrews 7:4), and the patriarchal title was later used for Isaac, Jacob, and the twelve sons of Jacob (Acts 7:8).

In Church tradition, the twelve apostles and the seventy disciples are also referred to as patriarchs. St. Mark the Apostle, the evangelizer of Egypt, is considered the first Patriarch of the Church of Alexandria.

But who called Abraham? Who appointed the apostles? Who chose St. Mark? Was it not God Himself who, by His absolute authority, established them?

“From whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named” (Ephesians 3:15, NKJV).
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you” (John 15:16, NKJV).
“Did I not choose you, the twelve…?” (John 6:70, NKJV).

In the ordination rite of the Patriarch, the Church acknowledges this truth when the senior bishop prays:

“O true God… we ask and pray to Your goodness for Your servant, whom You have elected, glorified, and chosen to be the shepherd of Your people.”

Has God ever consulted with man in making His choices?

“For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor?” (Romans 11:34, NKJV).

Biblical Witness: David and Paul

When God chose David to be king, even the prophet Samuel initially judged by appearances, favoring Eliab, David’s brother. But the Lord corrected him:

“Do not look at his appearance… For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7, NKJV).

David, the youngest and most overlooked, was God’s chosen. In a similar way, Saul—later Paul—was God's surprising choice for apostleship. Paul wrote:

“The gospel… is not according to man… but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:11–12, NKJV).

Even Ananias hesitated when God told him to go to Saul, fearing Saul's reputation. But God replied:

“Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine” (Acts 9:15, NKJV).

Would today's regulations have allowed Saul—persecutor of the Church—to become an apostle? And yet he became one of the greatest.

Let God Be God

Scripture proclaims:

“God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise… so that no flesh should glory in His presence” (1 Corinthians 1:25–29, NKJV).
“Who then is that faithful and wise steward…?” (Luke 12:42, NKJV).

The Lord delights in calling those who are overlooked, so that His glory—not human qualifications—may be revealed. Jesus said:

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matthew 25:21, 23, NKJV).

The Holy Spirit still moves in power. As Jesus told Nicodemus:

“The wind blows where it wishes… So is everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John 3:8, NKJV).

So what if God wills to choose a patriarch who is a bishop, a metropolitan, a monk—or even a married layman? Can anyone restrain the Holy Spirit?

Historically, the Church of Alexandria has had bishops, monks, and even 42 married laymen elevated to the patriarchate. The precedent exists, but more importantly, the sovereign freedom of God remains.

A Call for Surrender

In the Book of Acts, the early Church appointed leaders not through rigid regulations but through prayer, fasting, and surrender to the Holy Spirit:

“As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul…’” (Acts 13:2, NKJV).

The Holy Spirit is still able to lead—if we are willing to surrender to Him.

I do not write this as one having authority, but simply as one offering a reflection. Ultimately, the matter belongs to the holy fathers and the pillars of the Church. May the Lord guide them in truth, and may all glory be to His name:

“Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your mercy, because of Your truth” (Psalm 115:1, NKJV).


Fr. Abraam Sleman

 #PapalElection, #GodsWillNotOurs, #HolySpiritLeads, #UnchainedPatriarch, #CopticOrthodoxChurch, #DivineCalling, #ChurchLeadership, #FaithNotTradition, #BiblicalWisdom, #SpiritLedChurch, #GodChoosesServants, #PatriarchWithoutChains, #ApostolicSuccession, #DiscerningGodsWill, #FrAbraamSleman

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