Abouna Sedarous was born Mahroos Abdelmaseeh Sedarous on March 22nd, 1949, in the city of Mallawi in the state of Minia in Upper Egypt to pious Christian parents. His father, grandfather and great grandfather were all priests and even many generations before them. He is the second child born out of seven siblings. Growing up, Abouna Sedarous was very active in his church and his first ordination as a young deacon was performed by His Grace Bishop Shenouda, who is now known as His Holiness Pope Shenouda III. He graduated from the Coptic Orthodox Seminary in Cairo, Egypt in 1971. There, Abouna Sedarous studied under the tutelage of His Grace Bishop Shenouda and continues to be heavily influenced and guided by His Holiness.
On the 28th of July 1972, Abouna Sedarous was ordained a priest in the apostolic tradition of the Coptic Orthodox Church. He first served at St. George Coptic Orthodox Church in Shebin Al-Kom, in the state of Menofia, Egypt from 1972-1998. Then on October 28th, 1998 he became the priest at St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church in Columbus,Ohio.
Abouna Sedarous is well known throughout Egypt, as he appears regularly on the Coptic Channel “Aghapy”, broadcast throughout the world, giving sermons and lectures. He is an authority on the Virgin Saint Mary, the Coptic language and Comparative Theology. He is a strong defender of the Coptic Orthodox faith and has authored numerous books in the Arabic language.
During the time that Abouna Sedarous has served as priest at St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, he has become loved and cherished by all who know him. He shepherds his flock in a tender and loving spirit and is such a blessing to St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church.
Abouna Sedarous left our world on December 6th 2020 after a life full of service and love. Abouna Sedarous will forever be an icon for our Columbus church and for everyone that had the chance to meet him.