Samuel of Alexandria

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Samuel (Kapasoulis) of Alexandria was the Patriarch of the Church of Alexandria for two periods, from 1710 to 1712 and from 1714 to 1723. Despite the continuing economic problems he ushered in a new and brilliant period for the Patriarchate of Alexandria.

Life

Patriarch Samuel was born in 1661. He was installed the first time as patriarch of Alexandria on February 2, 1710. As patriarch, Samuel was confronted with the problem of Cosmas of Klavdiopolis having been also elected to the see of Alexandria by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, an appointment supported by a notice of support by the Sultan. As a result, Samuel left the office in January or February, 1712. Two years later the new Ecumenical Patriarch, Kyprianos II, accepted Samuel as the proper Patriarch of Alexandria. His second time as patriarch then began in January or February, 1714.

In 1712, Patr. Samuel sent Archbishop Arsenius of Thebaid on a mission to Great Britain to ask financial help for the Alexandria patriarchate from Queen Anne. Abp. Arsenius was accompanied by the archimandrite Gennadius, the protosyngellos James, and a deacon named Simeon. In London, Arsenius converted a private house into a chapel, where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy every Sunday. While in England, Arsenius entered into negotiations with the Non-Jurors. These theological discussions focused on the possibility that the two churches might unite, but in the end they proved fruitless.

Patr. Samuel reposed in September 1723.

Succession box:
Samuel of Alexandria
Preceded by:
Gerasimus II
Patriarch of Alexandria
1710–1712
Succeeded by:
Cosmas II
Preceded by:
Cosmas II
Patriarch of Alexandria
1714–1723
Succeeded by:
Cosmas II
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Sources