Pope Cyril VI was born in Damanhour, Egypt, into a Christian family. He resigned a civil service position to become a [[monk]] in July 1927. He passed his probationary period and, on [[February 24]], 1928, took his [[monastic]] vows and assumed the name Fr. Mina El-Baramosy. The mystical spiritual mentor of Fr. Mina El-Baramosy the recluse was St. [[Isaac of Syria]], Bishop of Nineweh and 7th century [[ascetic]].