Written by Stephanie Abrahim ~Mother Irini, Abbess of St. Philopateer Mercurius (Abu-Seifein) Convent in Old Cairo, Egypt, was an admirable woman known as the “Modern Desert Mother” of the 21st Century. Mother Irini is remembered for bringing to light women’s contribution to the monastic life in Egypt.
In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, monasticism is seen as rebirth because it is a time when he or she rejects worldly desires and possessions to live in seclusion in pursuance of fellowship with our Lord. Although Mother Irini was physically born into the world in the year 1936, her rebirth was in the 1940s when she entered into the convent of Abu-Seifein at the age of 16.
In the year 1954, the confessor of the nuns, Father Mina al Baramousi, who became Pope Kyrollos VI in 1959, told Mother Kyria – Mother Superior of the convent at the time – that Sister Irini would one day become the Mother of the nuns. This became true in 1962 when she was ordained as the Mother of Abu-Seifein Convent.
Mother Irini was known for following the tradition of St. Pachomious concerning the life of monasticism, which was living in a strictly organized community. She believed that our life and community is “essentially built on partnership and love.”
Inherently, Mother Irini’s philosophy of life was based on the act of love:
“‘In a family, different people take on similar features and traits. It is like that when you live your life with God. You are influenced by those you spend the most time with. Peace, joy, and love come from prayer with God. That’s why our life here is a life of prayer.’”
Under Mother Irini, there was a dramatic increase of nuns, buildings were renewed and expanded, and two new churches were added, one dedicated to St. Mercurius and another dedicated to St. Mary.
Her exceptional actions in the blessed convent were recognized by Pope Kyrollos VI, who gave her the blessing of anointing people with Holy Oil – a privilege given only to priests.
She was known for her communion with the Saints of the Old Testament and to have been visited by St. Anthony the Great and St. Philopateer Mercurius.
Mother Irini was diagnosed with cancer in which she is known to have “almost looked death in the face” with no falter in faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Her illness was only a symbol of love and perseverance in fellowship with our Savior. In the year 2006, Mother Irini departed to heavenly Jerusalem.
The nuns of the convent described Mother Irini as their “enlightened mother, mentor, teacher, guide, and the lamp whose light would remain forever.”
May the light of Mother Irini continue to bless our path to living a life of prayer of solitude with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Written by Stephanie Abrahim
Mother Irini- a great modern day Coptic Orthodox Christian woman. Many of us tell ourselves that this is a new era and maintaining a spiritual life is just too hard with all these advancements and, thereby, distractions. However, Mother Irini grew up in the world we live in today. Her spiritual life was her main concern and the world could not stop that. So, let us ask ourselves, what is it that prevents us from being like Mother Irini, dropping that which prevents us from God being are all?
"The Departure of Mother Irini." OrthodoxChristianity.net - Orthodox Christian Forum and Resources. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 July 2011.
"Mother Irini - eNotes.com Reference." eNotes - Literature Study Guides, Lesson Plans, and More.. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 July 2011.
"Mother Irini." St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Church. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 July 2011.