Pope Joseph I of Alexandria

Saint Joseph I of Alexandria (Abba Yousab), 52nd Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark.

Saint Joseph I of Alexandria
Pope of Alexandria & Patriarch of the See of St. Mark
Papacy began	831
Papacy ended	2 November 849
Predecessor	Simeon II
Successor	Michael II
Personal details
Born	771 Menouf, Egypt
Died	2 November 849
Buried	Saint Mark's Church
Nationality	Egyptian
Denomination	Coptic Orthodox Christian
Residence	Saint Mark's Church
Sainthood
Feast day	2 November

He was the son of one of the rich nobles of Menouf, Egypt. After his parents died, some believers raised him. As an adult, he gave most of his money as alms and went to the desert of St. Macarius the Great and became a monk. When Abba Marcus II became the 49th Pope of Alexandria, he summoned Yousab, ordained him a priest and sent him back. He stayed in the desert until the death of Abba Simon II, 51st Pope.^[1]

The papal throne remained unoccupied, and Abba Yousab was chosen Pope. He bought properties out of his own pocket, and bestowed them on the churches. Abba Yousab condemned actions of bishops of Tanes and Miser (Cairo); they were excommunicated.

He died after 19 years in office, having been a monk for 39 years since the age of 20.