St Bulis Al-Bushi

St Bulis Al-Bushi presents in English eight homilies by St Bulis (also written Bulus) al-Bushi, one of the greatest theologians of the Coptic Middle Ages, for readers of Coptic theology and the Church's feasts.

He was among the first authors to write theology directly in Arabic rather than translate from Greek or Coptic, as was common in his day, and his writings had a wide influence on Egyptian Christians and others.

He was probably born between 1170 and 1175 in the city of Bush, north of Beni Suef in Middle Egypt, and his life closely matched the years of Ayyubid rule in Egypt (1171-1250). He joined the Monastery of Anba Samuel of Qalamun in the Fayyum. His fame grew when he was one of three monks nominated to succeed Pope John VI (died 1216) as Patriarch of Alexandria, though he withdrew his name. In the last decade of his life he was ordained the first bishop of Cairo, and he died around 1250.

The eight homilies translated here, given on the major feasts of the Church, are probably his most famous work and survive in dozens of manuscripts. His homily for Good Friday is traditionally read at the Sixth Hour of Good Friday in the Coptic Orthodox Church. Rich in Scripture and joining theology with spiritual life, they place him in line with the great Church Fathers of the fourth and fifth centuries.

Book details

• Author: St Bulis Al-Bushi
• Format: Printed book, 5.5 x 8.5 in
• Pages: 198
• Published: 2023, St Shenouda Press
• ISBN: 9780645554397