Pope Gabriel II of Alexandria was the 70th Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church, serving as the Patriarch of the See of St. Mark. Born into a noble family in Cairo, he was a learned scholar, scribe, and writer who spent time transcribing various Coptic and Arabic books. He ascended to the patriarchal throne on February 3, 1131, and governed the church in Egypt until his death in April 1145.
Life and service
During his tenure, Gabriel II maintained significant authority over the Ethiopian church. He worked to preserve the influence of the Alexandrian patriarchate within Ethiopia by preventing the appointment of additional bishops there. As a scholar, he contributed to the preservation of religious texts through his work as a scribe and writer.
Veneration
Recognized as a saint, Gabriel II is commemorated within the Coptic Orthodox tradition. His feast day is observed on the 10th of Parmouti in the Coptic calendar.