Pope John IV of Alexandria (735-799) was the Coptic Pope of Alexandria from 24 January 777 to 24 January 799, succeeding Mina I and preceding Mark II.
Biography[]
John was born in Egypt from 735, and he was a monk at the St. Macarius Monastery, and he was known for his ascetic life. When it came time to choose the next Coptic Pope of Alexandria, the bishops had children pick a name written down on paper to randomly select the next Patriarch. One child picked up John's name, and put it back; two other children also picked his name, which was seen as proof that God wanted him to become the Coptic Pope. During a famine, he offered food and money to everyone, regardless of faith, and he was dedicated to building many churches. He died on the 22nd anniversary of his taking office, and he predicted that Mark would succeed him.