I am confused in case it can express both, as it says "holy man."

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-08

It is understandable why the phrasing "holy man" might cause confusion, especially when paired with images of a beloved figure like Pope Shenouda III. However, in the Coptic Orthodox tradition, we must be very precise with our theology and the identity of the person being praised.

The song is entirely for ⲓⲏⲥⲟⲩⲥ ⲡⲭⲣⲓⲥⲧⲟⲥ (Jesus Christ). Here is why the term "holy man" does not change the subject of the song to a human Pope:

1. The Incarnate Word

In the Coptic faith, we emphasize that Christ is the Incarnate God. He is fully divine and fully human. When the song refers to a "holy man," it is referring to Christ in His humanity. He is the only truly "Holy" human (ⲡⲓⲁⲅⲓⲟⲥ), as He was born without sin. While we call our Popes and Saints "holy" (righteous), they are holy by participation in God’s holiness, whereas Christ is Holy by nature.

2. The Context of the Other Titles

In Coptic hymnology and spiritual songs, we cannot isolate one phrase. You must look at the titles that immediately follow:

• The Almighty: This is the translation of the Greek word ⲡⲁⲛⲧⲟⲕⲣⲁⲧⲱⲣ (Pantocrator). In every Liturgy, we confess that only God is the Pantocrator.
• The Great I AM: This is the Divine Name (in Hebrew: Yahweh).

It would be a grave theological error—bordering on blasphemy—to call Pope Shenouda or any saint "The Almighty" or "The Great I AM." Therefore, since those titles are in the song, the "holy man" being referred to must be the Lord Jesus Christ, the "Son of Man."

3. Usage in Media

The YouTube video you saw is an example of a "tribute." Coptic youth often put together videos of Pope Shenouda because they love him and see him as a reflection of Christ’s image. When they play this song over his pictures, they are not saying he is the Almighty; rather:

• They are showing a man who loved the One the song is about.
• They are using a song that expresses "longing" because they miss the Pope and imagine him now with the "One he loves" (Christ).

Conclusion

The song cannot express "both" in terms of identity. The song is a prayer to God. While a Pope is a holy man, he is not The Holy Man, The Almighty, or The I AM.

The Coptic Church is very strict about distinguishing between Latria (worship due to God alone) and Dulia (veneration due to the saints). This song falls under the category of praise and love for the Divine Bridegroom, Jesus Christ.