Peter VII

109th Coptic patriarch of Egypt (1809 - 1852).

Originally chosen by Mark VIII (1796 - 1809) as abuna (archbishop) of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Peter instead became an important bishop close to the patriarch and eventually succeeded him. Peter was a thrifty and judicious administrator whose wise handling of accounts created a fortune that made possible the reforms of his successor, Cyril IV (1854 - 1861). Peter assembled part of the patriarchal library in Cairo and had new copies of important treatises made from old versions, sometimes participating in the task. He wrote theological treatises clarifying the Coptic Church's position on Communion and Christ's nature. Peter's good relations with the viceroy of Egypt became legendary. In particular, Peter won great favor with Muhammad Ali when he refused an offer from the Russian czar to put the Coptic Orthodox Church under his protection.

— DONALD SPANEL