Al-‘Ashāy presents the problem of choosing an abbot for the Abū Maqār monastery. The monks of Abū Maqār met Pope Shenouda III to request an abbot and the ordination of some new priests from the monks. It is predicted that Father Basilius will be the abbot despite Bishop Bīshūy's refusal.

Editor Cornelis Hulsman: Father Basilius is one of the first group of disciples of Father Matta al-Meskeen who clashed with Pope Shenouda in the 1970s about the separation between church and state. The late Father Matta, and in his footsteps Father Basilius, argues that the church should refrain from trying to use faith for political influence. Father Basilius did not hesitate to criticize Pope Shenouda frequently for being more of a politician than a religious leader. He did not voice his critique in Egyptian media but to anyone he met with and trusted. Bishop Bīshūy had criticized Father Matta al-Meskeen in an interview I conducted with him and Father Basilius responded. This exchange of views that clarified both positions was only possible since I was on good terms with both men. It is obvious that the two church leaders strongly disagree with each other.

Keywords: Bishop Bīshūy - Abū Maqār monastery - Pope Shenouda III