Abram, also recognized as Abraam or Saint Abram, lived during the 19th and early 20th centuries and was esteemed as a contemporary Coptic Orthodox saint. Holding the position of Bishop in the regions of Faiyum and Giza, he was renowned for his unwavering commitment to aiding the less fortunate and earned the epithet of the "Friend of the Poor."

 

Born as Boulos Gabriel in 1829 AD (1545 A.M.) in the village of Gilda, situated in the Mallawi district of the Minya Governorate, Abram's early life was marked by the loss of his mother when he was eight years old. Noteworthy for his compassion and commitment to almsgiving, at the age of fifteen, village priests recommended him to Youssab (Joseph), the Bishop of the Diocese, who subsequently ordained him as a deacon.

 

At the age of nineteen, Boulos joined the El-Muharraq Monastery in Assiut, known as the Monastery of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, where he assumed the monastic name Paul El-Muharraqi. His virtues of patience, self-control, and his philanthropic endeavors drew the attention of Metropolitan Yakoubos, who invited him to work with the poor in the Metropolitanate. After a period of service, Paul, now a priest, returned to the monastery in 1863.

 

Paul ascended to the position of abbot at the El-Muharraq Monastery, where he displayed remarkable leadership, and the number of monks under his guidance grew rapidly. The monastery, under his stewardship, became a haven for the impoverished in the community, benefiting from its resources.

 

However, dissent arose among the monks who disapproved of what they perceived as excessive spending from the monastery's funds. Their grievances reached Anba Marcus, the archbishop of Beheira and acting patriarchal deputy. In response, Paul was relieved of his role as the head of al-Muharraq in 1870.

 

Subsequently, Paul departed from Al Muharraq Monastery and sought refuge at the Paromeos Monastery, accompanied by four monks from his previous abode. The abbot of Paromeos Monastery at that time was arch-priest Youhanna (John) the Scribe, who later became Pope Cyril V of Alexandria.

 

In 1881 AD (1597 A.M.), Pope Cyril V appointed Paul as the bishop of the parishes of Fayoum and Giza, renaming him Bishop Abram. He assumed the responsibilities previously held by the late Bishop Isaak.

 

Abram's earthly journey came to an end on 3 Paoni 1630 A.M. (10 June 1914 AD). His funeral drew a crowd of approximately twenty-five thousand individuals, comprising both Christians and Muslims, attesting to the profound impact of his life. Abram was interred in a grave he had prepared himself, and his preserved body now rests at the Coptic Orthodox Metropolitanate of Fayoum in Egypt.

 

In 1964, recognizing his sanctity, The Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria canonized Abram as a saint. His name was formally added to the list of revered saints mentioned in the Diptych of the Saints during the Divine Liturgy, a testament to his enduring legacy within the Coptic Orthodox Church.