Early Life and Initiation into Monasticism:

Tamav, born on February 9, 1936, in Girga, a small town in Upper Egypt's Sohag Governorate, was the eldest among seven siblings in a well-off Coptic Orthodox Christian family. She underwent Christian baptism at the Monastery of Saint Shenoudah the Archimandrite in Sohaq. At 18, on October 6, 1954, she entered the Abu Seifein Convent in Cairo, becoming its youngest nun.

 

Monastic Commitments and Appointment as Abbess:

Upon joining the convent, Tamav, like her fellow nuns, pledged lifelong poverty. In 1962, she ascended to the position of abbess of Abu Seifein, dedicating herself to vigilance, prayer, fasting, purity, poverty, solitude, and tranquility.

 

Leadership and Spiritual Insights:

As abbess, Tamav claimed to have received divine visions from Christ and St. Pachomius the Great, a pioneer of communal monasticism. She enforced the Pachomian Koinonia regulations, abolishing personal possessions and segregation while introducing communal prayers and meals. Tamav also established St. Mercurius' Church and another in honor of the Virgin Mary within the monastery.

 

Contributions and Esteem:

Also known as Mother Irene, she significantly promoted the reverence for Saint Mercurius among Coptic Christians. Under her leadership, Abu-Seifein produced a book titled "The Angelic Life: The Virgin Mary and Other Virgins in Different Ages," which underscored women's roles in monastic and ascetic practices.

 

Struggle with Illness and Passing:

After enduring illness for 25 years, Tamav passed away on October 31, 2006. Her demise drew thousands of mourners, with Bishop Raphaeil representing Pope Shenouda III at her funeral.

 

Miracle and Encounter with St. Philopatyr Mercurius:

During her tenure as abbess, a crisis emerged when the government planned to construct a highway intersecting the monastery. Seeking divine intervention, Mother Irini was visited by St. Philopatyr Abu Sayfain, who proposed a resolution involving a meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Through a remarkable encounter, the issue was resolved, with Mubarak acknowledging the sanctity of the monastery's grounds.

 

Legacy:

Mother Irini was remembered as a guiding figure and beacon of wisdom, with her teachings continuing to inspire and guide the nuns she led. Her influence transcended the convent, leaving an enduring mark on the Coptic Christian community.