As we all know, when someone becomes a monk, they change their name. This new name usually sticks with them for the rest of their life. However, in the case of Saint Cyril VI, he was called Abouna Mina before his papacy. Pope Shenouda III was called Abouna Antonios before his episcopacy. But Pope Tawadros II kept his monastic name. Why do some change their names when they become bishops?
PS: I am absolutely not trying to bash anyone or anything, I’m just confused on the naming rules.
Comments
They could have even even kept their birth names as their monastic name, Priesthood name, Etc...!
A monk is not automatically a Priest, or even a Deacon. When they become a Monastic, their name is almost always exclusively decided by the Bishop, and dependent on the Bishop, will either be one chosen by him or the nominee.
Father Mauritius, a popular Australian monk, has served at our Monastery before the recent monastic issues. I asked him how he got his name. He said, "The Bishop asked me if there was any name I wanted. I said I had an uncle named Maurice." Pope Shenouda said, "I'll use Mauritius because it sounds more Latin."
So, as you can see there aren't any specific guidelines for all names. It's really up to the Bishop. Great question, though. Also, Priests legally change their first names which is probably confusing for parents and siblings!
Also, do they choose or is it chosen from the saint of the day or some other source?
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