Anba Agapius

Anba Agapius (; born Michel Masoud, 2 April 1944 – 4 February 2025) was an Egyptian Coptic Orthodox bishop and later Metropolitan. He was the first bishop of the Diocese of Deir Mawas and Delga in Minya Governorate, Egypt, serving from 1988 until his death in 2025.

Early life Michel Masoud was born on 2 April 1944 in Zagazig, Sharqia Governorate, Egypt. After graduating, he worked as an agricultural engineer in Tanta and later as a supply inspector. He also volunteered at the Virgin Mary Church (al-Sagha) and the Archangel Michael Church in Tanta during this period. During his tenure, the diocese undertook several building projects, including: In July 2024, Pope Tawadros II met at his residence with the clergy of the diocese to review church operations.

Elevation to Metropolitan On 20 November 2022, Pope Tawadros II elevated him to the rank of Metropolitan. The ceremony took place in the presence of ten bishops and metropolitans.

August 2013 attacks In August 2013, following the dispersal of the Rabaa El-Adaweya sit-in, a number of church buildings in the diocese were attacked and damaged. These included the Monastery of the Virgin Mary and Anba Ibrahim in Delga and churches in Deir Mawas. Bishop Agapius worked with Egyptian security and local authorities on damage assessment and repairs.

Death Anba Agapius was admitted to a hospital in Cairo in January 2025 due to illness. He died on 4 February 2025, aged 80.

Pope Tawadros II led the funeral service at Saint Mark's Cathedral in Cairo on 5 February 2025. His body was then taken to Deir Mawas for a second service at the Virgin Mary Church. He was buried at the Monastery of the Virgin Mary and Anba Ibrahim in Delga, as he had requested.

Succession After his death, Pope Tawadros II appointed Metropolitan Demetrius of Mallawi as temporary representative for the diocese. On 1 June 2025, Pope Tawadros II consecrated Anba Boktor as the new bishop of the diocese.