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→Early life
Once again, Matthew left to Al-Muharraq monastery to work in the kitchen, and serve the elders. He lived a life of self-denial, and did not allow himself to have more than one garment. It was said that he was a friend of the wild beasts who kept him company outside the monastery.
On the death of Gabriel IV Patriarch of Alexandria (1378), Father Matheos was elected be the next patriarch. On hearing the news, Matthew escaped and hid in the bottom of a ship, but a little child exposed his hiding place. Finally, he solicited the council of the elders of St. Anthony's monastery, and accepted their decision. Escorted to Alexandria, he was consecrated as Pope, and gave himself the title ''El-Meskeen'' ("The Poor"). (Not to be confused with [http://copticchurch.net/synaxarium/4_7.html#1] and [[Matta El-Meskeen|2]].)
==Pope of the See of St. Mark==