Nerses Bedros XIX Tarmouni, Egyptian-Armenian patriarch (d. 2015)

Nerses Bedros XIX (Armenian: Ներսէս Պետրոս ԺԹ. Թարմունի), born Pierre Taza, was a pivotal figure in the modern history of the Armenian Catholic Church, serving as its Catholicos-Patriarch from 1999 until his passing on June 25, 2015. His leadership spanned a period of significant global change, and his life, from his birth on January 17, 1940, until his death, was dedicated entirely to ecclesiastical service and the spiritual well-being of the Armenian Catholic community worldwide. He was formally known as Nerses Bedros XIX Tarmouni during his patriarchal tenure, following a tradition of patriarchs adopting regnal names, often including "Bedros" (Peter) to signify their connection to Saint Peter and the Apostolic See.

Early Life, Education, and Vocation

Pierre Taza was born in Cairo, Egypt, into a large Armenian Catholic family, the second son and fifth of eight children to Elias Taza and Josephine Azouz. His upbringing in a devout environment nurtured an early calling to the priesthood. He pursued his primary and secondary education at the esteemed College of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (Frères des écoles chrétiennes) in Cairo. This institution, part of the global network founded by Saint Jean-Baptiste de La Salle, emphasizes holistic education and character formation, laying a strong foundation for his future ministry.

Recognizing his profound vocation, young Pierre Taza was sent to Rome in 1958 to further his priestly formation. He enrolled at the Armenian Leonine Pontifical College, a venerable institution dedicated to the training of Armenian Catholic clergy. During his time in Rome, he undertook rigorous philosophical and theological studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University. The Gregorian University, a prestigious Jesuit institution, is renowned for its academic excellence and has educated numerous church leaders, providing him with a comprehensive and globally informed theological perspective.

Priesthood and Early Pastoral Ministry

On August 15, 1965, a significant date coinciding with the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, Pierre Taza was ordained a priest in Cairo by his bishop, Raphaël Bayan. Following his ordination, he was widely known as Father Pierre Taza, particularly within the vibrant Armenian Catholic community of Heliopolis, a district in Cairo.

His early pastoral assignments honed his skills and deepened his understanding of the community's needs. From 1965 to 1968, he served the parish of the Armenian Catholic Cathedral of the Annunciation in Cairo. During this period, he collaborated closely with the Reverend John Kasparian, who would later ascend to the patriarchal throne in 1982, adopting the name Hovhannes Bedros XVIII (John Peter XVIII Kasparian). This early collaboration connected him directly to the lineage of Armenian Catholic leadership he would eventually inherit. Subsequently, from 1968 to 1990, Father Pierre Taza served as curate of the parish of St Therese of Heliopolis in Cairo, a role that involved assisting the parish priest in all aspects of pastoral care, from liturgical services to community outreach.

Episcopal Consecration and Administrative Leadership

His dedication and capabilities led to his elevation to the episcopacy. On February 18, 1990, he was ordained Bishop of the Eparchy (Diocese) of Alexandria for Egypt and Sudan. The ordination was performed by the laying on of hands of Catholicos-Patriarch Jean Pierre XVIII, a testament to his predecessor's trust and recognition of his potential for higher leadership. As a bishop, he became the spiritual shepherd for the Armenian Catholic faithful across Egypt and Sudan.

Beyond his direct pastoral duties, Nerses Bedros XIX also demonstrated significant administrative prowess within the broader Catholic Church in Egypt. From 1992 to 1997, he served as the General Secretary of the Pastoral Council of the Catholic Church of Egypt. This crucial role involved coordinating pastoral initiatives and policies across all Catholic rites in the country, showcasing his ability to work effectively within diverse ecclesiastical structures and manage complex organizational tasks.

Influential Roles within the Synod of Bishops

As a respected member of the Synod of the Bishops of the Catholic Armenian Patriarch Church, Nerses Bedros XIX played an increasingly influential role in the central administration and governance of the Patriarchate. The Synod of Bishops is the supreme legislative and judicial authority of an Eastern Catholic Church, responsible for electing the Patriarch and making key decisions affecting the entire church.

Election as Catholicos-Patriarch and Legacy

His extensive experience, deep theological knowledge, and proven administrative skills culminated in his election as the Catholicos-Patriarch of Cilicia of Armenian Catholics in October 1999. Elected by the Bishops of the Holy Synod of the Catholic Armenian Synod, he adopted the patriarchal name Nerses Bedros XIX, signifying his continuity with previous patriarchs named Nerses and the long line of Bedros (Peter) successors. The title "Catholicos-Patriarch of Cilicia of Armenian Catholics" harks back to the historical seat of the Armenian Church in Cilicia (modern-day Turkey) and represents his spiritual authority over Armenian Catholics worldwide, uniting them under the Bishop of Rome while preserving their distinct Eastern liturgical and canonical traditions.

He faithfully served in this preeminent position until his death on June 25, 2015. During his sixteen-year tenure as Catholicos-Patriarch, Nerses Bedros XIX tirelessly worked to strengthen the Armenian Catholic Church, advocate for Christian unity, and support Armenian communities globally, particularly those facing challenges in the Middle East. His leadership was marked by a profound spirituality, a commitment to education, and a dedication to the preservation of Armenian cultural and spiritual heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nerses Bedros XIX

Who was Nerses Bedros XIX?
Nerses Bedros XIX (born Pierre Taza) was the Catholicos-Patriarch of Cilicia of Armenian Catholics, serving as the head of the Armenian Catholic Church worldwide from 1999 until his death in 2015. He was born in Cairo, Egypt, and dedicated his life to priestly and episcopal service.
What is the Armenian Catholic Church?
The Armenian Catholic Church is one of the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the Pope in Rome. It follows the Armenian Rite and maintains its distinct liturgical, theological, and canonical traditions, while acknowledging the primacy of the Roman Pontiff. Its spiritual head is the Catholicos-Patriarch of Cilicia of Armenian Catholics.
What is a "Catholicos-Patriarch"?
A Catholicos-Patriarch is the head of an autonomous (sui iuris) Eastern Catholic Church. The title "Catholicos" is historically rooted in the Armenian Apostolic Church, signifying a universal leader, while "Patriarch" denotes a head bishop with jurisdiction over an entire patriarchate. This dual title reflects the unique historical and ecclesiastical lineage of the Armenian Catholic Church.
Where did Nerses Bedros XIX receive his education?
He completed his primary and secondary studies at the College of the Brothers of the Christian Schools in Cairo and pursued higher education in philosophy and theology at the prestigious Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, following studies at the Armenian Leonine Pontifical College.
What significant roles did he hold before becoming Patriarch?
Prior to his election as Catholicos-Patriarch, he served as a parish priest, was consecrated Bishop of the Eparchy of Alexandria for Egypt and Sudan, and held key administrative positions including General Secretary of the Pastoral Council of the Catholic Church of Egypt and various influential roles within the Synod of Bishops of the Armenian Catholic Church.