Pope John VIII was born in Meniat Bani-Khosaim. His real name was Yohanna Ben-Ebsal, but he was known as El Mo'ataman Ebn El-Kedees. He became monk at the Monastery of Shahran and was ordained Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark on 19 Meshir, 10:16 a.m. (14 February 1300)