Career
Fanous is best known for founding the Egyptian Party in 1908, which consisted mainly of wealthy Copts, who were "Egyptians of Christian faith". He also funded and organized the Coptic Conference in 1911, held in Assiut, which advocated Coptic rights. Fanous was the leader of the Coptic-led Independent Egyptian Party, and played an important role in the "Coptic Congress," which was held March 6–8, 1911.
This Congress convened under enormous controversy, and in assuming his role as the leader, Akhnoukh Fanous came under much scrutiny from the public and the government.
The lack of unity within the Coptic community following these events caused leaders of the Coptic community to call a congress. However, he showed "remarkable restraint" in his speech.
In 1901, Akhnoukh Fanous received an honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Law from the American University of Beirut. He was also one of the founders of the Egyptian University in 1908.
Akhnoukh Fanous is the father of the famous political activist Ester Fanous.
