English
The Monastery of St. Bishoy also known as Deir Abu Bishoy is an ancient and historically rich Coptic Orthodox monastery notable for its spiritual relevance. More information is presented below
1.Inception and Early Years:
Founded by St. Pishoy in the 4th century AD, the Abbey is located in Wadi El Natrun, Beheira Governorate, Egypt.
It is the eastern-most of the four existing monasteries of Wadi el Natrun.
The remains of St. Pishoy and Paul of Tammah are kept in the cloister, which at first was located in the Monastery of Pishoy in Deir el-Bersha.
On December 13, 841, the bodies of the two Saints were transferred by Pope Joseph I of Alexandria to be buried at this monastery, where they existed within the main church1.
2.Contemporary Timeline:
The relics of monasteries include the Pishoy and Paul of Tammah along with others.
One of the visitors asserts that Pishoy’s body did not decay.
There is also the grave of Pope Shenouda cairoiii who became the pope in 1971 and died in 2012.
The convent has five temples, and the principal is dedicated to Pishoy. The rest are dedicated to Mary, Saint Abaskhiron the Soldier, Saint George, and Archangel Michael1.
3.Design and Protective Measures:
A keep was added against the Berber threats in the 5th century since they had been attacking the monastery.
In the early 20th century, the first castle was built, which was again altered into a four-storey castle erected by Pope Shenouda III.
The monastery has also a very famous well called the Well of the Martyrs. According to Coptic tradition, this well was where the Berbers rinsed their swords after slaying the Forty-Nine Martyrs of Scetis1.
4.Growth and Preservation:
New territories around the monastery were procured and constructed under the reign of Pope Shenouda III.
Dairy production, poultry farms, and cow rearing were put in place.
Old structures and churches were renovated and constructions like monks’ cells and retreat centres, a residence of the pope, and reception buil
