English
The Monastery of St. Bishoy, also known as Deir Abu Bishoy, is a prominent Coptic Orthodox monastery with a rich history and spiritual significance. Here are more details:
Foundation and Ancient History:
Founded by St. Pishoy in the 4th century, it is located in Wadi El Natrun, Beheira Governorate, Egypt.
It is the easternmost of the four current monasteries of Wadi el Natrun.
The monastery houses the relics of St. Pishoy and Paul of Tammah, both originally interred at the Monastery of Pishoy in Deir el-Bersha.
On December 13, 841, Pope Joseph I of Alexandria moved their bodies to this monastery, where they lie in the main church1.
Modern History:
The monastery contains the relics of Pishoy, Paul of Tammah, and other saints.
Eyewitnesses recount that the body of Pishoy remains incorrupt.
Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria, who served from 1971 to 2012, is also interred there.
The monastery has five churches, the main one being named after Pishoy. The others are dedicated to Mary, Abaskhiron the Soldier, Saint George, and the Archangel Michael1.
Architecture and Defense:
A keep was built in the 5th century to protect the monastery against Berber attacks.
An initial castle was constructed early in the 20th century, later replaced by a four-storied castle built by Pope Shenouda III.
The monastery also features a well known as the Well of the Martyrs. According to Coptic tradition, Berbers washed their swords in this well after killing the Forty-Nine Martyrs of Scetis1.
Development and Restoration:
Under Pope Shenouda III, new land around the monastery was purchased and developed.
Facilities for poultry, cattle breeding, and dairy were established.
Ancient buildings and churches were restored, and new structures such as cells for monks, retreat houses, a papal residence, reception area, auditorium, conference rooms, fences, and gates were built1.
In summary, the Monastery of St. Bishoy is a beacon of Coptic Christian heritage, combining ancient history with modern religious practice, and continues to be a site of pilgrimage and monastic life in Egypt. 🏛️🇪🇬1.
