The Wadi Natrun is a 20-mile long depression in the western desert between Cairo and Alexandria. We traveled through it by coach on the way to one of the four Coptic Christian monasteries in the area. The following photos were taken in a town we passed through along the way.
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| This is the entrance to the Monastery of St. Bishoi, dedicated to a holy monk who lived at this site in solitude. The main church dates to the 9th century AD. The Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria has his pontifical residence here. The current Pope had recently died and was lying in state in the Church until a new Pope is chosen. |
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| This is the monk who gave us a tour of the Monastery. He was not really as wild-eyed as he appears in this photo. |
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| These men were praying and chanting before the shrine of St. Bishoi. |
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| Pilgrims touch the relic of St. Bishoi, enclosed in a beautiful painted case. |
1 comment:
The monk looks very "Monty Python".
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