Details About Monastery of St.Macarius the great

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Details About Monastery of St.Macarius the great

05 16, 2023

St. Macarius Monastery

The Monastery of Saint Macarius (Deir Abou-Maqar, or Deir Anba Maqar) is an important Coptic Orthodox monastery located in the desert region of Wadi Al-Natroune, just over 90 km north of Cairo. In 1969, at the request of the Patriarch of Alexandria, Pope Cyril VI, the monastery was renovated under the leadership of the monk Matta Al-Maskine.

The monastery was built in the 4th century AD to protect the monks and religious from the Berber hordes. It has 500 hectares of land, cultivated by 700 people. The monks number 130, including pharmacists, doctors and engineers. Inside the Coptic church are the relics of John the Baptist and Elisha the prophet.

There are three sanctuaries. The first has obvious Fatimid influences and is dedicated to St John the Baptist and St Mark, while the second is dedicated to the patriarch Benjamin. Both of these sanctuaries have remarkable painted decorations, and the second houses rare representations of the ‘Tetramorph’ - the four winged animals in Ezekiel's vision, symbolising Christ and the four Gospels - painted on wood in the 7th century. The third concerns the three Macarius. The building houses the relics of Saint Macarius the Great, Saint Macarius of Alexandria and Bishop Macarius.

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The Monastery of St. Macarius the Great, also known as the Monastery of St. Macarius the Egyptian, is one of the most renowned Christian monastic communities in Egypt and the entire Coptic Orthodox Church. It is named after St. Macarius the Great, a revered Christian ascetic and monk who lived during the 4th century AD and is considered one of the Desert Fathers of early Christian monasticism.

Key aspects of the Monastery of St. Macarius the Great include:

Location: The monastery is situated in the Wadi al-Natrun (Wadi El Natron) desert region in northern Egypt, about 92 kilometers (57 miles) northwest of Cairo. This area is historically significant for its association with Christian monasticism and has been home to several ancient monastic communities.

Foundation: The Monastery of St. Macarius was founded in the 4th century, making it one of the earliest Christian monastic establishments in the region. It was founded by St. Macarius the Great himself and was later expanded and developed by subsequent generations of monks.

Spiritual Heritage: St. Macarius the Great is known for his profound spiritual wisdom and ascetic lifestyle. His teachings and writings have had a significant impact on Christian monasticism and spirituality. The monastery preserves his legacy and continues to be a center of Christian contemplative life.

Monastic Life: The monks of St. Macarius follow a strict monastic life that includes communal prayer, fasting, manual labor, and solitude. They strive to live a life of prayer and simplicity in the desert, following the traditions of the Desert Fathers.

Historical Significance: The monastery has a rich history and has survived various challenges and periods of persecution over the centuries. It is considered a symbol of the endurance and resilience of the Coptic Christian community in Egypt.

Spiritual Retreat: The Monastery of St. Macarius has long been a destination for pilgrims and seekers of spiritual wisdom. It offers a place of retreat and reflection for those seeking a deeper connection with their faith and spirituality.

Religious Art and Architecture: The monastery features historic churches and chapels adorned with religious art and frescoes. The architecture reflects both Coptic and Byzantine influences.

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