Copts begin fasting with celebrations in churches

CAIRO - 8 August 2018: The Coptic Orthodox Church will begin fasting on Tuesday evening and this fasting period will end on Tuesday, August 22.

Alongside the fast, celebrations of the Virgin’s birth began at the Virgin Mary church in Shubra Al-Khaymah. Established in the 12th century, the church holds a well Jesus Christ showered in.

This church was mentioned multiple times in historical books. It has also had a relatively high persona amongst other ancient churches across ages. It was even a part of the Papal Throne in Jerusalem until 1925.

The Bishop of Assuit said in his last weekly sermon that the festive season of the Virgin Mary at Mount Assiut will be continuous. The monastery will open its doors to welcome visitors, worshippers and expatriates from all over Egypt and the world.

With regards to the facilities offered by the monastery for its visitors, the bishop said that they are working to provide 20 buses and minibuses for the elderly and sick. With respect to security, 17 electronic gates will be installed at the beginning of the roads. He stressed that it’s better to prevent public and private cars from going on the road and around the church.

The ceremony begins with the departure of the deacons from the Cave Church, carrying a large icon of the Virgin Mary. In front of them, there will be children dressed in white deacons.

Thousands of Christians and Muslims visit the monastery and the Cave Church, located at the heart of the mountain, during the celebrations of the Virgin Mary’s birth. Many other nationalities also attend which helps promote religious tourism.