St. Mina and St. Abanoub Coptic Orthodox Church

The news of these miracles spread through all the countries until the Emperor of Constantinople heard of them. He had an only daughter who was leprous. Her father sent her to the place where the saint's body was, and asked the shepherd how these miracles were happening. When she knew, she took some of the sand, moistened it with water, smeared it on her body and slpet the night in that place. In her sleep she saw Saint Mina saying to her,"Arise early and dig in this place. You will find my body." When she woke up, she found herself cured, began digging as she was told and she found the holy body. She sent word to her father, informing him of the news, who rejoiced exceedingly, thanked the Lord and glorified His Name. He then sent men and money and built a church in that place, which was consecrated on the fifteenth day of the month of Baounah. When Arcadius and Honorius reigned, they ordered a city to be built there. Multitudes of people came to that church, asking for the intercession of the blessed saint Mina. The Lord honoured him with many signs and wonders that appeared from his pure body.

When the Arabs came to Egypt, some of them attacked the city, and the church was destroyed, only ruins remained. When the late Pope Kyrillos VI was consecrated Patriarch over the See of Saint Mark, he took interest in building a large monastery in this area (Marriot) in the name of Saint Mina. There are two churches in the monastery, visited by many Christian worshippers who go there to receive blessings and to pray. He also bought one hundred acres of land and built a fence around it. He ordained a number of monks who had a high degree of scientific and religious education. This development has continued in the reign of the current Patriarch, Pope Shenouda III with more architectural development and the consecration of many monks.

May the intercession of Saint Mina be with us; Amen.