The site of a great trial for Christians, which became a true miracle
In the 10th century, an event took place on Mokattam Mountain that saved Egypt’s Christians. The ruler of the time, Caliph al-Mu’izz, a great enthusiast of religious debate, decided to arrange a dispute between Pope Abraham and the Jewish vizier Yaqub ibn Killis
The vizier pointed to the words of the Gospel: “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed… the mountain will move,” - and demanded proof from the Christians
The caliph ruled that if the mountain did not move, the Christians would have to convert to Islam or leave Egypt…
Pope Abraham begged for three days of fasting and prayer
On the third day the Virgin Mary appeared to him, telling him to find Simeon the Tanner in the old city - a humble craftsman who would help resolve the situation
Simeon said: “Gather everyone at the foot of the mountain
Say three times: ‘Lord, have mercy,’ making the sign of the cross toward the mountain”
On the appointed day, representatives of the three faiths gathered at Mokattam Mountain
The Christians began to pray, and when the prayer had been said for the third time, the mountain shook
That put an end to the whole dispute, and the Christians were left in peace 🙏
Today the Church of Simeon the Tanner stands on this site, carved into the rock of Mokattam Mountain. It is a holy place that draws pilgrims from all over Egypt
And even today miracles happen here: people are healed of illness, find comfort, and draw new strength through prayer
The master who created the striking rock carvings on Mokattam Mountain is the Polish artist Mariusz Dybich, known in Cairo as Mario. Since the early 1990s he has devoted more than two decades to creating sculptures and bas-reliefs at the Monastery of Saint Simeon. These works of art depict biblical scenes and miracles, including the legend of the moving of Mokattam Mountain
The cave church is the largest cave church in the Middle East and can hold around 20,000 people. It is located in the Manshiyat Naser district, known as Garbage City, home to the Coptic Christian Zabbaleen community
Mokattam Mountain and the Church of Simeon remain an eternal symbol that faith, even as small as a mustard seed, can move mountains - and hearts ♥️♥️♥️
Private tour of the holy sites
