Monastery of Saint Samuel the Confessor

The Monastery of Saint Samuel the Confessor, also known by its Arabic names Dair al-Anba Ṣamū'īl al-mu'tarif or Deir el-Qalamun, is a significant Coptic Orthodox monastery located in the Western Desert of Egypt. Its history stretches back to the late 3rd or early 4th century, originating from hermitages established in the caves of the Qalamun valley during a period of Christian persecution. The monastery eventually evolved into a cenobitic community, with Saint Samuel the Confessor playing a pivotal role in its restoration and growth.

History and Development

The earliest inhabitants of the Qalamun valley were hermits, with a monastic community likely forming by the 5th century. Saint Samuel the Confessor, who lived to be 98, is credited with restoring a deserted church and monk's cells, with the sale of basketry providing an initial income. By the time of his death in 695, the monastery housed approximately 120 monks. Despite facing numerous plunders by Bedouins throughout its history, the monastery experienced a notable resurgence. By the turn of the 13th century, under the historian Abu Ṣaliḥ, it boasted 130 monks and twelve chapels, fortified by a large wall with defensive towers.

The monastery may have entered a period of decline by the 14th century, with relics being moved to other monasteries. Pope Gabriel V, the 88th patriarch of Alexandria, was a native of this monastery. Historical accounts by the Arab historian al-Maqrizi in the 14th century indicate it was still inhabited. It is believed to have been abandoned around the 17th century.

The monastery was visited by European travelers in the early 19th century, who noted the preservation of its ancient structures and artwork. In the late 19th century, under archpriest Ishaq el-Baramusi, the monastery was resettled. New buildings were constructed within the enclosure, utilizing old walls as a quarry. The Church of the Virgin Mary was erected in 1958 on the site of a former church, and a new church was consecrated in 2010. Archaeological studies are yet to be fully conducted, but it currently houses about one hundred monks who are engaged in agriculture.

Notable Churches and Features

The monastery complex includes several churches and significant structures. The oldest is the catacombs church of Sts. Samuel, dating back to the 5th century, located below ground level. The Church of the Virgin Mary, built in 1958, is a prominent structure with twelve domes. The Church of Sts. Misael, built by Father Ishaac in 1905, is another notable place of worship. Defensive towers, some potentially dating back to the 6th century, are remnants of its fortified past. Relics of important monks like Bisada, Dumadius, and Andraus of Samueliten are preserved within dedicated cells.

Contemporary Significance and Incidents

The Monastery of Saint Samuel the Confessor continues to be an active center of Coptic Orthodox monastic life. However, its pilgrims have tragically been targets of violence in recent years. In 2017 and 2018, attacks on buses and convoys heading to the monastery resulted in numerous casualties, with the Islamic State claiming responsibility for the earlier incident. These events highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Christian communities in the region.