Paromeos Coptic Orthodox Monastery
Paromeos Monastery, also known as Baramos Monastery, is likely the oldest of the four extant Coptic Orthodox monasteries in Egypt's Wadi El Natrun. Founded around 335 AD by Saint Macarius the Great, its name may derive from Roman emperors or saints. The monastery has a long history of resilience, having been rebuilt after raids, and has contributed significantly to the Coptic Church by producing several Patriarchs.
Key Facts
- ›Likely the oldest of the four current Coptic Orthodox monasteries in Scetis (Wadi El Natrun).
- ›Founded around 335 AD by Saint Macarius the Great.
- ›Named possibly after Roman emperors Arcadius and Honorius or Saints Maximus and Domatius.
- ›Has been raided and rebuilt multiple times throughout its history.
- ›The oldest church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, dates back to the 6th century and contains relics of Saint Moses the Black.
- ›Has produced several Patriarchs of Alexandria, including Pope Christodolos, Pope Matthew III, Pope Matthew IV, and Pope Cyril VI.
Coptic Architecture
- Walls Built By Pope Shenouda I
- Oldest Church In Scetes Dedicated To the Virgin Mary
- Relics of Saint Moses the Black
- Keep and Tower
- Cave of Pope Cyril Vi
- Hermit Caves In the Surrounding Desert
Baramos Monastery
Saint Macarius the Great, Saint Maximus, Saint Domatius, Saint Arsenius, Saint Isidore, Saint Moses the Black, Pope Shenouda I of Alexandria, Pope Christodolos of Alexandria, Pope Matthew Iii of Alexandria, Pope Matthew Iv of Alexandria, Pope Kyrillos Vi of Alexandria, Father Naum, Father Abdel Massih Ibn Girgis El Masuudi, Bishop Anba Isidoros
- Founded C. 335 Ad By Saint Macarius the Great.
- Destruction By Berbers and Bedouins In 405 Ad.
- Rebuilding By Saint Arsenius After the 405 Ad Raid.
- Second Raid By Berbers In 410 Ad.
- Walls Built Around Monasteries By Pope Shenouda I .
- Visited By Historian Al-Maqrizi In the First Half of the 15th Century.
- Supplied A Monk To the Patriarchal Throne In 1047 Ad .
- Supplied Two Monks To the Patriarchal Throne In the 17th Century .
- Recent Renovations and Cultivation Projects Under Pope Shenouda Iii.
- Archaeological Research On Nearby Monastery of Saint Moses the Black Since 1996.
About Paromeos Coptic Orthodox Monastery
Paromeos Monastery
Paromeos Monastery, also known by its Arabic name Baramos Monastery, stands as a significant Coptic Orthodox monastic institution located in the arid expanse of Wadi El Natrun in Egypt's Beheira Governorate. It holds the distinction of being likely the oldest of the four extant monasteries of Scetis, with its origins tracing back to approximately 335 AD. Founded by the revered Saint Macarius the Great, the monastery’s name itself carries historical weight, with theories suggesting it relates to Roman emperors or early Christian saints who found solace and spiritual fulfillment in its desert setting.
Throughout its extensive history, Paromeos Monastery has endured periods of destruction and rebuilding, notably facing raids from Berber and Bedouin groups in the 5th century. Despite these challenges, it has consistently been a center of Coptic monastic life and spirituality. The monastery’s architectural heritage includes walls constructed by Pope Shenouda I in the 9th century, and its oldest church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, dates back to the 6th century and houses the relics of Saint Moses the Black, a prominent figure in early Coptic monasticism.
Paromeos Monastery has not only preserved its ancient character but has also played a crucial role in the leadership of the Coptic Orthodox Church, having provided several Patriarchs of Alexandria throughout its history, including Pope Christodolos, Pope Matthew III, Pope Matthew IV, and Pope Cyril VI. Modern efforts under Pope Shenouda III have seen renovations and improvements, ensuring the monastery's continued vitality as a spiritual center, with some fifty monks currently residing there. Its proximity to other ancient monastic sites and hermit caves further solidifies its importance within the historical landscape of Egyptian monasticism.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Paromeos Monastery founded?
Paromeos Monastery was likely founded around 335 AD by Saint Macarius the Great. It is considered probably the oldest among the four existing monasteries in Scetes.
What is the origin of the name Paromeos?
The name Paromeos, or Baramos, has a few proposed origins. One theory suggests it refers to Saints Maximus and Domatius, children of Roman Emperor Valentinian I, who had a cell at the site. Another theory links it to Roman Emperors Arcadius and Honorius, disciples of Saint Arsenius.
Has the monastery faced destruction?
Yes, Paromeos Monastery was destroyed in 405 AD by Berbers and Bedouins, and again in 410 AD by Berbers. It was rebuilt on both occasions, with Saint Arsenius returning to reconstruct it after the first raid.
What are the notable churches within Paromeos Monastery?
The monastery has five churches. The oldest is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and dates back to the sixth century, containing the relics of Saint Moses the Black. Other churches are dedicated to Saint Theodore of Amasea, Saint George, Saint John the Baptist, and Archangel Michael.
How many monks currently reside at Paromeos Monastery?
Today, the monastery is inhabited by some fifty monks. Historical records indicate varying numbers of monks over the centuries, with numbers fluctuating between seven and seventy-two monks in different periods.
Is Paromeos Monastery associated with any famous figures?
Yes, Paromeos Monastery is associated with several significant figures. Saints like Macarius the Great, Arsenius, and Moses the Black resided there. It has also produced multiple Popes of Alexandria, including Pope Christodolos, Pope Matthew III, Pope Matthew IV, and Pope Cyril VI.
Related Monasteries
Monastery of Saint Samuel the Confessor
The Monastery of Saint Samuel the Confessor, also known as Deir el-Qalamun, is an ancient Egyptian monastery situated in the Western Desert. Its origins trace back to the late 3rd or early 4th century, with hermits initially inhabiting caves in the Qalamun valley. Over centuries, it evolved into a significant monastic community, enduring periods of prosperity and devastation, and is currently home to around one hundred monks.
St. Macarius Coptic Orthodox Monastery
The Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great, located in Wadi El Natrun, Egypt, is a Coptic Orthodox monastery with a history stretching back to the 4th century AD. Attributed to Saint Macarius the Great, it is one of the oldest continually inhabited monastic communities in the world. The monastery is significant for its historical architecture, religious relics, and its role in the development of Christian monasticism.
St. Menas Coptic Orthodox Monastery
The Monastery of Saint Mina is a significant Coptic Orthodox monastery located in the Western Desert near Alexandria, Egypt. It is dedicated to Saint Menas, a martyr revered as the 'Wonders' Maker'. The modern monastery, established in 1959, is situated near the extensive ruins of the ancient pilgrimage city of Abu Mena, which flourished from the late 4th century until its destruction in the 7th century.