St. Menas Coptic Orthodox Monastery

Monastery of Saint Mina

The Monastery of Saint Mina is a prominent monastery of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, situated in the Western Desert near the historic city of Alexandria, Egypt. It is dedicated to Saint Menas, a revered martyr often referred to as the 'Wonders' Maker' due to numerous accounts of miraculous healing attributed to his intercessions. The modern monastic complex, established in 1959, is strategically located adjacent to the extensive ruins of Abu Mena, the original pilgrimage site that flourished from the late 4th century until its destruction in the 7th century.

History and Significance

The origins of the pilgrimage site are rooted in the martyrdom of Saint Menas. Tradition holds that after his execution, his body was brought to Alexandria and later, by divine guidance, transported to a spot in the Western Desert. Here, a well and a specific location near Lake Mariout became the site of his burial. The tomb's location was reportedly forgotten until its miraculous rediscovery by a shepherd whose sick lamb was healed upon touching the ground near the burial.

This miraculous event led to the site becoming a renowned place of healing. Historical accounts suggest that Emperor Constantine I, or in some versions Emperor Zeno, was instrumental in founding a church and a city named after Saint Menas at this location. The city of Saint Mina grew into a significant religious and pilgrimage center, attracting the sick from across the known world. Archaeological finds, such as small clay bottles bearing the saint's image found in various Mediterranean countries, attest to the widespread devotion and the pilgrimage's reach.

The ancient city and its cathedral suffered destruction during the Arab invasion of Egypt in the 7th century. The remains of this once-great city were later recognized for their historical importance and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, rising water tables in the area have posed challenges, leading to structural instability in some of the ancient buildings and its inclusion on the list of threatened World Heritage Sites before its removal.

The Modern Monastery

The contemporary Monastery of Saint Mina was founded in 1959 under the initiative of Pope Cyril VI of Alexandria, who held a special veneration for Saint Menas. The monastery was built near the ancient ruins, continuing the site's long spiritual legacy. The first abbot of this new foundation was Mina Ava-Mina. Today, the Monastery of Saint Mina stands as one of Egypt's most significant Coptic Orthodox monasteries. It is notable for housing the relics of Saint Menas, as well as the relics of Pope Cyril VI himself. As of 2003, Kyrillos (Cyril) served as the bishop and abbot of the monastery. The monastery's official website is stmina-monastery.org.