Christian tradition says that after Jesus was born, his parents fled with him to Egypt to escape death. Eventually they returned to their home in what was then known as the kingdom of Judea, and one of their last stops in Egypt was said to be at a cave in the Dronka mountains. Thousands of devotees of the Virgin Mary travel to the Virgin Mary Monastery near Assiut, Egypt every August to show their devotion to the holy family. Christian children are baptized and adults hope for blessings.
Egypt's Christians and Muslims Show Devotion to Virgin Mary
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Pilgrims to Virgin Mary Monastery buy soda and mineral water to beat the extreme heat of Egypt's summer days. Sunday, August 18, 2019.
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Families and friends gather in the monastery during midday to avoid the bright sun, enjoy lunch and socialize. Sunday, August 18, 2019.
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Bishop Uannas, the head of the Virgin Mary Monastery in Assiut is cheering pilgrims and spreading blessings as a part of his daily procession during the 15 days of celebration in August. Sunday, August 18, 2019.
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Bishop Uannas, the head of Virgin Mary Monastery in Assiut says, "The holy family came here to take a boat…they stayed here in that cave, because of the Nile floods. People come here because the place is full of blessings." Sunday, August 18, 2019.