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The Monastery

Historic Monastery

  • The Ancient Church
  • Church of the Virgin Mary & Pope Benjamin I
  • Church of Martyr Abaskhiron & Ancient Baptistery
  • Church of Martyr Saint George the Roman
  • Church of Anba Antonious
  • The Fort
  • Shrine of Pope Shenouda III
  • Shrine of Anba Sarabamoun
  • Martyrs' Well & Ancient Monastery Garden
  • The Ancient Mill
  • The Old Cells
  • The Catacomb
  • The Monks' Lending Library

Modern Monastery

  • The Cathedral
  • Church of Saints Maximus & Domadius
  • Church of the Virgin Mary & Saint Mark
  • Church of Martyr Anba Sarapamon
  • The Papal Residence
  • The Baptistery
  • Bethlehem House
  • The Guest House
  • The Retreat House
  • The Priests' House
  • The Current Monks' Cells
  • The Monastery Services Building

Monastic Life

  • Patriarchs, Metropolitans & Bishops
  • Heads of the Monastery
  • The Departed Monks
  • Monks in Service

Discover the Monastery's History

A spiritual and historical journey inside one of the oldest monasteries of Wadi El Natrun.

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St. Bishoy Monastery
St. BishoyMonastery

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  • Wadi El Natrun, Beheira Governorate, Egypt
  • +20 100 000 0000
  • info@stbishoymonastery.org

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His Eminence the late Metropolitan Anba Sarapamon
His Eminence the late Metropolitan Anba Sarapamon

Abbot

His Eminence the late Metropolitan Anba Sarapamon

He was born in the city of Armant on February 20, 1937. He became a monk at the Monastery of the Syrians (Deir El-Surian) on December 7, 1959, taking the name Monk Sarapamon. He was ordained a priest on February 24, 1963, and elevated to the rank of Hegumen on June 25, 1967. His Holiness Pope Shenouda III selected him to oversee the Monastery of Saint Bishoy, recognizing his authentic monastic spirit, spiritual zeal, and dedication to development and construction. On the Feast of Pentecost, June 17, 1973, he was ordained a General Bishop; subsequently, on Pentecost Sunday, May 29, 1977, he was ordained a Bishop and Abbot of the monastery.

His Eminence the late Metropolitan Anba Sarapamon

was ordained by the late Pope Shenouda III

The late Anba Sarabamoun

“The need is for but one thing.” “Purity of heart is born of purity of thought.” “Monasticism is a life free from care.” “It suffices God that you follow Him into the wilderness.” “Our Lord has abundance.” “Test all things; hold fast to what is good.” “God is Truth, and only Truth endures.” “A monk must be like iron in steadfastness, and like dust in humility.” “Physical fatigue is trivial—it passes after a brief rest—whereas mental fatigue is far more difficult; so tire your body, but do not tire your mind.” “Be as patient as a long rope.”

A Brief Overview of the Late His Eminence Metropolitan
Sarabamoun

His Eminence was a loving spiritual father and a wise guide to the monks, leading his spiritual children with paternal firmness and humility, yet without harshness.

He was renowned for his long-suffering, patience, and encouragement, as well as his ability to lead souls toward hope and spiritual striving.

He also shared in the monastery’s daily tasks alongside the monks—engaging in farming, harvesting, bread-making, and other communal activities.

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III attested to the historic role he played in developing the Monastery of St. Bishoy and guiding it spiritually.

He also described him as a spiritual father and mentor whose virtuous example taught the monks the meaning of tranquility and peace.

A Brief Overview of the Late His Eminence Metropolitan Sarabamoun

Virtual Reality Tour

Explore the shrine through an immersive virtual reality tour. View the interior, personal displays, iconography, and surrounding spiritual atmosphere.

360° VR

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Ancient Church

Ancient Church

One of the most beautiful and largest historic churches in Wadi El Natrun — foundations from the 4th century AD.

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Shrine of Pope Shenouda III

Shrine of Pope Shenouda III

Located on the seaward side of the historic Church. Pope Shenouda III requested to be buried there.

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Shrine of Anba Sarabamoun
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Shrine of Anba Sarabamoun

Adjacent to the Shrine of Pope Shenouda III. Contains the body of Anba Sarabamoun and his priestly clothes.

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The Fort

The Fort

Built by King Zeno in the 5th century AD. A refuge for monks during Berber attacks with a drawbridge pulley system.

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