10 Things to Do in Monastery of Saint Bishoy (دير القديس بشاوي) Asyut Egypt
The Monastery of Saint Bishoy (دير القديس بشاوي) in Asyut, Egypt, is one of the most important religious sites in the country. It is a Coptic Orthodox Christian monastery, founded in the 4th century by the renowned monk and saint, Shenouda the Archimandrite. The monastery is a popular pilgrimage site for Coptic Christians and is known for its beautiful architecture, its religious artifacts, and its rich history. Here are 10 things to do in the Monastery of Saint Bishoy.
1. Visit the Chapel of Saint Bishoy: The Chapel of Saint Bishoy is the main attraction of the monastery. The chapel is dedicated to the saint and contains his relics, which are displayed in a glass case. Visitors can also view the chapel’s beautiful interior, which is adorned with colorful frescoes and mosaics depicting scenes from the Bible.
2. Explore the Monastery Grounds: The monastery grounds are a great place to explore and take in the beauty of the monastery. The grounds are home to several chapels, a library, and a museum, which contains artifacts from the monastery’s history.
3. Attend a Service: Visitors can attend a service at the Monastery of Saint Bishoy. Services are held in Coptic, and visitors can take part in the chanting and singing of hymns.
4. Explore the Church of the Virgin Mary: The Church of the Virgin Mary is located within the monastery grounds and is a popular destination for pilgrims. The church features a beautiful interior and contains several relics of the Virgin Mary.
5. Take a Tour of the Monastery: Visitors can take a guided tour of the monastery, which will take them through the grounds and the various chapels. The tour will also provide information about the history of the monastery and its importance to Coptic Christianity.
6. Learn About the History of the Monastery: The Monastery of Saint Bishoy has a rich history, and visitors can learn more about it by visiting the museum or taking a guided tour. The museum contains artifacts from the monastery’s history, including old manuscripts and religious artifacts.
7. Visit the Library: The library at the Monastery of Saint Bishoy contains a collection of Coptic manuscripts and books, which visitors can browse and read.
8. Attend a Lecture: The monastery often hosts lectures and seminars on various topics related to Coptic Christianity. Visitors can attend these lectures to learn more about the faith and its history.
9. Take Part in a Pilgrimage: The Monastery of Saint Bishoy is a popular pilgrimage site for Coptic Christians, and visitors can take part in a pilgrimage to the monastery. During the pilgrimage, visitors will be able to visit the various chapels and take part in religious services.
10. Enjoy the Views: The Monastery of Saint Bishoy is surrounded by beautiful views of the Nile River and the surrounding countryside. Visitors can take in the beauty of the landscape by taking a stroll around the grounds or enjoying a cup of tea in the monastery’s gardens.
The Monastery of Saint Bishoy is a beautiful and important religious site, and visitors can experience its beauty and history by taking part in the activities listed above. Whether you’re a religious pilgrim or a curious traveler, the Monastery of Saint Bishoy is sure to provide a memorable experience.