Monastery of the Virgin Mary and Anba Ibrahim
دير السيدة العذراء والأنبا إبرآم | |
| Monastery information | |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Coptic Orthodox Church |
| Dedication | Virgin Mary and Anba Ibrahim (Abraham of Faiyum) |
| Diocese | Diocese of Deir Mawas and Delga |
| Site | |
| Location | Delga, Deir Mawas, Minya Governorate, Egypt |
The Monastery of the Virgin Mary and Anba Ibrahim (Arabic: دير السيدة العذراء والأنبا إبرآم) is a Coptic Orthodox monastery in the village of Delga, in the Deir Mawas district of Minya Governorate, Egypt.[1] It contains one of the oldest surviving Coptic church buildings in Upper Egypt, dating to the 4th century AD. The monastery is part of the Diocese of Deir Mawas and Delga.
Location
The monastery is located inside the village of Delga, one of the largest villages in Minya Governorate, near the border with Asyut Governorate.[2] Delga lies to the south-west of Deir Mawas city, close to the border with Asyut Governorate. According to the medieval historians Al-Maqrizi and Abu al-Makarim, the village once contained 24 churches and more than one monastery. The monastery of the Virgin Mary is the only monastic complex that survives there today.[3]
History
Foundation
The ancient church inside the monastery was built in the 4th century AD, making it around 1,600 years old.[1] It was built in the early Christian period, when many churches in Egypt were constructed underground or in hidden locations to avoid Roman persecution. The church sits about three metres below street level.[1]
The monastery was originally known simply as the Monastery of the Virgin Mary. The name of Anba Ibrahim (Abraham of Faiyum) was added to it in the last quarter of the 20th century, in recognition of his connection to Delga. Anba Ibrahim was born in the village and lived there for about 17 years before leaving to begin monastic life at Deir el-Muharraq.[2]
Notable historical figures
Two significant figures in Coptic history are associated with this church. The first is Pope Demetrius II (the 111th Pope of Alexandria), who grew up in Delga and was raised in this church from childhood before leaving for Saint Macarius Monastery.[3] The second is Anba Ibrahim, Bishop of Faiyum and Giza, who was also born in the village.
2013 attacks
In August 2013, following the dispersal of the Rabaa El-Adaweya sit-in, the monastery was attacked by armed men who set fire to the ancient church and looted its contents. The attackers announced they intended to convert the monastery into a mosque.[4] Father Silwanis Lotfi, a priest at the monastery, reported that the ancient church was demolished after security forces did not respond in time.[4] Anba Agapius, then bishop of Deir Mawas, appealed to national and international authorities to help protect what remained of the site. The monastery was later restored with state assistance.
Burial of Metropolitan Agapius
In February 2025, Metropolitan Agapius of Deir Mawas, who had served the diocese for 36 years, was buried at the monastery. The choice of this location was made by the diocesan clergy in recognition of the monastery's historical and archaeological significance within the diocese.[2]
Architecture
The ancient church inside the monastery was built in the Byzantine domed style (طراز القباب), which was common for Coptic churches in the 4th century.[1] It has three sanctuaries (altars): the central one is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the second to the Archangel Michael, and the third to Saint Takla of Ethiopia. The building has more than twelve domes and is divided into three sections (خوارس) in the traditional Coptic manner.[1]
One of the notable features of the monastery is the Weeping Column (العمود الباكي), a pillar which Coptic tradition holds has miraculous properties.[3]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 "The ancient Church of the Virgin Mary in Delga — a building 1,600 years old". Youm7. 16 June 2021. Retrieved 23 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 "The reason for choosing the Monastery of the Virgin Mary and Anba Ibrahim in Delga for the burial of Metropolitan Agapius". Light-Dark. 6 February 2025. Retrieved 23 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 "The story of the ancient Church of the Virgin Mary in Delga". Youm7. 16 June 2021. Retrieved 23 July 2026.
- 1 2 "Islamists Raid Ancient Monastery in Egypt, Pledge to Turn it Into a Mosque". The Christian Post. 16 August 2013. Retrieved 23 July 2026.