Restoration of Virgin Mary Monastery in southern Egypt sparks controversy
The Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church is on the defensive after tiles were placed over the traditional flooring at a historic monastery in Assiut governorate.
CAIRO —– The restoration in southern Egypt of the Virgin Mary Monastery, located at a place where the holy family may have spent its last days in Egypt before returning to Palestine more than 2,000 years ago, is causing a stir.
The Virgin Mary Monastery in Dronka in Assiut governorate is said to have been built where Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus spent time before boarding a boat on the Nile River and returning to their homeland.
Tradition says the holy family stayed in a cave in Western Assiut Mountain after fleeing to Egypt following Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. The cave now houses the Chapel of the Virgin Mary.
The monastery and the chapel underwent a comprehensive remodeling a year ago as part of Egypt's plans to revive the Holy Family Trail and breathe new life into Egypt's tourism sector.
