Life Story
In the year 1829 a.c. (1545 Coptic), in a village called "Calad" in Egypt, was born the child Paul Gabriel. His parents were righteous and loved God.
He was sent to the Church School. His teacher Rafael took care of him, taught him reading, writing, arithmetic, the Holy Scriptures and psalms, eccliastic hymns and psalmody. He was very intelligent and anxious to learn everything.
When he was eight years old, his mother became very ill, and a few weeks later died, leaving behind a lonely child... As he loved prayers and psalms, he found in it that God can bless his motions and fill all his heart.
When he was fifteen years old, he got famous among his mates; the priests recommended him to "Anba Youssab", the Bishop of the Diocese, who ordained him as a deacon during his visit to the village's Church.
As he loved the life of contemplation with God, so he joined St. Virgin Mary Monastery "El-ME-MEHARRAK" at Assuit in Egypt, when Rev. Father Abd-el-Malek was in charge of the monastery. He was very decent, active, and he loved all the monks. They recommended him and he was ordained as a monk when he was nineteen years old, in 1848. His new name was Rev. Paul E1-Meharraki.
He was distinguished by:
* 1. His patience and self-control.
* 2. His interest in almsgiving
Anba Yakoubos, the Bishop heard about him, he asked him to come to the "Bishop's house" and to remain with him. Rev. Paul worked day and night, and he changed the "Bishop's house" to a shelter for the poor.
His deep eagerness for contemplating with God turned him to ask the bishop to leave for the monastery again after he spent four years helping the bishop. Then the Bishop ordained him as a priest and allowed him to return to the monastery at 1863.
At that time there was a problem regarding Father Abdel-Malek, who was in charge of the monastery, but Father Paul did not interfere with these problems .
So the monks chose him to be in charge of the monastery. He opened the doors of the monastery for poor people, also young men heard about him and came, asking him to teach them, and after a short time they became forty monks.
The late "Anba Marcos", the bishop of Luxor, was ordained as a monk in 1870 at El-Maharrak Monastery and he grew up under the the leadership of Fr. Paul. Pope Kyrillos chose him in 1876 (Coptic) to teach the new monks at El-Baramous Monastery. He met his spiritual father again after five years and he remained with him until 1879 (Coptic) when he was ordained as a Bishop for Luxor. Up till now the people still remember much about his pure life, his holiness, deep love for praying, his modesty, and his special care about everyone, and about renewing the old churches and constructing new ones.
As usual the devil was furious when he saw the monastery opened for the poor, and young people were changed with their love for Jesus and their continuous prayers, and made some of the monks think that Fr. Paul was wasting the money of the monastery and they rebelled against him.
In 1870, Fr. Paul was asked to leave the monastery after being in charge for five years.
He went with four of his students to Cairo to meet "Anba Marcous" the Bishop, and at that time he was acting Pope, and they asked him to go to the Monastery of Anba Bishoy at the "Natroun-Valley" in the western desert of Egypt, where they remained for a short period. Afterwards they went to the next door El-Baramous Monastery in 1871 c. At that time the president of this monastery was Fr. John, who later became "Pope Kyrillos". he was so glad to receive them and he offered them a place to stay.
Fr. Paul devoted all his time to praying and study...but his deep love for the poor people did not end. He loved the hostile Arabs who were living in the area of the monastery and he shared with them everything he had, even his clothes.
In 1881 the Ethiopian Emperor, John Kassa asked Pope "Kyrillos", to ordain a metropolitan and three Bishops for the Ethiopian Empire, so he chose the four fathers who were accompanying Fr. Paul,
At the same time Anba Isaac the metropolitan of the province of Fayoum and Gieza departed, then the four fathers asked the Pope to ordain their father as a bishop for that diocese. The Pope and the people of the Fayoum became happy and joyful on that day, for the ordination of their new bishop "ANBA ABRAAM", in 1881.
During his time, the Diocese of the Fayoum became a great vine, in whose shadow the poor and rich sat with great delight.
When the Khadive Tawfik, Ruler of Egypt, visited El-Fayoum they made a great lunch-party. Anba Abraam was sitting very near to the Khadive. He did not eat except salad, and when the Khadive asked him he answered that the day was Fridays and the Christians are to fast on all Fridays. Then he ordered to bring him fruits and asked Anba Abraam to meet him again. He went to meet him at the railway station before he left, and the Khadive welcomed him deeply saying to him "You are a Blessed man..."
The rulers and governers..., even the tyrannical ones found rest in him. So the simple Bishop's home became their rest place.
In the year 1893 he was seriously ill with his leg, that the doctors decided to perform surgery to cut off his leg. When one of his spiritual children told him, he smiled, as usual, and said "God will not let it happen. I am sure He will let them down!"
After 2 months he recovered completely, and went out to the Church, praising God. The Bishop's house was very crowded. The people held the palm leaves and they were waving the olive branches with joy, when they heard of his recovery.
And it happened on Thursday (2 Baouna 1630 c.) 9 June 1914 after the sunset, our blessed father departed to Paradise.
Those who attended his funeral were more than ten thousand persons. Some have estimated it to be twenty five thousand, both Christians and Moslems. But the history of Anba Abraam has not ended, yet still in every Egyptian home there is a lot to be told about him, for he was really God’s loving man.
The Holy Council of Bishops decided that his name could be added with the Saints in the Holy Mass.
The blessing of our blessed Father Anba Abraam be with us. Amen.
Doxology for Anba Abraam
The lamp that lights
Fayoum and all Egypt
For His wonders and miracles
and his love for Christ
The one with crown of jewels
The friend of the anchorites
The friend of the righteous and prophets
Who followed our Lord Christ
He is Anba Abraam
The Bishop of Fayoum
The true shepherd
The teacher of virtues
David taught us in truth
That blessed are those
Who love the meek and poor
The Lord will save their souls
Like our Father Abrahaam
The Father of Issac and Jacob
You loved to show mercy
And completed all commandments
You were used to witness to the truth
You were used to eat with the poor
With great humility
You loved your sheep
The lovers of material things
Sought new buildings
But you built in heaven
Heavenly new places
How many are your wonders
You healed the sick
You prophecied about great things
You cast out the Devils
You became an example
With your pure example
With love and mercy
And witness to the truth
Ask the Lord on our behalf
Our father anba Abraam
The Bishop of Fayoum
So He may forgive us our sins.
The following are some of the miracles of Anba Abraam as reported by those who witnessed and/or experienced them. We are indebted to Fr. Mikhail Saad, Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty, Daar Al-Mahaba, and Deacon Malak Luka who wrote about Anba Abraam. We used some information from each publication, and other miracles we learned growing up in our beloved mother land, the blessed Egypt:
1. Cholera Epidemic, 1896 AD."
In 1896, Egypt suffered an epidemic of the Cholera, people were dying. They went to Anba Abraam one evening and told him about the horror that filled the city because of the large number of people dying everyday. Anba Abraam Replied: "Why are you afraid of death. If we do not die today, we will die tomorrow (meaning sooner or later wa all will die, no one can escape death). He asked them to bring Father Mikhail (his half brother)" When abouna Mikhail came, he told him to bring 200 sheets of paper and write on everyone: "We are the Servants of Jesus of Nazareth, who was Crucified." and he took the papers and blessed them with the sign of the Cross and prayed over it. He then gave it to abouna Mikhail instructing him to give a piece of paper to every family that asks for it and to instruct them to hang it outside the door of their house (following the example of Moses instructing the Israelites to sprinkle the blood on the sides and overhang of the door so the angel of death will pass over in the final plague" Every family that hanged this paper, on their door, was saved from the Cholera plague.
2. Healing From Rheumatic Arthritis:
The Departed Monk/Arch-priest Benjamin El-Syriani (From The Monastery of St. Mary Known as El-Syrian) told this story: In 1912, my Aunt Mrs. Feniara Abd-El-Malak El-KHangry from Meer, Assiut suffered from severe Rheumatic Arthritis in her legs. She could not walk. She and my father who suffered from severe bouts of headache traveled from Assiut to Fayoum by train. They went to see Anba Abraam. He prayed for both of them and they wee both instantly healed. My aunt went back home walking on her feet.
3. The Son of the Director of the Region of Fayoum:
The director of the Region (Hekmdar El-Fayoum) at that time in 1912 had a son who was crazed (had an unclean spirit). The director went to see Anba Abraam, told him about his son's condition concluding that the young man is crazed and could not keep his cloth on. He asked Anba Abraam to visit the family. Anba Abraam promised that he will. Anba Abraam prayed for the situation, and few days later he took his disciple and holy oil and went on foot to see this Moslem family. The boy saw him approaching, and ran to the house and told his mother that Abu Al-Nassara (the father of the Nazarene) is coming to see us. How could I meet him like that. The boy ran to the bathroom, and took a bath and put on some new cloth. He then came out and greeted Anba Abraam and kissed his hand and sat down. Anba Abraam blessed the boy and anointed him with the holy oil. The woman called her husband at work and told him all what happened. As soon as the husband heard his wife's story, he hurried home and greeted Anba Abraam kissing his hands and asking for more of his blessings. For a longtime, people in Fayoum talked about this incident always offering the praise to God who works through his saints, the likes of Anba Abraam.
4. The Servant of a Family Is Healed:
M.Y. from Fayoum told this story from his father the son of the late priest Youhana (John) Demitry who was a contemporary of Anba Abraam. Fr. Demitry from the family of Sharkawy, well to do, had a servant named Abd-El-Hady Goudah. The family used to spend the entire lent season in the monastery of the Arch-angel Gabriel near Fayoum. Anba Abraam used to visit the monastery and out of extreme delight with his coming, they would serve him tea in a silver cup. The servant saw Anba Abraam coming and started to mock and joke saying here comes sayeedhom (their master), .. etc. Moments later his stomach stretched and he began to cry from the severe pain. They took him to Anba Abraam. Anba Abraam shook him and asked him why he mocked him, afterwards he prayed for him and advised him not to mock again. The man threw up and was relieved of his pain. Years later, this same man was getting old and was unable to walk. He asked his son to take him to Abu Al-Nassarah (Father of the Nazarene). Anba Abraam prayed for him and he was able to walk again.
5. Power Over The Evil Spirits (Performing Exorcism):
This was recorded by the prominent English writer Leeder in his book: (The Copts) Modern Sons of the Pharos." Leeder wrote: "The bishop's power in exorcism of Evil Spirits has perhaps brought him more visitors from distant parts than any other gift he was famous for." Leeder wrote based on a story by the son of a blind teacher of hymnals (Muallem) of the great cathedral in Cairo at the time who was very intelligent and fluent in English and French, and had a responsible job in the government of Egypt. The man told Leeder that Anba Abraam Exorcised evil spirits from many people Moslems and Christians alike. One time a man named Guirguis was brought in with an evil spirit and Anba Abraam could not get the evil spirit to depart him. Anba Abraam was irritated, he told the parents to bring him to the Church during liturgy, they did. The man started to scream loudly which disturbed the people in the Church and made the officiating priest to pause. This brought Anba Abraam out to the sanctuary. Anba Abraam commanded the evil spirit to stop and not move saying: "In the Name of Jesus Christ the Crucified Nazarene stop and not move." The evil spirit stopped and after the service they took the man into the residence. Anba Abraam asked the man why he made so much noise during the service. "The evil spirit in him replied" "Did You put me in fire and ask me not to cry? A fire from the heaven was sent down to the table (altar) and approached to burn me!" Then as the bishop rebuked him, the evil spirit went out, and the man was healed.
6. The Devil Screamed:
This was told by Monk/Arch-priest Philopos El-Makkary (Philip from the Monastery of Anba Makkar). In 1906, while Anba Abraam was performing the prayers to exorcise the evil spirit from a devil possessed person, the devil wept and spoke to Anba Abraam trying to deceive him saying leave me alone, I am Christian and my name is George, baptized and only 7 days old. When Anba Abraam ignored him completely and continued to pray the devil said: "If it was not for the Cross in your hand, we would have destroyed you as you destroyed us." Immediately, the man screamed loudly and was rid of the evil spirit.
7. A Difficult Exorcism:
Mr. Mansour Girgis said that when they were praying Kereya-Laison (Lord Have Mercy) and Anba Abraam was putting his hand on the head of an ill-man named Masoud from Ekhmeem, the ill-man trembled in the beginning of the prayer and said; "Not you or ten like you can move me out!"
What follows is the conversation between Anba Abraam and the Evil Spirit:
Anba Abraam: God persecute you. Go out!
Evil Spirit: I do not know why you are living until this moment!
Anba Abraam: I live to fight you. What is your name?
Evil Spirit: My name is Abraam, the Bishop.
Anba Abraam: God rebukes you. Do you have bishops?
Then Anba Abraam put the cross on the head of the ill-man and the evil spirit cried: "The fire! The fire! I will go out," and he went out.
[Author's Comments: When I was in my teen in Egypt, Early 60's many exorcisms took place especially in Churches named after some of the Martyrs like St. George, St. Demiana, St. Markorios, .. etc. I witnessed many. A sign of the evil spirit leaving is blood coming out from the finger or one of the toes. We wrote about evil spirits in the book Essays for Orthodox Youth. We believe that evil spirits are still around bothersome to people, but with all the material things around us they don't need to manifest themselves the old way. They now just come and rule our lives. We need the power of prayer to stay free from evil. The devil flees from prayer, from the sign of the cross, and when commanded: In the Name of Jesus Christ the Crucified Nazarene." This name is a great power given to us, the believers. We should use it always.]
8. Serve's in the Episcopate:
H.Y.A from Alexandria told this story: In 1910. I was visiting my family in Fayoum, and as we were at the episcopate (residence of the bishop, Anba Abraam). I saw a sheik (old man) from Tanta named Moorsi, he was brought in by four strong men who struggled to control him because he did not want to go in. Anba Abraam, new about the struggle outside, so he took water, prayed on it and gave it to Rizk his disciple ordering him to sprinkle the water on the struggling man. This calmed the man down and he came in. Anba Abraam prayed on him and the evil spirit departed him immediately. The man stayed for several months in the house of the episcopate serving there to show his appreciation for the healing and as a way of thanking God for the gift (of healing).
9. The Price of Greed:
A prominent Moslem who was a friend of Anba Abraam, sent him a full fold of cloth material. It was given to a disciple named Mikhail Eed. Mikhail took half of the material and brought a half fold to Anba Abraam saying that this is what he received. Anba Abraam new, but did not say anything.
Months later the man came to visit and inquired about the full fold. Anba Abraam thanked him and assured him that it was received complete. After the man left, Anba Abraam asked Mikhail did you receive half or full fold. Mikhail denied that he kept anything. Anba Abraam said: "What are you going to do with the other half. It will become your burial cloth!"
Few days later Mikhail died and was buried in the cloth he denied he kept!
{Author's Comments: The parallel here is what Gehazi did with the gifts from Namaan the Assyrian to Elisha. Gehazi also suffered a terrible fate, he inherited the Leprosy of Namaan for lying and greed.
10. Fight Over A Gun:
A wealthy man from Fayoum lived a long life and had many possessions among them a prized gun. He had three sons and after his death one of the sons took the gun and hid it to keep it from his brothers. They went to Anba Abraam and they all swore they did not take the gun, especially the one that hid the gun swore most. Anba Abraam told them, the one that took the gun will be killed by the gun. They each went to his home. An argument developed between the one that took the gun and his wife, he went out and brought the gun to shoot her, the gun backfired and he was shot dead!
11. A Girl Who Desired to Depart the Faith:
A young Christian woman fell in love with a non-Christian and decided to depart the Christian faith and to marry this man. According to civil laws in Egypt, they had to inform the episcopate of the religion change request. Anba Abraam met with the young woman advised her not to change her faith and to forget about the man, but she wouldn't listen. Anba Abraam was irritated by her stubbornness and told her: "You do not desire the other religion, you desire the man. God will do to you as you deserve" As soon as she left, she fainted. The police came, they thought that there was a criminal act!
Anba Abraam heard that the young woman fainted on the street, he hurried to her, took water and prayed and sprinkled the water on he. She regained consciousness, and began to speak praising God and saying: "I saw with my own eyes......" After that she dropped the request, and changed her mind about this marriage, and lived a righteous life without marriage (to the end).
12. In the Absence of Her Husband:
A man went away for a full year, when he came back his wife was pregnant. He asked her, she insisted that he us the father. They went to Anba Abraam and told him their stories. The woman insisted in the presence of the man of God that her husband was the father. Anba Abraam, consoled the husband and concluded in front of both of them: " That which is of God remains, and that which is of the Devil shall fall." After a week the woman had a miscarriage, and died. And the sad truth became known and the word of the man of God was confirmed.
13. One Guest Kills His Companion:
Two men arrived at the house of the episcopate and asked to spend the night. They were allowed in, because Anba Abraam received any guest who came in, and offered food and shelter to any one that asked. One of the two knew that the other had a large sum of money in his bag, so because he had a wicked heart, he killed him and took his head and the money and ran. In the morning, the servants went, with a breakfast tray, to the room to check on the guests and found the decapitated body of one in a pool of blood and the other was gone. The servant informed Anba Abraam, who summoned the police and instructed them. Take my staff, and go to the railway station, and the one the staff points you to is the killer/thief. They did as he advised them and the staff of Anba Abraam led them to the killer. He was arrested and on searching his belongings they found the head of the victim and the money. He was convicted for his crimes, and received the punishment he deserved.
[Author's Comments: The Church opens its doors to everyone, good and bad alike. It is sad when people choose to do evil, but even God Al-Mighty will not change a person, if the person does not want to be changed, because God created us on his image , he gave us a mind and a free will. The more we observe the more we learn that it is up to us: "I knock on the door, if anyone opens to me, I come in and sup (have supper ) with him." If we don't open, he does not force his way. This evil man did not benefit from the example of Anba Abraam, and he reaped the rewards for his evil deeds.]
14. The Healing of Mr. and Mrs. Leeder:
Mr. Leeder was a prominent English writer, he and his wife heard, in England, about Anba Abraam and wanted to meet him. Anba Abraam was told about these foreign guests, but he did not particularly care for social calls. Then the messenger thought of a clever way to get them to meet Anba Abraam, so he went back and told Anba Abraam that Mr. Leeder suffered from some ailments, so he told him bring the poor man in if he is sick. Mr. and Mrs. Leeder were told of the way the messenger arranged their visit which made them more anxious to meet Anba Abraam. At the appointed time, Anba Abraam received them, put the wooden cross on their heads, prayed for them, and blessed them. And as it was his custom with first time guests, he gave them red and white oversized handkerchiefs, as a gift. This type is used by villagers to this day as a head cover and a nice, country, gift. They were thrilled with their healing, their visit and what they saw and also how Anba Abraam loved giving. Mr. Leeder commented, "We felt the presence of Christ in our Visit to Anba Abraam, and were filled with the Spirit of God through this visit"
15. Bringing Peace Between Two Feuding Bishops:
Anba Abraam was asked to a meeting in the house of the Patriarchate in Cairo to resolve a dispute between two feuding bishops. He went in, and saw endless arguing between the two, and no one in attendance was able to bring any to yield. Anba Abraam asked that all in attendance stand up to recite the Lord's Prayer together. He led the prayer audibly, and when he came to the verse: "forgives us our sins .." he instead said: "don't forgive us our sins, ..." so, some inquired how come Anba Abraam, he responded: "because we are not willing to forgive each other." This got the attention of the feuding bishops and they realized the need to forgive each other and the dispute was resolved that instant.
16. A Poor Priest Restored to The Priesthood:
Anba Abraam was called to the house of the Patriarchate to attend a meeting regarding the defrocking of a disobedient priest. The poor priest allowed an excommunicated bishop to conduct services in his Church. The bishops and prominent laymen decided that the priest is guilty and was to be defrocked. Anba Abraam so it different, he felt that a parish priest could not stand up to a bishop. He disagreed with all in attendance. Next to him was a prominent Copt, named Quallini Pasha. Quallini Pasha signed the decree. When it came to Anba Abraam, he refused to sign, and talked to Quallini Pasha scolding him for being harsh on a poor priest. One in attendance said: " Anba Abraam! Do You Know Who You Are Talking To. It Is Quallini Pasha" Anba Abraam Replied: "The Lord Lives Forever. Moses talked to God Al-Mighty!" Anba Abraam left the meeting and walked down the stairs to the sitting room on the first floor. As he was leaving he said: "The Lord Lives Forever. I will not enter this house again, if any evil befalls this poor priest." Some in attendance hurried after him begging him not to follow on with what he said. Anba Abraam answered them: If you bring this decree to me to tare it to pieces, I will forget everything I said. They went back and after discussion, they did as he said. They took the decree to him. He tore it to pieces, and went back to the meeting as if nothing happened. The priest was saved a great harm.
17. Hangs His Farageia (Coat) on A Ray of the Sun:
Anba Abraam received furniture for the episcopate. He refused to use it, and asked the servant to put it in storage. When a woman came to him complaining that her daughter's engagement is not going to result in a wedding, because they don't have money to buy furniture for her and her future husband. Anba Abraam told the servant to show her the new furniture, and let her take what she needed. Some of the people complained to Pope Kyrillos V about giving away the furniture. Afterwards, there was a collection to build a new house of the episcopate. Anba Abraam gave that money also to the poor and needy. There goes another complaint. The Pope summoned him. He went without delay and he was an old man, with poor eyesight. On his arrival, he was rushed in to see the Pope in his suite. It was a Summer afternoon, a ray of the sun through a hole in the shade of the window was mistaken by Anba Abraam as a robe (for hanging cloth which was a habit in those days to install robes for hanging cloth). Anba Abraam threw his Farageia (Coat) on it and it stayed there. The Pope saw how the Lord works wonders to not embarrass this saint on earth. The Pope changed the purpose of the call and instead inquired about his health and gave him 15,000 Egyptian Pounds to build a new house for the episcopate. When the people came back to see the Pope, he scolded them for their lack of faith, concluding: "How can I argue with a man of God who was able to hang his coat on a ray of the Sun" The new house of the episcopate was not built in Anba Abraam's life. The money was used to help the poor.
18. The Story of the Ameer-allay (Police Commander):
(Anba Abraam Receives and Gives to the Poor After His Departure)
A new police commander came to Fayoum. After a while he had a problem related to work. He was extremely upset over it. He went to see Anba Abraam whom he did not know, but heard about. As he wanted to talk, he could not speak his thoughts. Anba Abraam knew by the gift of knowledge in him the problem and the solution. He told him not to worry, this affair will end in a transfer to another region, nothing more. It happened as Anba Abraam told him. This man made it a habit to give Anba Abraam 5 Egyptian Pounds every year as a symbol of eternal appreciation. More than a year after Anba Abraam departed, he went to the monastery of Azab as he used to. He asked the guard where is Anba Abraam, the guard answered inside, meaning his remains are inside the Church. The man went in, and saw Anba Abraam standing as if he was waiting for him, he gave him 10 Egyptian Pounds because he was not able to visit the year before. The man handed him the money, and as he was leaving he ran to the guard again and inquired about Anba Abraam and why he was inside alone. The guard explained that Anba Abraam departed more than a year earlier. The man could not believe it and told that he saw him standing inside and that he handed him the donation. They all marveled about how God is glorified in his saints.
It is also told that a poor man walked into the Church that same day and Anba Abraam handed him the money he received from the police officer.
[There is a beautiful picture of Anba Abraam. The artist envisioned him standing and with the left hand receiving alms (giving) and the right hand is giving it almost instantaniously.]
19. The Healing of Anba Abraam's Leg:
We mentioned this story in Part I. Towards the end of his life, he had a soar wound in his left leg that would not heal. They summoned medical doctors who recommended amputation to prevent Ghangarin from spreading to the rest of his body. Anba Abraam replied: "This leg that served God does not deserve to be cut off" He prayed, asked the priests to anoint him with oil. The whole congregation wept and prayed for Anba Abraam. Two months later, his leg was completely healed, and it was a great celebration in Fayoum and around the country when Anba Abraam walked into the Church after being ill for many months.
[Author's Comment: We believe in divine healing through repentance, prayer, unction of the sick, and intercession. We also believe in the use of modern medicine, and this is a good example. Anba Abraam summoned the physicians and asked for their professional help. There should be no conflict between the two. Contrasting this incident with the ailment of St. Paul: In St. Paul's case the Lord's will was for him to have the thorne in the body and he heard it on the mouth of the Lord: "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ' (II CORINTH 12:9). In either case, we accept the will of God in our lives.]
Miracles After His Departure
20. Light Over The Tomb:
A construction worker was working on building a tomb for the body of Anba Abraam. It got dark and he did not finish his work so he asked Anba Abraam to give him light, and he saw like a bright dove which gave him light until he finished his work.
21. Popular Portrait of Anba Abraam:
We all are familiar with the traditional portrait of Anba Abraam. There is a story behind it. Because in his time photography was fairly new, very few original portraits of Anba Abraam exist. People from all walks of life loved the story of Anba Abraam and wanted to have copies of his portrait to keep in their homes, so in 1954, forty years after his departure many wanted copies of the portrait. The Book store Al-Mahba (LOVE/AGAPE) wanted to make duplicates, but were not able to. They wanted to send it to Europe to be printed but could not because of the war of 1956. Fortunately, they were able to make a reprint in Egypt which was enlarged and was put on their annual calendar 11"x17" and they distributed many copies all over the See of St. Mark. In Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Arab World. The Late Mr. Younan Nakhla the founder of Mahaba Bookstore and father of late blessed father Roufail Younan who served in North America, tells these stories.
22. Could Not Find Another Portrait:
S.R from Cairo, Egypt was attending a meeting which included some VIPs. One in attendance looked up and saw the Calendar with the portrait, and using unkind words said to the host: "Couldn't you find a better picture than this (to hang on your wall). I know Al-Mahba Bookstore, they are a quality store, they could have done better." S.R. protested to the man telling him that he should not belittle Anba Abraam because he is a saintly man and everyone Christian and non-Christian alike knows about his piety, good example, wonders, and miracles. And he continued to tell about the good example and the virtues of Anba Abraam. Afterwards, he left the meeting protesting that such comments were made. S.R. continues, I had ailment in my legs and could not climb stairs or walk long distances. In the night I saw Anba Abraam. He came to thank me for my courage and my defense of him and moreover he healed me. In the morning I felt much better than before, and was able to work with more vigor. I became able to climb the stairs and take long walks. S.R. went to Daar Al-Mahba (Mahaba House) in Geziraat Badraan, Shoubra, Cairo, Egypt to tell this story. Shortly thereafter an altar honoring Anba Abraam was added to the small Chapel inside Daar Al-Mahba.
23. The Visiting Nurse and The Portrait of Anba Abraam:
A male nurse visited many homes in Cairo to check on patients and give them injections. One time he complained about this portrait which he saw in many Christian homes saying: "Who is this priest with tense features I see every where I go? Couldn't they hang another picture in these homes?" The same day after he went to sleep, he heard a voice calling him and saying: "Don't you like my picture?" this was repeated three times, and he could see the person. He looked like the one in the portraits hanging in those homes he visits everyday. He walk up scared and started to feel that one of his legs is heavy and he could not move it. He felt deep sorrow and stayed home that night and the following day weeping and asking forgiveness. The following night Anba Abraam appeared to him and spoke to him saying: "The Lord accepted your repentance and forgave you your sin." and disappeared. Immediately his leg felt better and was able to move normal. In the morning, he went out and bought a number of those portraits and started to distribute them himself.
[Author's Comments: God does not take by appearance. We know what happened to the children of Israel when they mocked Elisha the prophet and man of God. He cursed them, and a bear came and devoured them. There is a true story about a man who spoke evil of Pope Kyrillos VI. Anba Kyrillos by the gift of knowledge knew it, and told the man: "Why don't you like us. I love you very much. Please come to see me anytime. The man was dumbfounded. He became a disciple of Pope Kyrillos. Through the prayers of Pope Kyrillos his son was healed from heart ailment and many good things happened to this family. He recorded a cassette tape about many wonderful things that he witnessed through the prayers of St. Mena and Pope Kyrillos. The man lives to this day, he is a highly regarded doctor educated in England. Through the love shown him by the departed Pope Kyrillos, he was changed from a non believer in all religions to a strong believer in God, the Christian faith, and the power of prayers and intercessions.]
24. His Arm Could Not Move:
This happened to a man in a village in the region of Dairut. He did not like the portrait of Anba Abraam and started to speak evil about the picture and the person saying that it is depressing to look at the picture. Then he threatened to bring a gun and shoot the picture off the wall. His friends and family tried to convince him not to do that, but he insisted. He brought the gun and aimed at the picture, but his arm froze and could not shoot. Afterwards, he became mentally disturbed and ended up in the public mental institution (Saraya Al-Safra) in Cairo.
[Author Comment: Sad as it is, we reported it to show that we are free to do what we desire. But, when we do evil or mean spirited things, there is punishment from God awaiting for those who deserve punishment. The difference between this person and the one mentioned above is simple. One repented and was forgiven and healed, the other did not! We firmly believe that: have Judas Iscariot repented, and asked forgiveness, he would have been forgiven.]
25. Anba Abraam Cloths and the Healing of A Sick Person:
Mrs. D.A.W told about her infant son who became ill with high fever. She took him to the doctor and was given potent medications in excess to bring the fever down. But there was no improvement whatsoever. Her neighbor, Al-Aam (Uncle) Girgis Mankarios came to visit and when he heard about the condition of the baby, ran to his house and brought taquia (soft hat) that he inherited from his father who kept this and other pieces of cloth used to be worn by Anba Abraam. Uncle Girgis put the soft hat on the infant's head and he left. In the early morning of the following day, we started to notice improvements and the temperature started to go down. We knew that our son was healed through the prayers and intercessions of Anba Abraam. when the Doctor saw my son, he was amazed for the sudden drop in temperature (sudden healing).
26. The Healing of a Child from Sudan:
In February 1963, a man who owns an export company arrived in Fayoum for the baptism of his son. He told the reason he came all the way from Sudan. This boy was ill when he was an infant, the father was used to seeing the portrait of Anba Abraam in Christian homes all over Sudan, so he asked the intercession of Anba Abraam for his son. When he got home from work he found the infant was healed. When he inquired, he was told that a man in white priestly cloth came in that day and prayed for the infant and anointed him with oil for the healing of the sick (Unction, Healing of the Sick mystery). He knew it was Anba Abraam. And that was the reason they traveled to Fayoum for the child's baptism.
27. The healing of an Arch-priest:
Y.G. told: in 1962, our arch-priest Fr. Bishoy Abd El-Messih, the deputy to the bishop of Demiaat at the time became extremely ill. He had internal bleeding inside the chest cavity. We all prayed with warmth of the heart, asking the intercession and blessings of Anba Abraam for Fr. Bishoy. Immediately the pain ceased and the bleeding stopped and our Arch-priest was healed completely.
[Author's Comments: I remember a similar incident which happened to a reverend father in Los Angeles California in the early 70's when there was one Church in the whole area of Los Angeles. The congregation prayed for their priest every day for a week at an agreed evening hour, because he was sick, and they needed his services really urgently. The Reverend father was healed through the prayers and intercessions of many loving believers. That is why it is important to pray for each other in belief.]
28. Protected Him Even When He Doubted:
Engineer M.Z.A from Hadeqaa Gadida, Fayoum told this story. In the 60's I went with my uncle to visit the tomb of Anba Abraam in Deir Al-Azab (St. Markorios, the two swords, Monastery, Fayoum). At the time there was some remodeling work inside the Church and they had many wooden beams tied with robes all over the sealing. My uncle knelt down and started to pray and implore Anba Abraam. I started to joke telling my uncle: "stop this act, the man died and longed in death (shebe moot)." I was leaning with my hand on a wall, and as soon as I finished saying these foolishness, I moved my arm away and a wooden beam fell exactly where I was standing a minute earlier. At this moment, my uncle was finished with his prayers and turned to me and said: "This is because of your foolish words." I shivered, and felt extreme fear inside me. I fainted and fell on the floor and then felt a hand lifted me on my feet. From that day I regularly visit Deir Al Azab, the tomb of Anba Abraam, and other monasteries as well.
29. A Soldier Saved from Imminent Death in The Battle of 1000 Tanks, 1973:
S.H.G from Fayoum told this story. I was a member of the 52 Battalion (Army), 18 Division, 21st Armored Vehicle. This battalion fought the 1000 tanks battle in central Sinai on Oct. 18, 1973. I prayed and asked the intercession of Anba Abraam saying: "God, save me from shrapnels in my arms or my feet and do not let me die." At that moment I had a shrapnel in my left leg, and fell down unconscious. I was taken to field hospital and consequently transferred to Cairo University Medical Center (Kasr El-Einy). Later on, I learned that the entire division died in the battle, except me. I still have the shrapnel in my left leg. I believe that my life was saved through the prayers and intercessions of Anba Abraam.
[Author's Comments: A dear friend of mine was saved death in the war of 1967 through prayers and intercessions he was carried from the battle field by his division commander because he was injured. He was taken to the back of the battle field and later transferred to Cairo. We can not say why some die and some are saved, but for me, I will always ask the prayers and intercession of the saints when I am in any danger!"
30. Let My Children Come To Me:
B..W from Alexandria wrote: I was enlisted in the army and was assigned to a unit in Fayoum. My unit commander prohibited leaves on Sundays, so we could not go to Church. Suddenly, our unit commander gave all the Christians in my unit orders to go to Deir Al-Azab in Fayoum, we were extremely surprised. So, one asked him why the sudden change, he said "Sheik Al-Nassara (the elder of the Christians) came to me in the night and called me by name saying: Ismael: let my chidden come to me." We asked him who is Sheik Al-Nassara, he pointed to the portrait of Anba Abraam and said he looked like the man in this picture. Commander Ismael was surprised to learn that Anba Abraam departed (died) many tens of years earlier. In appreciation and respect, he took an offering and went to Deir Al-Azab and asked for the blessings of Anba Abraam.
31. Walked without Crutches:
M.T from Muharaam Beck, Alexandria told: In 1981, my grandmother died. I loved her so much, I carried her (body) all by myself which caused me to injure my back. I had symptoms of slipped disk. For a longtime, I had to use crutches to move around. One day we went to visit Deir Al-Azab, tomb of Anba Abraam. I the monastery's Church, St. Markorios, I was told that there is a chair that Anba Abraam sat on. I sat on this chair and asked the prayers and intercession of Anba Abraam saying: "I will not get off this chair until my back is healed!" I sat there for about half an hour (praying), and then I started to feel the healing of my back. I got up from the chair and walked without crutches. I did not need them anymore.
32. Greeting Card Do Not Burn:
Mrs. A.Y.H from Alexandria told: My father was an irrigation engineer during the time of Anba Abraam> As a matter of fact, Anba Abraam performed the ceremony for my parents wedding. My father had a greeting card from Anba Abraam, written with his own hand. He kept it over the years. One day, we were burning some old papers and this card was included, by mistake, in the pile. It is amazing all the papers burned, except for this card which did not burn!
33. A Miracle in New South Wales, Australia:
On 6/10/1985, the Church here was celebrating the departure of Anba Abraam. Fr. Moussa Soliman was the officiating priest, the service was scheduled for very early morning, 4:30 A.M. The priest and deacons were in the Church. An elderly lady who attended the services regularly was there also, at that early hour. As she looked toward the altar room, she saw a beautiful portrait of Anba Abraam hanging in the air above the altar with no support. She screamed asking the help of the priest saying: "How could you hang such expensive and beautiful picture in the altar room with no support" The priest went to investigate, and did not find such thing. They all new that Anba Abraam is present with them, even in Australia, thousands of miles away from Egypt.
This blessed old lady is still with us. The blessings of Anba Abraam be with us always.
34. My Son the Arch-priest Ibrahim Fahmy from Alexandria Was Healed:
The father of Arch-priest Ibrahim Fahmy Nawar from Alexandria told this story. My son, Arch-priest Ibrahim was diagnosed with blockage of arteries of his heart and a weak heart valve. He was sent to London, England for surgery by the famous Coptic (Egyptian Christian) heart surgeon, Dr. Magdy Yacoub. He was accompanied by his brother who is a medical doctor. They stayed in the home of Fr. Antonious Thabet, a prominent coptic priest.
At the home, my son noticed the portrait of Anba Abraam. He commented to Abouna Antonious:" This is a beautiful picture." Abouna Antonious commented: "Anba Abraam Is the Guardian of this House "
During catheterization, without full anathtesia, my son was awake. He saw Anba Abraam standing there all the time. The result was very amazing. The heart valve was OK! The Blockage was no longer evident. And with simple medication, Fr. Ibrahim Fahmy Nawar, was back to normal. He told us in our home in Meet Ghamr about this miracle. He continues to remember Anba Abraam fil-magmaa (in the congregation of the saints part of the liturgy).
[Author's Comments: We translated the story from Arabic as told. The father of Fr. Ibrahim meant that Fr. Ibrahim mentions Anba Abraam and gives him glory more than ever before, since Anba Abraam name is mentioned in the congregation of the saints by Church Law as one of the saints. Also, as we delight with Abouna Ibrahim, we know that some people with blockage are healed medically through Cathetarization. But, we still praise God for Abouna's healing. It is much easier to have a Catheter than to have an open heart surgery. Glory be to God in his Saints.]
35. The Miracle of A Church In St. Louis:
The people who came to St. Louis from Egypt in the early 1970's, around 1972 did want to settle as immigrants, have respected jobs, sometimes any job at first, and worship God the way we did in Egypt. When the Church was incorporated in 1974, they had disagreement. Some wanted to call the Church St. Mary's, others wanted to call it St. Abraam's. The two groups reached agreement calling our beloved Church St. Mary & St. Abraam Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Louis.
We were blessed with one after another of visiting priests: From Canada, the late Fr. Roufail Younan, and from New York, Fr. Youhana Tadros, of St. MayChurch in Queens New York. Also the late Fr. Antonious Baky, Fr. Zakaria, Late Fr. Ghobrial Abd El-Sayed (His grandfather, was Fr. Abd Al-Sayed who served as deputy to Anba Abraam). We also were served by Fr. Ibrahim Aziz, St. George Church, Bellflower, LA, California, the Late Fr. Marco Daowd (A know author, and translator of great works who used to come from Egypt to visit his grandson in St. Louis), Fr. Mankarios Awadalla, former professor of rituals at the college of divinity who serves in St. Demiana in Ontario, Canada.
Fr. Wessa Bessada is the first priest to serve as resident priest in St. Louis: 1979-1981.
Fr. Ekladious Hanna Khalil served as resident priest: 1981-1987. He commissioned the architectural drawings and was instrumental in purchasing the 3 acres behind the house and converted garage.
Monk/Fr. Reuis Anba Paula served our community 1987-1988. He tried to purchase a building on Manchester Road to solve the problem of not wanting to go through a major construction project. The purchase was not completed, because the seller, a Church, asked for an unreasonable price for a 25 years old building facing North. It would have been difficult to convert it to a traditional Eastern Orthodox Church. Fr. Reuis started many youth activities, and weekly bible studies at different homes, combining social and spiritual service.
Fr. Bassellious Sedrak is our blessed priest since 1988. Fr. Bassellious preferred to take his time in getting the people to reach consensus which was a very successful approach in getting the people to join together, Through patience and many visits by his Grace Bishop Tadros of Port Said, we were able to get majority agreement to build in our location at 1843 Ross Ave.
Each priest who served the congregation in St. Louis brought an improvement to the service and a special gift. We are blessed by all of them.
We are a small congregation, but through God's Grace and the prayers and intercessions of St. Mary and St. Abraam the Church is able to meet its financial and spiritual obligations. We are proud to be in the forefront of attempting to recite the liturgy in English, not very easy to do initially. We also are the first Church to produce a full English language monthly news letter, which has all original writings. St. Mary's Message started in 1984 and stopped for a few years after 1988. We are back in circulation again.
The Church building started in 1979 as a small Chapel in a converted garage of a house which is used as priest's residence and an extension used as a social hall. We always desired to build a Church which is more appropriate. The congregation was split three ways: Some wanted to build, some wanted to buy an existing building and modify it to take a Coptic shape, and the third group preferred no change.
In 1984, God guided us to acquire three acres of land behind the property we had. Also, through God's help and the prayers and intercessions of St. Mary and Anba Abraam, the owner sold us the land at a bargain price with owner provided finance to save the Church the trouble of going through the process of obtaining a bank loan. The land was paid in three years, phenomenal achievement of 25 families.
Inspite of the objections, Coptic style architectural plans were prepared in 1985. We had offers to build for about $850,000 but could not get the project started because of lack of unity and the inability to raise even 20% of the needed funds. In early October, 1989 his Holiness Pope Shenouda made a historic 60 days visit to the USA. St. Louis, was fortunate to have his holiness in our city for a memorable 26 hours (We had it counted to the last minute). His holiness honored us and blessed us. He received the key to our city, and October 10,11 of 1989 were declared Pope Shenouda's days in St. Louis.
His holiness wanted to bless the grounds and put a cornerstone, but the plan was derailed because of strong objections from group 2. Group 3 did not object, but did not support either. His Holiness with the wisdom in him gave us a deadline. Find land or building by Epiphany (Jan 19, 1990) or accept the existing plans. Needless to say Jan 19, 1990 came and nothing happened. It became a decision by default to build at the location we have been using since 1979.
One of us in his private devotions challenged Anba Abraam saying: "Anba Abraam you always loved the poor, may be you don't want a new Church building in St. Louis." We also wondered; If it was going to take $850,000 to build in 1985, it must cost twice that much ten years later. In 1993; 3 years after the deadline, we woke up. We called around, we were told $1.2 Million. We were also told; banks do not lend money to non-profit organizations, especially Churches. Ad to all this an ethnic Church!
The Miracle: Somehow, the construction business was weak all over the country in the late 1993. This affected both construction firms and banks. We got three bids ranging from $850,000 to $1.2 M, but when we went back to the $1.2 M bidder, the vice president told our member charged with the project that the bid was a ROM (Rough Order of Magnitude). When they sat to discuss it, they found ways to reduce the bid. This they did. Final bid was ~$650,000. If this is not a miracle, I don't know what is!
Back to the bank and financing issues, the same bank which refused us funding in 1985, came up with a construction/mortgage loan package which was extremely competitive accepting the signatures of five members of the congregation as co-signers with the Church. It even became sweeter when another bank got on the action and offered same terms, with 1% less in interest. This made the first bidder to meet the new terms. His Grace Bishop Tadros came one more time to St. Louis, we had a vote under his direction, and in his presence. The project as proposed received majority approval.
Construction started on October 1, 1993. As the project progressed, there was some problems related to the weather (extreme cold, an d heavy snow not common for St. Louis). Seems like the old devil did not want it to reach completion. But starting in March, 1994 the weather improved and we started to see the Church building taking beautiful shape with high windows, curved roof, and Coptic style (half circle) spherical domes. We got more aggressive, we asked that the basement level floor be completed with the Church and have a functional kitchen and Social Hall/Sunday School/Nursery compound user ready on opening day. WOW!
In June 1994, His Holiness Pope Shenouda was on a visit to the USA. Fr. Bassellious showed him photos of the building under construction. Pope Shenouda was thrilled, but was not sure it will be ready for consecration on a second visit to the USA planned for the fall of that same year.
We had October First as a tentative date for opening/consecration. The contractor promised to do all he could. Every sub-contractor involved worked extra hard to meet the date. Invitations were sent out to heads of Churches, civic groups, members and friends of the Church. We were able to finish everything except for carpeting, airconditioning, and painting of the altar rooms. We were give a 24 hour temporary building use permit by the city of Maryland Height just to complete the consecration.
On Saturday, October 1, 1994; His Holiness accompanied by their Grace bishop Serabion and bishop Karas arrived at 7:00 PM to open the new Church Building. In attendance his holiness the Patriarch of the Orthodox Church in India, who was on an unrelated visit to St. Louis, and his eminence arch-bishop Rigalli of the Roman Catholic Arch-diocese of St. Louis among other heads of Churches, priest, lay people. The Church was overflowing with its children, friends, and honored guests. This Saturday evening service was followed with a Sunday consecration service, and we had to close the building for two more months to finish construction.
The new building is in use since that time. We are all now united on one thing: We are glad a new Church building was completed for the glory of God and we all now know the power of God and the intercession of his saints, the like of St. Mary and Anba Abraam. And, it is always better to seek knowledge and use wisdom in gaining consensus. Sometimes, guided by the Holy Spirit, we take bold steps, like going ahead with the purchase of land, and the commissioning of architectural drawings. But, the conclusion was through a long convincing process. And we all won.
