This is part of a longstanding debate between the monks, the Egyptian government, and the surrounding locals (posted on a few times previously on this blog). The monastery has had the land for over 1,600 years and now the government wants to trim down their property. Add to this that local villagers have attacked monks, monastery equipment, and buildings and you have quite the powder keg.
Note: See article errata in comments section from a kindly reader.
Cairo (AsiaNews) – Hundreds of Egyptian security forces, backed by a large number of cars and armoured vehicles, attacked the monastery of St Macarius of Alexandria (great photos here) in Wadi Rayan, Fayoum Province, 150 kilometres south of Cairo. The action began at 8 pm on 7 September, but news about it only filtered recently. About 300 agents took part in the assault, using tear gas, batons and stones against monks, three of whom were seriously wounded.
According to the AINA news agency, security forces prevented the delivery of limestone bricks for the construction of cells for the monks inside the ancient Monastery. They also tried to seize the bricks already delivered but the monks sat on them, refusing to move.
The issue concerns the ownership of the area and its use, with monks and the government holding different positions.
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| St. Macarius the Great |
The authorities claim that Wadi Rayan is a conservation area that cannot be touched. The monks say they must build cells inside the monastery, which goes back long before it was ever designated as a conservation area.
Security forced surrounded the Monastery until 12 AM the following day, but withdrew "after seeing the insistence of monks to assert their rights," said Fr Boulos el-Makkary, one of the 85 monks living in the monastery. "They left with the commander promising to be back soon."
“The monks believe that the government wants to prevent any construction on the premises to prevent any increase in the number of monks living there, even though cells for the monks are badly needed," Father Boulos added.
At present, cells are shared by five to eight monks even though each should have his own.
The Monastery of St Macarius, also known as the "Buried Monastery" since most of its cells are caves in the mountain, has been uninhabited for a long time because of the lack of electricity and water. However, in 1996 monks began living there permanently and obtained permission from the Minister of Environment.
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The Monastery of St Macarius... has been uninhabited for a long time because of the lack of electricity and water. However, in 1996 monks began living there permanently and obtained permission from the Minister of Environment.
ReplyDeleteThe history of the Monastery on its own website would seem to disagree with two statements here. (I know, this is from AsiaNews, not you).
First, Fr. Matta el-Meskeen (Matthew the Poor of SVS Press fame) arrived in 1969 not 1996.
Second, Fr. Matta and a group of 12 monks arrived at the Monastery from Wadi el-Rayyan, about 50 kilo-metres south of Fayyum, and were welcomed by "six aged monks [who] were living in the monastery and its historic buildings... The new monks were warmly received by the abbot of the monastery, Bishop Michael, Metropolitan of Assiut". The monastery was not uninhabited; the monastery may have been deserted at some point prior to 1969, but it certainly has not been empty since that time as Fr. Matta is still alive and thriving.
Thanks for clarification. Noting in post.
ReplyDeleteFr. Matta reposed a few years ago,
ReplyDelete