V

CHAPTER 1

THE TIME OF

SAINT SAMAAN

1) The destroying famine.

2) The construction of Cairo.

3) Chaos in Tanis.

4) The settlement of peace.

5) Religious freedom.

6) The state of the church.

Saint Samaan the Tanner lived towards the end of the tenth century AD. He was a contemporary of the Saint Bishop Abram Ibn Zaraa the Syrian, who occupied the seat of St. Mark in 975 AD and rested in peace in 979 AD.

It is, therefore, preferable to take a passing look at the time during which the Saint lived, since the time and the place where we now live will, whether we like it or not, affect the way we see things, for the bible says: 'Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." (1 Co. 15:33). For the house in which a child grows up is like the soil that provides not only for his physical needs, but for his spiritual and psychological ones, as well. I wonder if every father and mother of us realizes the responsibility towards their children that is laid on their shoulders ? Or is it true that concern for the things of this present world; such as food, clothes, and earthly position has become our sole pre- occupation. Yet, the wisest of men throughout the ages has announced, "Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun." (Ecc. 2:11).

My Lord, Jesus Christ,

I ask You for help for the responsibility and the trust

You have entrusted me with.

Let me and my children and all my household be yours. Let our motto be "But as for me and my household we will serve the Lord." (Jos. 24:15).

Lord, answer my prayer and make my reading of this moving biography a blessing, a cause of change in my life, as I take it as my example.. Amen.

1) THE DESTROYING FAMINE

A severe and overwhelming famine came upon all of Egypt under the reign of the Ikhshidid Empire, namely between AD 934 to AD 968, shortly before the Fatimid Empire was established, under which the miracle of moving the mountain took place. The miracle took place circa AD 979, so Saint Samaan must have lived through this famine, which sent more than half a million people to their early graves. (1)

Among the causes of this famine was a shortage in the annual inundation of the Nile for three consequent years. Consequently, epidemics spread and this large number of people died. Whole towns vanished, and dioceses just faded out of existence. (2)

These events must have left an impression on the Saint's soul and made him renounce pleasure in worldly things- as we shall see.

This was -and is- God's way of dealing with man...

My beloved brother, has God allowed some painful experiences to happen to you? Has life all around you closed up on you, while you are passing through its barren wilderness? Have you been unable to bear the heaviness and heat of the day for your human frailty ? Has resentment become your way of life, and have the words of your mouth become murmuring and complaining of the circumstances? Or do you see God in the scene and receive from Him all the circumstances, knowing that " all things work together for the good of those who love God " (Ro. 8:28)?

My friend, people are divided as their reactions to hard circumstances into three categories: the first murmurs against and resents the circumstances, and maybe God himself, while the second receives them in silence, and the third gives thanks even in the heated furnace, knowing that God will bring "out of the eater, something to eat; out of the strong, something sweet" (Jdg. 14:14). This third kind of person learns the lessons, and, therefore, comes out from the fire brighter than before; as Job the prophet of patience said, "When he has tested me, I shall come forth as gold." (Job 23:10) Of which category are you, and what is your reaction to the circumstances?

My loving God, I thank You with all my heart for all tribulation and all pain at all times. Grant me to adopt thanksgiving, for all circumstances and under all circumstances, as a way of life, trusting that You are able to use all them to form my life as it pleases You. Give me patience during tribulation and long-suffering at times of trial. Amen.

2)THE CONSTRUCTION OF CAIRO

Cairo had been constructed only a short while before the miracle of moving the mountain took place. As a matter of fact, the present Cairo (3) is made up of several small, old towns that were built in different ages. One of these towns received the name "Cairo".

These old towns are :

(A) Babylon, or the Palace of Wax. (It is now old Cairo. Was established by the Byzantines.)

(B) Um Danin. Is now in the center of Cairo, where the main train station is.

(D) Al-Askar. Between Al-Fustat and the Mokattam mountain.

(E) Al-Qata`i. In the vicinity of Al-Askar by Ibn Tulun's mosque. Was established by Ahmad Ibn Tulun.

(F) Cairo. Is the area where Al-Azhar mosque is. Was established by the Fatimids under Al-Mu'iz Li-Din Illah in AD 969. It was under this same monarch that the miracle of moving the Mokattam mountain occurred, which happened exactly ten years after Cairo was con- structed. As we shall see, there a connection between the city of Cairo and the miracle of moving the mountain.

3) CHAOS IN TANIS

Tanis is the present town of San in the Sharqia Governorate. The chaos that happened in it at the beginning Fatimid reign plucked the feeling of security from the hearts of the Copts and made them take refuge with God as their only protection in such events. Some extremists had risen against the government and against the Copts, and announced their independence, while some of them plundered the homes of the Christians and took their women and daughters as booty. Chaos reigned in that city until some Copts, the children of Qashlan by name, were able to contact the government and stop these insurrections. (4).

No doubt that these incidents had a great effect on the souls of the believers, for in calamities hearts are turned towards God and the people's commitment to the church increases.

4) THE SETTLEMENT OF PEACE

After these incidents, and thanks to the wisdom of Al-Mu'iz Li Din Illah the Fatimid, security was realized in the country, and peace prevailed throughout Egypt.

This was reflected on the souls of the citizens, and the voices of the believers were raised in thanksgiving to God the Prince of peace for the peace he bestowed on them.

5) RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

Al-Mu'iz Li Din Illah the Fatimid, who reigned from AD 969 till the end of AD 979, was a polished politician, besides being a letterman and a lover of the gatherings in which poetry was recited. He was, as well, fond of religious sciences, which made him invite the Muslim, the Christian, and the Jewish religious leaders in order to debate before him with all frankness and freedom, and without any anger or contention.

This matter has a direct relationship with the miracle of moving the Mokattam mountain, as we shall see later on.

6) Handicrafts

The Copts worked in all kinds of crafts and professions; such as carpentry, construction of furniture, smithery and ship making. They even celebrated Mass on the decks of their boats at the ports officially (5), because all the workers, craftsmen, and even the sailors were Copts.

We shall see, therefore, that Saint Samaan the Tanner worked in one of these handicrafts, which was tanning the hides of animals.

7) THE STATE OF THE CHURCH

Due to the peace that reigned over the country under the Fatimid empire, the Copts neglected the election of a new Patriarch for the church for two years, from the death of Pope Mina II in AD 973 till AD 975.

The bishops and the archdeacons later gathered in the church of Abu Sirga in Old Cairo in order to discuss who was fitting for the patriarchy. Thereupon, a righteous, respected, and pious old man came in, who was known to all of them named Abram Ibn Zaraa the Syrian. Now this man was also a friend of the Fatimid caliph Al-Mu'iz Li Din Illah. The multitudes, therefore, elected him unanimously as patriarch in the month of Tuba 687AM, January AD.

After his ordination as patriarch, he distributed all his possessions to the poor and the needy, and to the churches and the monasteries. He also forbade simony and opposed an evil habit that prevailed amongst the Christians, namely the possession of concubines.

In general, the church at his time was in a blessed age of spiritual revival.

Lord, I thank You for my beloved Mother the Church, in which You planted me, so that I might be nourished by Your holy word, and grow steadfast in this vineyard which Your right arm has planted. I thank You because You hasten Your word to perform it. I thank You because You established Your church on the rock and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it. I thank You for my fathers the Saints, the pillars of the church. Teach me to consider the end of their lives and emulate their faith.

CHAPTER 2

GLIMPSES INTO THE LIFE OF SAINT SAMAAN THE TANNER

1) His upbringing

2) His profession.

3) His purity.

4) His abstinence and asceticism.

5) the depth of his devotion (A man of prayer).

6) His practical service.

7) His amazing humility.

8) His strong faith.

9) His end.

1) HIS UPBRINGING

This Saint appeared suddenly on the scene of historical events as a shining star, and disappeared just the same way. History does not mention anything about his early upbringing at all, so we do not know where he was born, or where he was reared up, or who was his father.

Butfor the will of the Lord that made him appear for the performing of this miracle and the delivering of this message, we would not have heard about him at all! This proves that there are many Saints of the Lord whom the world does not know. They are hidden from sight. Wasn't this been the case at the time of Elijah the prophet?! Didn't this same prophet say to the Lord, "I am the only one left." (1 ki 19:10)?! What did the Lord answer him? Did not He say, "Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel- all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him." (1 Ki 19:18)?!

How amazing! Seven thousand persons for the Lord, and Elijah himself did not know about them!

The people are not all bad, my beloved brother. Look around you; maybe the Lord will reveal to you many Saints, whom you cannot otherwise see.

Saint Samaan the Tanner was one of the obscure Saints- hidden away from sight. And even though we know nothing of his birth, yet history asserts he was in Babylon (Old Cairo) during the time of Pope Abram the Syrian (AD 975-979), which was under Al-Mu'iz Li Din Illah, the first ruler in the Fatimid dynasty in Egypt.

My dear God, I thank You for the cloud of Saints which fills Your beloved Church. I thank You because You do not leave yourself without a witness; but rather have children and holy men in every generation. Protect me from the spirit of despair which fought the courageous prophet Elijah in old times to the point that he sought death for his soul. Lord, make me steadfast in hope because You have not given us the spirit of fear, but the spirit of love, help, and self-control. Amen.

2) HIS PROFESSION

At that time the Copts were engaged in handicrafts, as we have mentioned above. Saint Samaan, therefore, worked also in one of the crafts that were widespread in Babylon (Old Cairo), which was tanning. (Old Cairo is still known for this craft today.)

Most probably, this profession was not confined in the past to tanning animal skins, but included also the crafts that depend on this process, such as shoemaking and the like.

Our Saint carried several titles related to skins, of which we list the following:

Samaan the Tanner. (6)

Samaan the Cobbler. (7)

Samaan the shoemaker. (8)

This was also the profession of Saint Ananaias the first patriarch of the Coptic church after St. Mark. The latter, after having traveled about in Alexandria, went to this cobbler to mend his torn shoes. And when the awl pierced through the hand of the cobbler, he cried out, "Ious theos," which means "O the One God."

St. Mark used this exclamation to evangelize the cobbler, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, and was later ordained a patriarch to lead the church after St. Mark.

My Lord Jesus Christ, I thank You for the profession that you gave me. Thanks for the mind that you created in me to learn this profession. Lord, allow me to use it for your glory, so that Your great name might be exalted by it, as it is exalted in everything You created. Grant me true Christian honesty in practicing this profession, so that people may see my good works and glorify our father who is in heaven. Amen.

3) HIS PURITY

When the Saint was practicing his work as a shoemaker, a woman came to him to mend her shoes, and this woman was beautiful. It so happened that when she was taking off her shoes, her legs showed and he looked lustfully at her. But at once he drove the awl into one of his eyes, thus plucking it out (9) in keeping with the commandment of the Lord "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has committed adultery with her i his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell." (Mt. 5:28,29).

Yes, how beautiful the history of the church is, with all its narratives about the Saintly fathers. It follows the same pattern which the Bible adopted in narrating the lives of its Saints. Before mentioning their strength, it mentions their human weakness, to which the power of Christ comes and changes it into strength, and thus life is brought forth from death, and satisfying honey from the dead lion.

Hasn't the Bible mentioned the sin of lying in the life of Abraham the father of faith (Gen 12:13), and the sin of adultery in the life of David (2 Sa 11)? Even the apostle Paul himself, being our teacher, has declared this very clearly when he said, "Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief." (1 Ti 1:13). Yes, my dear brother, how wonderful the grace of Christ is, which lifts up from weakness and empowers with strength; and it even draws people out of the dunghill and seats them on thrones.

St. Samaan simply carried out the commandment literally. the great scholar Oregon had done a similar thing before him when he castrated himself in fulfillment of the verse that says: "Others have renounced marriage (or castrated themselves) because of the kingdom of heaven." (Mt 19:12). Each one of them has so acted in total sincerity to carry out the commandment literally, even though the church does not allow this, not to mention teach it. It was nothing but a literal and simple act which the church tolerated. But when Oregon castrated himself, the church excommunicated him, in spite of his status as great scholar, for the Lord did not mean it to be taken literally, but He was rather pointing to the mortification of the flesh; as the church teaches us to pray, saying, "Mortify our physical senses, O Christ our God." This is the same thing that the apostle Paul meant when he said, "Count yourselves dead to sin." (Ro 6:11).

My Lord Jesus Christ, I thank You for these bright,holy, pure models that hate evil.Yes, it was You who made them hate evil ... Give me belief in Your existence in my heart, which is able to transform the corruption of my life into a life of purity. You can replace what the locusts of uncleanness have eaten with a life of holiness. Lord, grant me to submit to the Spirit of holiness, so that he might work in me His holy works, and break off all the bonds of my sins through the intercession of Saint Samaan the Tanner, the example of the life of holiness.. Amen.

4) His abstinence and asceticism

Saint Samaan the Tanner was an ascetic person, which fact was made known from the conversation he had with the patriarch Abram, when the latter asked him about his life when The Virgin Mary led him to meet him. He said about himself,

"I eat a little just to keep myself alive." (10)

Thus we can see how this Saint renounced the pleasures of this life, contenting himself with the least, so as to keep himself alive!

Having control over the lust of the stomach by abstaining from food is one of the characteristics of asceticism, and also a sign of practical holiness. Therefore we hear of the Saint Anba Bola the Anchorite that his food consisted of half a loaf of bread which a crow carried him. Saint Sara says, "A mouth that You keep from water does not ask for wine, and a stomach that You keep from bread does not ask for meat."

One further sign of his asceticism was the way he dressed. For on the day of the miracle, he went to the mountain together with the Patriarch, the bishops, the priests, the multitudes of the people, and the secular celebrities in his shabby clothes (11) [which were his usual clothes that he wore when he went to the tannery].

We do not want to say that uncleanness is a sign of holiness, as Pope wears very expensive clothes, especially during Feasts! but we say that not adorning oneself and not wearing expensive clothes (1 Ti 2:9) is a sign of the children of God.

So then, Saint Samaan the Tanner, as far as pious life is concerned, was ascetic in his clothes and food as were many of our father Saints; such as Saint Bola, Saint Ruweis, Saint Barsum the naked, and others.

Does not this show us another aspect of power, which is the power of the Holy Spirit of God which is different from the power of the flesh and the appearance? Doesn't this remind us of Saint John the Baptist who used to wear camel's hair and eat honey and wild locusts? In spite of this, the Bible says, "Because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him." (Mk 6:20). And likewise Saint Samaan the Tanner did not fix his eyes on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Co 4:18).

5) THE DEPTH OF HIS DEVOTION

(A MAN OF PRAYER)

The secret of the blessing in the life of Saint Samaan the Tanner lay in the fact that he was a wonderful man of prayer. For he showed in his secret conversation with the Pope that he spent long hours in prayer. He said, "And at sunset I go out with the rest of the wage workers and eat just a little, so as to keep myself barely alive. Then I turn to prayer, and stand the whole night praying." (13)

Prayer is the secret of blessing in the life of the Saints, for it brings loving fellowship between the believer and his God. Therefore, the good pleasure of the believer is to spend his time in the presence of God. It was the lifestyle of the Lord Jesus in his humanity on earth, for the Scripture says: "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." (Mk 1:35) It says also: "One of these days Jesus went out to a mountain to pray, and spent the night praying to God." (Lk 6:12) David also teaches us, saying, "But I am a man of prayer." (Ps 109:4) Likewise, Mary enjoyed sitting at Jesus' feet, "choosing what is better, which will not be taken away from her." (Lk 10:42).

In fact, when the beauty of the Lord is revealed to the believer, he cannot bear to live without fixing his gaze upon that beauty, therefore David says, "One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple." (Ps 27:4)

In these terms, Saint Arsenius used to spend the whole night in prayer, just as Saint Samaan the Tanner was a man of prayer, for he enjoyed the depth of the fellowship with God.

My Lord Jesus, how I do need to start this blessed communion with You in the life of prayer, as my father Saints have live it ! Please, my beloved Lord, make me love to sit with You and open my eyes to the wonder of the true communion and the transcendence of the spiritual blessings which I will enjoy in Your presence. Raise my soul up from its laziness, and revive it from its sleep of weakness to the blessed struggle of prayer. Amen.

6) HIS PRACTICAL SERVICES

One of the secrets that Saint Samaan the Tanner revealed during his conversation with Anba Abram was the fact that he ministered to the older people and the sick, bringing them water every day. He said, "I wake up as early as this hour in the morning every day to fill my jar with water and distribute it to the elderly and the sick, who have been hampered from bringing water for themselves by old age or sickness. When I am finished with this service of mine, I return my water skin to the house and go to my work..." (14)

This ministry which Saint Samaan the Tanner used to do was one of the ministries that people would tend to depreciate and despise. While in fact it was such a great service of which the Lord said, "And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell the truth, he will not lose his reward." (Mt 10:42)

Many people concern themselves with the big, manifest ministries, but the humble choose the little despicable ones, and do them for the Lord.

Besides distributing water to those people, Saint Samaan also used to "distribute everyday bread and food to the cloistered hermits, whether of men or women." (15)

So Samaan the Tanner was a full-fledged Saint!

7) HIS AMAZING HUMILITY

Saint Samaan was so humble, and we can see the marks of his humility in the following occurrences:

(A) When the Virgin Mary revealed his holiness to the Pope, and he went out to get him in order to perform the miracle, Samaan the tanner said to him, "Forgive me, father; I am but a sinful man." (16)

What a profound statement that denotes the depth of his humility. It is the language of the Saints: "Forgive me", "I am a sinful man." Doesn't this remind us of what our teacher Peter said to the Lord Jesus: "Go away from me, Lord; for I am a sinful man." (Lk 5:8) and of what our teacher Paul said: "Christ Jesus came to this world to save sinners-of whom I am the worst." (1 Ti 1:15)?

(B) When the Pope asked him to tell him a little about his life, he was obliged to tell him his story, but at the conclusion he "besought him to keep it secret as long as he lived on this earth." (17) He also said to him, "I beg you my father not to expose me to anyone, for I have no power to bear the glory of men." (18)

This Saint had learnt humility from the gentle and humble Master who said to his disciples, "I do not accept praise from men." (John 5:41) he, therefore, said His disciples, "Do not tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead." (Mt17:9)

(C) The humility of Saint Samaan the Tanner appears also, when the Pope asked him to perform the miracle, while Saint Samaan stood among the people behind him, and he said to him, "So that no one would recognize me." (19)

Thus, Saint Samaan stood among the common people while the miracle was being performed and uttered not a word or showed any sign or movement indicating that it was he who performed the miracle, so as not to draw attention to himself!! What an amazing humility!!

(D) Another sign of his humility was that, after the miracle had been performed ,"the Pope turned left and right looking for Samaan the Tanner, but he was nowhere to be found, and none has ever found him after that." (20)

Where had he gone?! Had he disappeared willingly, so that he might let no man have any hope in his appearance anymore and thus be exposed to receive vain praise from people?

It is the life of amazing humility that seeks the glory of Christ, and not its own; the life that has adopted the motto: "He must become greater; I must become less." (John 3:30)

O how do I need, my great Lord, to live the life of humility, learning from You, my Lord, for You are gentle and humble in heart, so that I may find rest for my soul! O Lord, how often I sought my own glory! But let me de- crease so that You may increase and be lifted up and exalted. O my Lord, keep me from the arrows of vainglory, for I am the unworthy servant. Help me to start from now.. Amen.

8) HIS STRONG FAITH

The time when sadness was sweeping over the church, and perplexity filled the heart of Pope Abram (21), Saint Samaan was steadfast and assured of the Lord's powers and the might of His strength. For he said to the Pope, " My honorable father, go up the mountain that the caliph tells you, and you shall see the glory of God." (22)

It was all according to his faith. The miracle was achieved and the mountain was moved from its place, because he trusted in the promise of the Lord that says, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, `Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (Mt 17:20)

This is an example of the lives of our Saint fathers "who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies... the world was not worthy of them." (Heb 11:33,34,38)

9) HIS END

This Saint, as we have said earlier, was like a bright star that glimmered all of a sudden, and disappeared just the same way. History recorded his end after this fashion:

It was natural that this miracle would cause quite a commotion in the ranks of all those who witnessed it.

When they calmed down, and gained their composure back, they began to go down the mountain, going back to their homes. His felicity the Patriarch looked right and left searching for Samaan the Tanner, but he was nowhere to be found, and none has found him ever after. (23)

Yet, the Lord, in His great love, has revealed the body of this great Saint, as we shall see later on.

Lord, I thank You for this shining life of which I have just read. I pray You, my God, to turn these words which I have read into life for me to live, and place inside me holy longings to live these blessed qualities which You have given that great man of faith, Saint Samaan the Tanner.. in his intercession I pray. Amen.

CHAPTER 3

MIRACLE OF THE MOVING OF THE MOKATTAM MOUNTAIN

1) The incidents that pave the way for the miracle.

2) The distress is dispersed.

3) The supernatural miracle.

4) The results of the miracle.

5) Recording the miracle.

6) A research on the determination of the date of the miracle.

1) THE INCIDENTS THAT PAVE THE WAY FOR THE MIRACLE

1) Heated religious discussion:

As we said earlier, Al-Mu'iz Li Din-Illah the Fatimid was fond of literary gatherings and much interested in religious controversies. He used to rally the religious leaders of the Muslims, the Christians and the Jews and let them debate in his presence, and stipulated that this should be carried out with neither anger nor contention.

There was a Jew in the retinue of Al-Mu'iz who espoused Islam in order to be assigned a minister. This man's name was Jacob Ibn Killis.

In spite of the fact that he espoused Islam, he still sided with Judaism, because he did not adopt Islam out of belief in it, but for the sake of the governmental office. Now this Jew hated Christians very much, especially because he had a Christian rival who was dear to the caliph. This Jew feared that the caliph would appoint the christian as minister instead of him. This man's name was Quzman Ibn Mina, and had the title "Abul Yumn" (The fortunate one).

So, Jacob Ibn Killis the Jew called to him another Jew named Moses and wanted him to debate with the Patriarch Abram in the court of the caliph Al-Mu'iz.

The caliph sent a message to the Patriarch, saying, "If you want to debate the Jews someday, whether yourself or through one of the bishops you choose, come to my house and join issue with them in my presence."

So Pope Abram set a date for the debate, and took along with him Anba Sawirus Ibn Al-Muqaffaa the bishop of Ashmunin (in Upper Egypt), who was one of the church scholars in his generation. It was he who wrote "THE BIOGRAPHY OF THE PATRIARCHS," and besides this he was well versed in theology, especially in comparative religion, and authored numerous volumes in this field. Of these books are: A BOOK ON MONOTHEISM, and THE BOOK OF THE WONDROUS PRESENTATION IN ANSWER TO THE JEWS, among other books.

When the caliph was seated, together with the Jewish minister Ibn Killis and his friend Moses, he said to the Pope,

"Speak my reverent Pope, or otherwise grant your companions the permission to talk."

So the Pope said to Sawirus the bishop of Ashmunin,

"Speak my son, and the divine wisdom grant you wisdom."

Anba Sawirus said in spiritual prudence,

"It is not proper to address a Jew in the presence of the caliph."

Moses, the minister's companion, was enraged and said,

"You are insulting me in the hearing of the prince of the believers [the title of the caliph among Muslims], since you describe me as ignorant."

Anba Sawirus asked him calmly,

"What if I furnish the proof for your ignorance, will you not be angry?"

The caliph interfered out of tolerance, and eloquently,

"There is no need to be angry in the discussion; freedom is vouchsafed for each of you so that you may express each his own opinion frankly and without embarrassment."

Anba Sawirus said confidently,

"Well, it is not I that call you ignorant; it is rather a great prophet of yours, who had a special favor from God, who witnesses against you."

Moses the Jew asked him,

"And who can this prophet be?"

Anba Sawirus answered immediately,

"It is Isaiah the prophet, who said about you, `The ox knows his master, the donkey, his owner's manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.'" (Is 1:3)

The caliph burst out laughing , for he was impressed by Anba Sawirus' prudence and skill of speech. Then the caliph asked Moses the Jew,

"Are these really the words of Isaiah?"

Moses said, with pent-up anger,

"Yes, sire."

And Anba Sawirus continued talking,

"Behold a great prophet of yours has announced that the animals have more understanding that you do."

The caliph was still under the intoxicating effect of the brilliance of this joke, and decided to end the session, having heard enough for the day.

2) The malicious plot :

This sharp debate upset the minister Ibn Killis and his other Jewish companion Moses so much that they decided to take revenge on Anba Abram and Anba Sawirus by devising a plot that would destroy the Copts altogether. For this reason, the Jew started to search the New Testament looking for something to help him in his malicious purpose. He chanced upon the verse that the Lord Jesus has said in Mt 17:20, which says: "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, `Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Moses the Jew and the minister Ibn Killis hastened to the caliph Al-Mu'iz and said to him,

"We have found it written in the book of the Christians that whosoever has faith as small as a mustard seed can move a mountain. So it is our right to demand them to prove that their religion is right by means of this. If they cannot, they should be punished for the invalidity of their religion."

The caliph kept silent and was mulling over this verse, thinking to himself that if the words of the New Testament were true, then this would be a golden opportunity to remove the mountain that was perched to the east of the new city (Cairo) so that it could stretch further east and would enjoy a terrific site, since the mountain was bordering Birket Elphil before it got removed. (24) But if they proved unable to carry this out, this would be a cogent proof that the religion of the Christians was wrong, so should be done away with completely.

The caliph Al-Mu'iz sent for Anba Abram the Syrian, who came to him and talked with him concerning this verse. He told him that he had to choose between these four alternatives: (25)

1) To fulfill this commandment and move the eastern part of the Mokattam.

2) To espouse Islam and abandon Christianity on the account that it is invalid.

3) To leave Egypt and immigrate to another country.

4) To be smitten by the sword altogether. (26)

The Patriarch kept silent, and was praying in his heart for the Lord to guide him in this ordeal.. Then he asked the caliph to give a three day respite, after which he would give him an answer.

3) Calling for a fast:

The Pope was very unhappy when he returned to his seat, and issued a public statement ordering all the Christians in Egypt to fast for three days from down, till sunset, and to lift up fervent prayers for the safety of the church, that God might deliver it from the impending ordeal. What a spiritual insight and heavenly wisdom is that which turns to God in such hard circumstances and distresses! How wonderful is the prayer of the church which it lifts up during the Mass, saying, "For we do not know another but You...Your holy name is the name we utter and our souls are revived by Your Holy Spirit."

Thereafter, the Pope went to the famous church of Saint Mary, which is know as "The Suspended Church," and called for the bishops who were present in Old Cairo, together with the archdeacons and the monks to tell them what had happened between the caliph and himself. He said to them,

"We are to fast and pray these three days which I have asked of the caliph as respite, so that the Lord may show mercy upon us in His grace, and provide us a way of deliverance."

All the people responded to the calling of the Pope, and the Coptic people fasted throughout the land of Egypt. Masses were held and prayers and supplications for this ordeal through which the church was going.

Pope Anba Abram, together with some bishops, priests, monks and archdeacons confined themselves to the Suspended Church of Saint Mary during those three days.

2) THE DISTRESS IS DISPERSED

1) The Virgin Mary appears to the Pope:

The third day at dawn, the Pope dozes off for a short while, saw the Virgin Mary, and heard her say to him,

"What is the matter with you?"

The Pope answered,

"You know, lady of the heavenly and earthly beings."

She said to him,

"Fear not, faithful shepherd, ... for your tears which you have shed in this church, and the fasts and the prayers which you and your people have offered up shall not be forgotten. Now, get out through the iron gate that leads to the market-place and, when you are on your way out, you will find a one-eyed man in front of you carrying a jar of water. Take hold of him; for he is the man by whom the miracle will take place."

As soon as the Virgin Mary said this, she was hidden from the sight of the Pope, who woke up from his sleep wondering.

2) Saint Samaan, the messenger of heaven:

When the Pope went out to the iron gate that leads to the market-place, and saw outside it the man whom the Virgin Mary had spoken, he took hold of him... brought him inside the iron gate, and closed it... The Pope told him what had happened between the caliph and himself, and what the Virgin Mary had ordered him to do, mentioning that it was he by whom the miracle would take place.

Saint Samaan said to him,

"Forgive me, my father, for I am but a sinful man."

The Pope said to him in persistence,

"It is the command of the mother of Light."

Saint Samaan answered in humility and submission,

"As long as it is the Mother of Light who decided that I should be entrusted with this great task, I, then, place myself at the you service, sir."

The Pope asked him about his name, and why he was there in the market-place at such an early hour in the morning while people are asleep.

Saint Samaan answered, "My name is Samaan the Tanner. I work in tanning animal skins. But I wake up as early as this hour in the morning every day to fill my jar with water and distribute it to the elderly and the sick, who have been hampered from bringing water for themselves by old age or sickness.

When I am finished with this service of mine, I return my water skin to the house and go to my work at the tannery where I work till evening. And at sunset I go out with the rest of the wage workers and eat just a little, so as to keep myself barely alive. Then I turn to prayer..."

Saint Samaan urged the Pope to keep the true state of his affairs hidden as long as he lived on this earth.

3) The preparations for the miracle :

After Saint Samaan had finished this, he said to the Patriarch,

"My honorable father, go up the mountain and take along with you the religious leaders, the deacons, and the archdeacons, and make them carry on high the Bibles, the crosses, and the long candles, these being lit, and the censers full of incense."

"And ask the king and his retinue to go up with you... So you shall stand on one side of the mountain, while they stand on the side opposite you. As for me, I will stand among the people behind your felicity, so that no one would recognize me.

"Then after administering the holy sacraments, you raise up your voice with all of the people, repeating, "Kyrie Eleison" (have mercy, Lord) four hundred times.

"Then after that keep silent for some moments, and worship, you and the priests, before the Most High. Repeat this three times, and every time you stand up after worshipping, draw the sign of the cross over the mountain, and you shall see the glory of God."

The Patriarch lifted up a prayer of thanksgiving to God, who allowed the trial to come, but provided a way out . (1 Co 10:13)

3) THE SUPERNATURAL MIRACLE

1) A great crowd of people:

The Patriarch told the caliph Al-Mu'iz Li Din Illah that he was ready to carry out his request by the grace of God... the caliph went out on the back of his steed, having with him several men of his retinue, his great men of honor, and his soldiers. He met the Patriarch and a great number of bishops, priests, deacons, archdeacons, the common people, and among these was Saint Samaan the Tanner... The two parties stood opposite one another on the mountain as Saint Samaan told them.

2) A great quake and the moving of the mountain:

After administering the holy sacraments which the Pope and the bishops lifted up, the people repeated with a broken spirit and a crushed heart the "Kyrie Eleison" (heve mercy, Lord) prayer, four hundred times; 100 to the east, another to the west, another to the north, and another to the south.

Then they kept silent for a moment between the hands of the Most High... And they started to worship and stand up three times, while the Patriarch drew the sign of the cross. And behold a great earthquake swept over the mountain, and at each worship the mountain was thrust down, and every time they stood up the mountain would rise up and the sun would be seen from under it. And every time it would go back to its place.(27)

This was the power of faith which our teacher Paul declared when he said, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Phil 4:13)

3) The caliph and the crowds become frightened:

When the miracle took place, the caliph Al-Mu'iz panicked and feared, together with all the multitudes that gathered with him; he cried out at the top of his voice,

"God is great; may His name be blessed."

And he entreated the Pope to stop what he was doing, otherwise the city would be overthrown.

When the things calmed down once more, he said to the Pope,

"You have proven that your faith is a true one. "

4) The disappearance of Saint Samaan:

After the souls of the gathered crowd calmed down, they began to come down the mountain and go back to their homes.

As for the Patriarch, he looked round about him searching for Saint Samaan the Tanner, who had been standing behind him, but he was nowhere to be found, and noone has found him ever again .. until the grace of God revealed him afterward, as we shall see.

5) calling the mountain Al-Mokattam:

A manuscript in the monastery of Anba Antonios relates that the Mokattam mountain was thus called because its surface was level and connected, but it became divided into three p