His Holiness Pope Tawadros II visited St. Mary (Baramous) Monastery in Wadi El-Natrun today, Monday, as the monastery celebrates the feast of its two patron saints, the Strong Anba Moses and Anba Isidore, known as the “Priest of the Wilderness of Scetis.” The Coptic Orthodox Church commemorates their feast the day after tomorrow, Wednesday.

His Holiness arrived at the monastery this evening and was received by His Grace Bishop Isidore, Bishop and Abbot of the Monastery, together with a number of bishops and the community of monks. He proceeded to the ancient church, where he prayed the Prayer of Thanksgiving, and then anointed the two reliquaries containing the relics of the two saints being commemorated, with the participation of the bishops in attendance.

His Holiness also met with the bishops and the monastic community, during which he delivered an appropriate spiritual message.