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Location:
In 1992, Pope Shenouda III has had deputed His Grace Bishop Kirollos, the general bishop, for the setting up of St. Shenouda’s the Archimandrite monastery in the village of Mettone, outside Milan. He made a great effort to regarding the foundation of the monastery, and it was recognised by the Holy Synod. A successful monastic life was initiated in there and was witnessed by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, which was documented in the “El Keraza magazine”
Saint of the monastery: Saint Shenouda the Archimandrite
Description of the monastery:
Pope Kirollos’ the 6th Hall
The monastery had a greenhouse, which His Grace late Metropolitan Anba Kirollos had converted into a hall which can accommodate about a thousand people. Holy Liturgies are held there during the feasts of the monastery and during different memorials due to the large number of visitors
Late Metropolitan Anba Kirollos’ Hall
The monastery has a lecture hall which was named after His Grace late Metropolitan Anba Kirollos. The halls are equipped with the latest technologies and Holy Liturgies are held there as well during feasts due to the huge number of visitors.
Monk’s cells
The first building of cells is in the building of the monastery, with some more cells located beside the walls of the monastery for those who are seeking monasticism.
There are services that the fathers in the monastery carry out such as farming the land of the monastery and planting their needs of vegetables as well as raising chicken and birds.
The fathers in the monastery also offer services for people with special needs, taking care of them through an agreement with the Government officials in Mettone.
Monastery’s Library
The monastery has a library which has many Arabic and Italian books. It is equipped with computers and is used for the Diocese’s priests weekly for Bible studies and spiritual talks, as well as seminars and meetings for the servants and deacons.
Bethlehem
It is the place where the monks prepare the Holy Bread “Orban”
Service Buildings in the Monastery
There are several buildings in the monastery that carry out various services for the monks residing in the monastery, as well as two rooms for official visits and for Bishops and priests.
Moreover, there are two food halls for visitors and a food hall for monks, with a kitchen in the midst to prepare food and drinks.
Papal Residence in the Monastery
It is a building for the reception of His Holiness during his stay in Milan. It was established by late Metropolitan Anba Kirollos in 2012.
Late Metropolitan Anba Kirollos’ Shrine
There is also the shrine of late Metropolitan Anba Kirollos, where his body is in the monastery he founded. At the moment, the shrine is being renovated with the help of the monks and under the guidance of His Grace Bishop Antonio, Bishop of Milan and its affiliated regions and the monastery’s abbot.
Churches of the Monastery
1- Church of St. Shenouda the Archimandrite
It is the biggest church in the monastery consisting of three altars. The middle altar is named on the intercessor of the monastery, St. Shenouda and the other two are named on St. Anthony and St. Makarios. His Grace late Metropolitan Anba Kirollos was looking after the establishment of this church.
The Consecration of the Church
In a joyful celebration, His Holiness Pope Tawadros consecrated this church on May 16th, 2013, in his first visit to Italy, with His Grace late Metropolitan Anba Kirollos and with the presence of other Metropolitans and Bishops, including His Grace Metropolitan Anba Bakhomios, His Grace Metropolitan Anba Hedra, His Grace Metropolitan Anba Sarabion, His Grace Metropolitan Anba Athanasius, His Grace Anba Bernaba, His Grace Anba Gabriel, His Grace Anba Abakir, His Grace late Anba Epiphanious the abbot of St. Makar’s monastery. As well as many priests and servants from different Diocese and it was a joyful and historical day for everyone.
2- Saint Virgin Mary
Late Metropolitan Anba Kirollos established this church, and it is located in the midst of the monastery and it is where the monks pray midnight praises and liturgies daily in it.
3- Saint Thomas’ Church
Late Metropolitan Anba Kirollos established this church and it is only for monks