Pope Abraham The Syrian and the miracle of Muqattam

Pope Abraham The Syrian and the miracle of Muqattam is a free eBook by Anthony Alcock about Pope Abraham ibn Zar'a, the 62nd Patriarch of Alexandria, and his part in the moving of the Muqattam Mountain, for every reader who loves Coptic history.

The miracle of moving the Muqattam Mountain is a well-known event in Coptic history, much loved by many Copts. The Coptic Church dedicates the first three days of the Nativity Fast to commemorate it.

Less well known is one of the story's main figures, Pope Abraham the Syrian, commonly called Abraham ibn Zar'a. Despite his central role in moving a mountain, he is not mentioned in any Coptic-language sources.

Before becoming patriarch, Abraham ibn Zar'a was a Syrian merchant who made his living in Egypt. Despite his wealth, success and political connections, he was known for giving his money to widows, the needy and the poor. In this he is strikingly like St Simon the Tanner, the other great figure of the story, who spent his spare time giving to the poor, filling the churches' water jars, and was also known for his kindness and uprightness.

Book details

• Author: Anthony Alcock
• Format: eBook