Saint Maximus and Dometius

Saint Maximus and Dometius is a study of the two Roman saints by Shady Kiryakos Nessim, with an English translation and Coptic transcription of their Life, for readers of Coptic history, liturgy and monasticism.

"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do..." (John 14:12)

Anyone who grows up in the Coptic Church hears two names in many liturgical services: our holy Roman fathers, Maximus and Dometius. Their story reminds us what it means to be a stranger to this world. Even the great Abba Macarius was inspired by their holiness and said of them, "Woe is me! For I never became a monk. These are true monks, for in a short time of tribulation they quickly found the place."

Sts Maximus and Dometius were two young Roman imperial brothers who took up the monastic life as disciples of Abba Agabus and Abba Macarius the Great. They became the namesake and foundation of the Monastery of al-Baramūs in the Wilderness of Scete. To this day, young men moved by their example go to their monastery and bear the name "al-Baramūsī". Hymns, icons and feasts have grown up in their name.

The English translation and Coptic transcription of their Life come from a 13th-century Bohairic manuscript in the Vatican Library. Extracts from the Sahidic and Arabic versions are added to complement the Bohairic. The hymns composed in their honour, found in a number of liturgical texts, have been revised for an accurate reading, and there are short notes on their ancient wall paintings, to give a full picture of the two holy fathers.

About the author

Shady Kiryakos Nessim is an Associate Lecturer in Liturgical Studies and Ancient Languages at St Athanasius College, University of Divinity, Melbourne, Australia, and a doctoral student at the Catholic University of America.

Book details

• Author: Shady Kiryakos Nessim
• Format: Printed book
• Published: 2022, St Shenouda Press
• ISBN: 9780645139525