The Holy Virgin Mary and Her Apparition in Zeitoun

Original Book Title: The Holy Virgin Mary and Her Apparition in Zeitoun
Author Name: The late Father Bigol Mossad, Priest of the Church of the Holy Virgin Mary in Zeitoun
Publisher Name: Dar Youssef Kamal
Publication Year: 2008
Book Language: Arabic
ISBN: 2008/7321

Overview of the Book

In The Holy Virgin Mary and Her Apparition in Zeitoun, the late Father Pigol Mossad offers a profound exploration of the life and spiritual significance of the Virgin Mary, as understood in the Coptic Orthodox tradition. Drawing from the Holy Scriptures and the writings of the Church Fathers, he reflects on her birth, her perpetual virginity, and her revered role as an intercessor for the faithful.

The book delves into the many titles attributed to the Virgin Mary in Coptic theology, highlighting her virtues and the feast days dedicated to her. A significant portion is devoted to the miraculous apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Zeitoun, Cairo, in 1968—an event witnessed by thousands, including the author

himself. Father Pigol shares detailed accounts of these appearances and the miraculous healings associated with them, including a deeply personal miracle involving his own son.

Rich in theological insight and spiritual devotion, this book serves as both a testimony and a tribute to the enduring presence of the Holy Virgin Mary in the life of the Church.

One afternoon, upon returning home from work, I found my children weeping. Concerned, I inquired, “What has happened? Where is your mother?” They replied, “Mother has taken our little brother to Manshiyet El-Bakry Hospital.”I hurried to the hospital with great urgency. Upon entering the hospital ward, I could scarcely recognize my son. He lay on a hospital bed with protective side rails, enduring intense agony. His body was swollen and covered with fluid and pus. The nurse informed me that he had sustained third-degree burns extending from his chest to his legs. My wife explained that he had

accidentally fallen into a bowl of boiling water. To be honest, I lost my composure — but I did not lose hope.

My son looked at me helplessly, and I looked through the window of the ward up to heaven and prayed: “O Lord, do not put me to the test; I am neither Abraham nor Job. Though I have five other children, each one is as precious to me as if he were my only child.”

After three days in the hospital, a nurse approached and advised me to take my son home. I protested, “But he is still under treatment. Where is the doctor? “The attending physician responded, “There is nothing more we can do. The treatment has concluded.” I understood then that all hope for his

recovery had been abandoned. I brought my son home, fearing the worst case-scenario. My mind became a relentless mill, endlessly churning with worries, unable to find an escape. I was overcome with sorrow, but I found solace.

I left the house and walked toward the Church of the Holy Virgin Mary in Zeitoun, near our home. There, overcome with emotion, I earnestly implored the Lord and I said: “O Lord, what is impossible for men is possible for You. Yet not my will, but Yours be done.” Before the icon of the Virgin Mary, I lit a candle and prayed: “Holy Mary, You who have healed countless souls, I beseech You — perform a miracle for my son.”

Upon returning home, I was enveloped by an unexpected peace. I lay beside my son’s bed and soon fell asleep. When I awoke, I could not believe my eyes: the Virgin Mary appeared, clothed in heavenly splendor. She walked around the room, gazing tenderly upon my sleeping child. After a few minutes, she had disappeared. The beauty of that moment shall remain in my heart for all eternity. My heart was filled with indescribable joy.

The next day, I awoke early and looked at my son — and saw that he was completely healed. The burned skin had entirely peeled away, as though shed. He smiled and asked for food.

Rejoicing, I shared the miraculous event with my children, and I walked past the neighbours to tell them about the miracle. This miracle granted me strength, filled me with hope, and fortified my faith.

Two days later, I encountered the nurse on a bus. She inquired about my son’s condition.

I replied, “Praise be to God — he has been healed through a miracle of the Holy Virgin Mary.”

Index:

Introduction

Part 1- Chapter 1

The Childhood of the Virgin Mary

Chapter 2

The Virgin Mary in the Bible

Chapter 3

The Titles of the Virgin Mary in Our Orthodox Church

Chapter 4

The Perpetual Virginity of the Virgin Mary

Chapter 5

The Intercession of the Virgin Mary

Chapter 6

The Sayings of the Church Fathers about the Virgin Mary

Chapter 7

The Virgin Mary and Others

Chapter 8

The Feasts and Icons of the Virgin Mary

Chapter 9

The Virtues of the Virgin Mary

Chapter 10

The Dormition (Passing Away) of the Virgin Mary

Part 2

The Apparitions of the Virgin Mary

Part 3

The Miracles during the Apparitions of the Virgin Mary

References