“The Virgin of Zeitoun – A History of Glory”

Summary

Name of the book: “The Virgin of Zeitoun – A History of Glory”
Author: Abdullah Sabri
Deposit Number: 1403/2003
Language of the book: English

This is a documentary and religious historical compilation that presents many reports and assessments related to the Church of the Virgin Mary in Zeitoun, Cairo, belonging to the Coptic Orthodox denomination.

The event began on April 2, 1968, and continued for several years.

The book documents the historical context surrounding the emergence of the apparitions, which started in the spring of 1968 after a difficult period that followed the 1967 war.

The event gained spiritual and national significance, attracting large crowds from various backgrounds — religiously, socially, and even politically. The Egyptian government officially recognized the phenomenon and took action to manage the situation, while international media also paid close attention.

The book mentions many religious figures who witnessed the apparitions, including:

Pope Cyril VI, Patriarch of Alexandria and head of the Coptic Orthodox Church at the time of the apparitions. A special church committee was commissioned by His Holiness to verify the events. Official statements and press interviews confirmed the apparitions, which extended over three years.
Bishop Athanasius, the late Bishop of Beni Suef, sent by Pope Cyril VI. He gave an important testimony to examine the miracle of the apparition.

Cardinal Stephanos I, Patriarch of Coptic Catholics, also affirmed the authenticity of the apparitions based on community reports. This was based on reports from his representatives who witnessed the apparition personally.
Bishop Gregorios, a theological scholar and researcher, stated clearly that he witnessed the apparitions himself.
Bishop Antonio Markos, the Coptic Bishop of African Affairs, confirmed he was an eyewitness to the events.
Dr. Ibrahim Said, Head of the Evangelical church in Egypt. He gave more than one statement to the press. In them, he confirmed the authenticity of the apparition. He also affirmed that many members of his community, whom he trusts, had confirmed the apparition to him and that they had personally witnessed
Father Constantine Moussa, the priest of the Zeitoun Church. He was a witness to the apparitions. He personally testified.
The book also mentions other clergy and bishops who were present.

The book portrays the visible apparitions of the Virgin Mary on the domes of the church in different forms. It also portrays the spiritual phenomena accompanying the apparitions.

The book is indeed a compilation of documents and many testimonies. This, in turn, enhances the credibility of the apparition event of the Virgin. These documents include:

Testimonies from a large number of people from different walks of life and religious backgrounds. This includes Copts, Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, foreigners, government officials, media personnel, and ordinary citizens.

Official church statements and reports.
Governmental investigations and official reports.
Media reports from Egyptian and international press covered the events.
Documented cases of miraculous healings linked to the apparitions.

The author, Abdullah Sabri, presents a detailed and reliable collection of evidence, including illustrative examples such as:

Official papal statement from Pope Cyril VI confirming the apparition.
Quoting the official report of the committee sent by the Pope, which concluded that the apparition was real.
Government reports and investigations found no natural explanation for the phenomenon and dismissed the idea of deception or fraud.
Detailed personal testimonies from various individuals who lived through the experience and described it vividly.
Specific stories of miraculous healings were reported.

Based on verified and reliable sources, the book aims to present strong documentation of the religious event.

Given the diversity and volume of sources included, it holds significant value.