“The Virgin of Zeitoun – A History of Glory”
Original Book Title: تجلي العذراء في الزيتون – تاريخ وأمجاد
Author Name: Mr. Sabry Abdullah, The Historian of Pope Kyrilos VI Era
Publisher Name: Abna El Papa Kyrillos (Pope Kyrillos Sons)
Publication Year: 2003
Book Language: Arabic
Registration No: 14013 / 2003
This book, The Apparition of the Virgin at Zeitoun – History and Glory, written by Abdallah Sabri (2003), is a compilation of documents and reports that record the appearances of the Virgin Mary on the domes of St. Mary’s Church in Zeitoun, Cairo. These events began in the spring of 1968, shortly after the difficult period that followed the June 1967 war, and continued for several years. The apparitions carried both spiritual and national importance, drawing enormous crowds from every background—religious, social, and political. The Egyptian government officially recognized the phenomenon and took steps to regulate visits to the church, while the international press also gave the events wide coverage.
The book recounts the testimonies of many religious figures who affirmed the truth of the apparitions. Among them is Pope Cyril VI, during whose papacy the Virgin appeared. His Holiness first appointed a preliminary committee of priests to verify the authenticity of the events, then sent the late Metropolitan Athanasius of Beni Suef. Once confirmation was received, he established a second committee led by the late Bishop Gregorios, Bishop of Scientific Research, Coptic Culture, and Theological Studies, to collect documents proving the reality of the apparitions. All members testified to their truth.
The book also includes the testimony of the late Metropolitan Athanasius of Beni Suef, who offered an important account during the investigation, as well as that of Bishop Gregorios, who personally witnessed the apparitions. It further presents the statement of Bishop Antonios Markos, Bishop of African Affairs in the Coptic Church, who was an eyewitness to the events.
From other denominations, the book records the testimony of Cardinal Stephanos I, Patriarch of the Coptic Catholics, who affirmed the apparitions based on reports from his representatives who had personally witnessed them. It also includes the testimony of Dr. Ibrahim Said, head of the Evangelical Church in Egypt, who gave several press statements confirming the truth of the events. He explained that many trusted members of his congregation assured him they had seen the apparitions with their own eyes.
Among the priests’ testimonies, the book preserves the account of Fr. Constantine Moussa, priest of the Zeitoun church, who personally witnessed the apparitions and gave his statement.
The Apparition of the Virgin at Zeitoun – History and Glory is rich with authentic documents of the events. It takes the reader back to 1968 to see the awe-inspiring and comforting scenes of the Virgin’s appearances, supported by living testimonies of people who witnessed them and even experienced miracles.
The book also examines official documents, correspondence, and decisions related to the apparitions, whether issued by the Church or by the Egyptian government at the time.
When you turn to its pages, you will read:
- The official statements and reports issued by the Coptic Orthodox Church.
- Government investigations and official records.
- Media reports from Egyptian and international press that covered the events.
- Documented cases of miraculous healings connected to the apparitions.
- Testimonies from a large number of people from diverse religious and social backgrounds, including Copts, Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, foreigners, government officials, journalists, and ordinary citizens.
