Deir Amba Bishoi, The Red Monastery in Egypt

Deir Amba Bishoi (The Red Monastery)

The Red Monastery, founded by Bishoi, a thief who converted to Christianity, is located about 7 1/2 miles north west of Sohag and 2 1/2 miles from the White Monastery. Like the White Monastery nearby, nothing much remains but the church. Its name comes from the burnt brick used for its construction. Bishoi, who eventually became a Coptic saint, also build two monasteries in Wadi Natrum. There are two chapels called Santa Maria and St. Bishoi. While the frescoes on the walls are dim, they are interesting, and on a side altar is a 1,000 year old icon.

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