The Holy Family at Mount Qosqam

“Behold, the LORD rides on a swift cloud, And will come into Egypt; The idols of Egypt will totter at His presence, And the heart of Egypt will melt in its midst” (Isaiah 19:1). “Blessed [is] Egypt My people” (Isaiah 19:25)

The area where the Monastery of Al-Muharraq is located now at Mount Qosqam, was barren desert and so every town surrounding it today was non-existent, except for an abandoned house and water well adjacent to it. The Holy Family, (the child Jesus and his mother St. Mary, St. Joseph the carpenter and Salome; their helper), rested in that modest house after it was repaired and restored by St. Joseph.

After King Herod Died in 4 B.C., (which confirmed by the scholars of Bible History studies), the angel of the Lord appeared. to Joseph in a dream (here, at the very spot where Al-Muharraq Monastery Ancient Church stands; as most important sources and manuscripts of coptic church unanimously agreed). And the angel said:

“Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead”. (Matthew 2:20) that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “ Out of Egypt I called My Son”. (Hosea 11:1).

According to the Mss. of Coptic Orthodox Church.The Holy Family arrived at Qosqam on night of 7th Barmoudah (coptic month), Monday of 2nd April, according to the Roman (Julian) calendar, which were recognized during that time. And they left on 6th Babah (coptic month), Wednesday of 3rd October (Julian calendar). Consequently, the Holy Family stayed in Qosqam for a period of six Coptic months and a few days (185 days).