Coptic language and Manuscripts in the monastery

The monks cared much for the Coptic language especially when it began to fade away in the middle centuries; meanwhile there were monks who commanded both languages, Coptic and Arabic.

While they were caring much for commanding Coptic language, they did not neglect Arabic language. Manuscripts show that books like the lectionary (for daily readings used in the liturgy); and Bibles used for their private readings, were transcript in Coptic language. Other manuscripts show that both languages, Coptic and Arabic were used in same books where pages were divided into columns. Many books were transcript in this way in perfect handwriting.

Interest in using the Coptic language at the monastery continued tirelessly as it is evidently shown from the manuscripts of the following centuries. It seemed that interest in writing in Arabic as an independent language began in the 19th century when manuscripts, some of which included Acts, Paul’s Letters, and Ecclesiastes and the other some included (the lectionary), were copied for the public to understand the liturgy.

There is an indication that Arabic language was firstly used in about the middle of 18th century A.D. in church readings (“Passkha” Passover Week, “Lakan”, bless water praying and Worship Prayer).

It seemed that the Monastery’s reputation for commanding the Coptic language attracted Michael El-Sabbagh to learn the Coptic language in the monastery. He stayed in the monastery, as a visiting scholar, in the end of the 18th century till he commanded that language. He was introduced to Mister Elias Buqtur of Assiut, who was a translator and personal secretary of Napoleon. Then Michael went to Paris in 1801 and worked there as an expert with the orientalists (including Baron Silvestre From Sacy). He then became the librarian of the National Library at Paris;

(See G. Graf: Geschichte Der Christlichen Arabischen Literatur, III, S. 249).

A scrutinizing researcher into the Monastery’s history through its manuscripts reaches a clear fact that in 19th century, especially at the tenure of abbot Hegomen

Abd El-Malak El-Hory and later, there were many monks who commanded the Coptic Language (besides Arabic). Tens of manuscripts of the lectionary, Psalmody, books of Mass were transcript in Coptic Language only. This indicates that Coptic Language was revived and flourished in the Monastery at that time.

Also liturgical prayers in church were recited in Coptic language only. This Coptic revival continued to a degree that a lot of the monks of the Monastery in the end of the 19th century mastered the main skills of Coptic language, speaking, reading and writing.

Coptic language is still used to this day in liturgical services of the Holy Virgin Mary ancient church in the monastery.

Some famous transcriber monks are:

1- Hegomen Kuzman, 14th century A.D., who cared for transcription some books of the Holy Bible.

2- Hegomen Eqlouda, 14th century A.D., (Pope Ghabreal’s brother) transcript the Coptic lectionary.

3- Hegomen Yohanna, 19th century A.D., from Etleedem, transcript 64 manuscripts within 48 years. He was worthily called the father of transcription.

Some of the monastery manuscripts were published:

1- Gospels commentary; El meshreqy, edited by: Youssef Menqerios, 1908 A.D..

2- Al Sheikh Al Rohany (St. John Saba), edited by: Fr. Boulos (Fouad) Basily, first edition in 1947 A.D..

3- Psalms commentary, three volumes, 1988 A.D..

4- Al Hawi (The Theological Encyclopedia), Al Makeen Girgis Ibn Al Ameed, vol. 1,2 (1999 A.D.),vol. 3,4 (2001 A.D.).

5- Miamer (Homilies) of St. Gregory the Theologian, two volumes, 2003 A.D..