Monastery · wadi-el-natrun · origins in the fourth century CE; renewed from 1969
One of the four ancient monasteries of Wadi al-Natrun. After long decline it was renewed beginning in 1969, when Pope Cyril VI sent Fr. Matta El Meskeen with twelve monks; the community that grew there became one of the most influential monastic revivals of modern Egypt. Traditions differ on the exact founding date.
Also known as: Deir Anba Maqar · Monastery of Saint Macarius
Fourth-century origins: traditions connect the site with Macarius the Egyptian; written sources differ on precise dates.
1969: Pope Cyril VI sends Fr. Matta El Meskeen with twelve monks to renew the declining monastery.
