(CE:2308b-2310a)
VIRGIN MARY, APPARITION OF THE. The Coptic
Orthodox church in the Cairo suburb of Zaytun was named after the
Holy Mother. On the evening of 2 April 1968, it became the scene
of the first apparition of the Virgin Mary above its domes. It was
witnessed by municipal garage employees across the road, and they
immediately reported the event to the priest. These apparitions, in
which the Virgin was often seen accompanied by doves, recurred
numerous times until the beginning of September. Those of 4 May
to 5 May and 7 July were particularly noteworthy. People of all
creeds and denominations came to witness the miraculous scene,
often waiting through the night for the occurrence. Many songs were
composed to celebrate the event. A liturgical feast of the
Transfiguration of the Virgin Mary at Zaytun was sanctioned in
1969 by the late Patriarch Cyril VI (1959-1971). It is celebrated on
24 Baramhat, which, according to the Coptic calendar, marks the
anniversary of the first appearance.
FAYEK ISHAK
